pt 15 (reptiles)

Question 1

4 unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of reptiles and amphibians

Answer 1

• 3 chambered heart
• cloaca
• ectothermic (can’t regulate own temp)
• can see UV light

Question 2

POTZ

Answer 2

preferred optimal temperature zone; range of temps in which it can maintain health bodily function

Question 3

4 anatomical and physiological characteristics of amphibians only

Answer 3

• require water for reproduction
• vascularized skin with many mucous glands
• eggs laid in water - egg fertilization often external
• transdermal oxygen exchange

Question 4

how can you tell the sex of snakes, lizards, and turtles

Answer 4

dimorphic
snakes and lizards have hemi-penese

Question 5

what is unusual about snake anatomy

Answer 5

• one functional lung (right)
• can dis-articulate skull bones

Question 6

what is the top shell of a turtle called? bottom shell?

Answer 6

carapace; plastron

Question 7

RBCs in reptiles

Answer 7

heterophils and azurophils

Question 8

azurophil

Answer 8

increase in bacterial infections

Question 9

what causes most ailments in R+A

Answer 9

poor husbandry

Question 10

do all R+A have the same husbandry requirements

Answer 10

no

Question 11

5 major things that have to be included in proper housing for a reptile

Answer 11

POTZ
full spectrum lighting
hides
water
substrates

Question 12

correct lighting for a reptile

Answer 12

UVA/UVB

Question 13

how often should UV bulbs be replaced

Answer 13

every 6 months

Question 14

which types of R+A are less likely to require UV light

Answer 14

carnivores

Question 15

why should light and basking sources be separate in most cases

Answer 15

most use morning sun to raise temperature

Question 16

how do you set up a thermal gradient

Question 17

you have 2 bearded dragons in a cage - how many hides should you have

Answer 17

multiple - both ends of POTZ

Question 18

how is a humidity chamber constructed

Question 19

4 ways water can be provided for R+A

Answer 19

soaking
misting/fogging
drip systems
fountains
swimming areas

Question 20

3 needs for water other than drinking

Answer 20

bathing

Question 21

what type of water should be provided to amphibians

Question 22

what product should not be used as a substrate for R+A

Answer 22

no phenol containing wood products

Question 23

what are some important needs the animal has that are related to the correct substrate

Answer 23

regulate body temp, hydration, egg laying

Question 24

what disease could a reptile get from the substrate and how to prevent it

Question 25

what is the hazard of feeding live prey - what is another disadvantage

Answer 25

can injure animal; often have poor Ca:P

Question 26

ovivorous

Question 27

gut loading? are you loading the gut of the R/A or prey? why is it done?

Answer 27

feeding prey a diet high in calcium and vitamins for 24 hours before using them as food; for supplements

Question 28

what nutrients are commonly supplemented

Answer 28

Ca, D, A

Question 29

when ordering feed insects, what 2 things should be considered

Question 30

why is topical administration of medications common in amphibians

Answer 30

transdermal absorption

Question 31

3 ways to administer PO medications

Answer 31

- gavage/stomach tube/syringe - hide/inject into prey - powders or liquids to food surface

Question 32

renal port system and how does it affect administering medication

Answer 32

blood returning back to the heart goes through the kidney; can cause nephrotoxicity or change pharmacokinetics of drug

Question 33

why are herps often medicated every third day rather than SID

Answer 33

slower metabolism

Question 34

chelonian

Answer 34

turtles

Question 35

coelome

Answer 35

the main body cavity

Question 36

what drug is toxic to turtles and tortoises

Answer 36

ivermectin

Question 37

how should you alter the housing of sick R+A

Answer 37

higher environmental temp

Question 38

why is gas anesthetic induction problematic in reptiles

Question 39

what do you have to do to maintain a reptile on gas anesthetic

Question 40

why is an ECG unreliable for monitoring reptile anesthesia

Question 41

is it ok to euthanize a reptile by putting it in the freezer

Question 42

which reptiles get hypovitaminosis A? signs? tx?

Answer 42

chelonians and chameleons

Question 43

NSP and another name for it

Answer 43

nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism; metabolic bone disease

Question 44

3 possible causes of NSP

Answer 44

- improper Ca:P ratio - inadequate vit D3 - high fat or oxalates interfere with Ca absorption - inadequate heat

Question 45

what is the relationship between vitamin D3, UV light, calcium

Question 46

ideal ratio of Ca:P

Answer 46

2:1

Question 47

crickets are too high in

Answer 47

P

Question 48

what are some symptoms of NSP

Answer 48

- bone deformity, features, soft shell, jaw, egg binding - leg swelling, paralysis, difficulty lifting body - muscle tremors - death if not treated

Question 49

how is NSP treated

Answer 49

- fix deficient husbandry - calcium and vit D supplements - injections - fix fractures

Question 50

what animals are most at risk for NSP

Answer 50

herbivores and insectivores fed non-Ca supplemented crickets

Question 51

ectdiesis

Answer 51

shedding

Question 52

tx for problems with ectdiesis and prevention of those problems

Answer 52

- fix humidity - soak in water if incomplete shedding - soak or apply mineral oil to eye for retained eye caps

Question 53

4 things related to husbandry that can cause medical issues in amphibians

Answer 53

- water quality - humidity levels - sphagnum moss creates low pH - freezing substrates kill infectious organisms - disinfect humidifiers

Question 54

which group of parasites are common in amphibians

Answer 54

protozoans

Question 55

why is it illegal to ship baby turtles for sales as pets

Question 56

fecal culture is done to screen for and proactively treat