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Questions and Answers
What is the most rewarding radiography technique for tortoises with pneumonia?
Which diagnostic method is indicated in all reptiles with pneumonia?
What is the primary purpose of wet-to-dry bandages in shell fracture repair?
Which treatment option for stomatitis can aid in specific diagnosis?
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What is the primary cause of periodontal disease in agamids and chameleons?
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What is a typical presentation of neurological disease in snakes?
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What is the cause of Inclusion Body Disease in Boids?
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What is the primary cause of neurological signs, poor growth, and immunosuppression in bearded dragons?
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What is the primary cause of Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (Metabolic Bone Disease) in reptiles?
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What is the characteristic feature of blood phosphate in cases of Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (Metabolic Bone Disease)?
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What is the recommended treatment for Post-Hibernation Anorexia in tortoises?
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What is the purpose of an Oesophagostomy Tube in veterinary medicine?
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Which factor can compromise immunity and favor pathogens in tortoises during hibernation?
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What is the common cause of Runny Nose Syndrome in tortoises?
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What is the recommended hibernation preparation for tortoises?
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When should intervention be considered for tortoises during hibernation?
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Why is it important to ensure familiarity with the species during the initial consultation for reptile medicine?
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Why is it recommended to set aside enough time for a full assessment of husbandry during the initial consultation?
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Why is it important to observe the reptile prior to handling during the clinical examination?
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What is the purpose of developing a personal system for examination in reptile medicine?
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Why is it recommended to perform faecal analysis on every patient in reptile medicine?
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What is the main reason for evaluating husbandry and making improvements during any consultation in reptile medicine?
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What is the purpose of addressing husbandry before clinical disease results in reptile medicine?
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Why is it important to carry out a systematic appraisal and analysis during the clinical examination in reptile medicine?
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What is the purpose of combined choanal and cloacal swabs for PCR in agamid adenovirus screening?
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What triggers vertebral cleavage leading to tail autoamputation in geckos?
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What is the recommended approach for treating urolithiasis in bearded dragons?
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What is a characteristic symptom of osteomyelitis in geckos?
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Why is frequent defaecation important in preventing urolithiasis in bearded dragons?
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What is the natural defense mechanism for tail amputation in geckos triggered by?
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What should be done to minimize bleeding for tail amputations in geckos?
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Why are choanal and cloacal swabs used for PCR testing in agamid adenovirus screening?
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Which parasite, when present in low numbers, is rarely significant in many reptile species and can be treated with fenbendazole?
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Which parasite can cause diarrhoea, weight loss, and reduced growth in agamids?
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Which parasite is common in tortoise faeces and is usually not pathogenic?
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Which ectoparasite can lead to anaemia and be a vector of disease in reptiles?
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Which method is used to diagnose renal dysfunction in reptiles?
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Which treatment is used to prevent and treat nutritional deficiencies in reptiles?
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Which treatment is used to treat muscle injuries and joint disorders in reptiles?
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Which practice can help prevent the spread of disease in reptiles?
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Study Notes
- Debilitated animals are more susceptible to parasitic overgrowth, including Pinworms, Oxyurids, Coccidia, Ascarids, Protozoa, and Cryptosporidium.
- Both a fresh smear and flotation technique should be used for accurate parasite identification.
- Pinworms (Enterobius spp.) are common in many reptile species, rarely significant in low numbers, and can be treated with fenbendazole (20mg/kg/d for five doses).
- Oxyurids are also common in most reptile species, and can lead to impaction, ill thrift, and death.
- Coccidia, such as Isospora amphiboluri, can cause diarrhoea, weight loss, and reduced growth in agamids.
- Protozoa, including Cryptosporidium, are common in tortoise faeces and are usually not pathogenic.
- Salmonella is frequently carried by captive reptiles, but not by wild ones, and treatment is not recommended due to potential antibiotic resistance.
- Ectoparasites, such as Ophionyssus natricus, can lead to anaemia and be a vector of disease. Treatment includes fipronil (Frontline) at 2ml/kg and ivermectin, but with caution due to toxicity and potential for adverse reactions.
- Blood sampling methods vary between species, including tortoises (jugular vein, subcarapacial sinus, or dorsal tail vein), lizards (ventral tail vein), and snakes (ventral tail vein, palatine vessel, or jugular vein).
- Biochemistry tests, including serum or heparinised plasma, are used to diagnose conditions such as hepatic dysfunction, renal dysfunction, calcium imbalances, and hepatomegaly.
- Hepatic dysfunction is common in reptiles, and can be characterized by non-specific symptoms, elevated liver enzymes, and low albumin and uric acid levels.
- Renal dysfunction can be diagnosed by analyzing urine and blood samples, and can be characterized by elevated urinary GGT, NAG, and AST, as well as elevated urea and creatinine levels.
- Hepatic and renal dysfunction can be caused by various factors, including diet, infection, concurrent disease, and poor husbandry.
- Calcium imbalances can be caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism, which can be diagnosed by measuring the levels of 1,25-Cholecalciferol and PTH.
- Intravenous fluids and electrolyte supplements can be used to treat dehydration, hypoglycemia, and other metabolic disorders.
- Prednisolone and other corticosteroids are used to treat immune-mediated disorders and certain infectious diseases.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements, such as vitamin A and D3, are used to prevent and treat nutritional deficiencies.
- Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and metronidazole, are used to treat bacterial infections.
- Antiparasitic drugs, such as fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoate, and ivermectin, are used to treat parasitic infestations.
- Antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole and miconazole, are used to treat fungal infections.
- Heparin, vitamin K, and other coagulation factors are used to treat hemorrhagic disorders.
- Hydrotherapy, such as warm baths and massages, can be used to treat muscle injuries and joint disorders.
- Surgery, such as amputations, spinal repairs, and the removal of tumors, can be used to treat various conditions, such as fractures, spinal injuries, and malignancies.
- Other treatments, such as hyperthermia, phototherapy, and the use of herbs and supplements, can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammation, and metabolic disorders.
- Good hygiene practices, such as cleaning cages regularly and avoiding contact with reptiles if sick, can help prevent the spread of disease.
- In advanced cases, euthanasia is a humane option to prevent suffering.
- Advanced research is being conducted on the use of stem cells and other emerging technologies to treat various conditions in reptiles.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, a metabolic bone disease that affects all reptiles. Learn about the factors that affect calcium metabolism, the importance of calcium homeostasis, and the consequences of reduced calcium availability.