Reptile and Avian Reproductive Physiology

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Questions and Answers

What is a determining factor in sex determination in some reptiles?

Environmental toxins

Temperature (correct)

Genetic factors

Dietary influences

What is the typical sex determination for some lizards at a temperature of 30°C?

Predominantly male (correct)

No specific sex determination

Predominantly female

Equal males and females

Which group of reptiles exhibits temperature-dependent sex determination as described in the content?

Crocodilians

Lizards (correct)

Turtles

Tortoises

What is a possible complication related to reptile and avian reproductive anatomy and physiology?

Many reproductive problems Signup and view all the answers

What type of reproductive issues are commonly reviewed in reptiles and avians?

Reproductive problems Signup and view all the answers

What surgical procedure is most commonly performed on pet birds to address reproductive issues?

Salpingohysterectomy Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is rarely performed due to high surgical risks in birds?

Oophorectomy Signup and view all the answers

What is an important management change that may need to be implemented unless oophorectomy is performed?

GnRH implant Signup and view all the answers

What reproductive issue is NOT mentioned as common in birds and reptiles?

Infertility Signup and view all the answers

What should be known regarding abnormal presentations in birds?

Diagnostic investigation is important. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of prolapse in males during examination?

Tenesmus Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is commonly associated with coelomic enlargement in females?

Prolapse Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate a healthy female regarding egg presence during spring and summer?

Normal egg-laying behavior Signup and view all the answers

How can husbandry improvements assist a female with normal egg presence?

Providing quiet seclusion Signup and view all the answers

Which examination finding would likely indicate a problem in males?

Enlargement due to abscess Signup and view all the answers

What is the best approach if differentiation between male and female cannot be made?

Offer referral Signup and view all the answers

What might coelomic enlargement in a female not indicate?

Normal physiological state Signup and view all the answers

In males, what must be differentiated from phallus during an examination?

Cloaca Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that conservative treatment often fails?

Late presentation Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic imaging technique can be used to identify post-ovulatory egg stasis?

Ultrasonography Signup and view all the answers

What metabolic disturbances are often evaluated in females during diagnostic assessment?

Leucocytosis Signup and view all the answers

Which blood collection site is NOT commonly used for venepuncture in certain reptiles?

Radial artery Signup and view all the answers

What condition involves eggs being retained within the oviducts or shell glands?

Post-ovulatory egg stasis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms would NOT be evaluated during a metabolic disturbance diagnosis in females?

Anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of awaiting corrective measures in husbandry and nutrition?

Delayed effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which blood chemistry test is specifically mentioned for assessment in reptiles?

Total protein Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with excessive egg production in birds?

Fluffed appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of performing a physical exam in cases of suspected dystocia?

To identify coelomic distension Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique is particularly useful for detecting non-calcified eggs?

Ultrasonography Signup and view all the answers

How can excessive egg production affect a bird's body condition?

It may cause dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary surgical treatment option for excessive egg production?

Oophorectomy Signup and view all the answers

What should be done prior to performing surgery for excessive egg production?

Treat with GnRH Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step to take before conducting a physical exam on a visibly unwell bird?

Provide supplemental oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging finding may indicate osteoporosis in birds experiencing excessive egg production?

Fractured bones Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of a salpingohysterectomy?

Unresolved behavioral issues Signup and view all the answers

In the context of excessive egg production, what does the term 'neuropraxis' refer to?

Nerve damage resulting in limb lameness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors could contribute to difficulty in egg laying?

Lack of nest site Signup and view all the answers

What is the likelihood of resolving behavioral issues related to excessive egg production post-surgery?

Low likelihood Signup and view all the answers

When collecting blood from a bird for clinical evaluation, what is an important consideration?

Ensure excellent restraint or sedation Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is commonly observed in birds with high fecundity and yolk coelomitis?

Severe yolk coelomitis Signup and view all the answers

What should be implemented post-operatively to manage future reproductive drive in birds?

Repeat GnRH implant annually Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of most cases related to excessive egg production?

Emergencies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Avian & Reptile Reproductive Issues

Reproductive issues are common in birds and reptiles, but only a few cases are covered in the class.
Excessive egg production is a common issue.
Dystocia (egg binding) is a concern.
Cloacal prolapse requires attention.

Aims & Objectives

Understand that reproductive problems are frequent in birds and reptiles, though only a few cases will be reviewed.
Learn to identify the sexes of common bird and reptile species.
Recognize abnormal presentations and know how to perform diagnostic investigations.
Know the medical treatments or surgical options.
Consult the supplementary ELC surgery videos.

Reptile Reproductive Problems (Female)

Excessive egg production
Cloacal prolapse
Dystocia (egg binding)
Ova/egg-related coelomitis
Oophoritis, cystic ovary
Ectopic eggs or non-septic coelomitis
Salpingitis, metritus
Oviductal impaction
Oviductal cystic hyperplasia
Failure to reproduce

Reptile Reproductive Problems (Male)

Cloacal prolapse
Behavioral anomalies (feather picking, self-mutilation)
Neoplasia
Failure to reproduce
Orchitis

Reptile Clinical History

Often seen in spring or summer, though it can occur at other times.
Previous copulation may be relevant but not always necessary.
Digging or restlessness could be indications
Look for eggs in the enclosure.
Observe if the reptile has enlarged girth.
Be aware of anorexia and lethargy.

Reptile Physical Examination

Accurate determination of sex and age (juvenile, adult, or geriatric) is important.
Differential diagnoses based on examination findings.
Suggest veterinary referral if sex or age assessment is unfeasible.

Reptile Male Examination

Prolapse is a common issue, often related to tenesmus or trauma.
Examine the phallus, hemipenes, cloaca, and colon.
Differentiate these from other possible abnormalities.
Be mindful of hemipenal enlargement (abscess).
Look out for enlargement of the coelom, testicular masses, abscesses, or neoplasms.

Reptile Female Examination

Coelomic enlargement is common.
Identify enlarged ovaries or retained eggs.
Differentiate normal from abnormal conditions
Prolapse is also frequent and associated with a coelomic mass effect.
Observe the oviduct, cloaca, colon, and bladder.

Decision Making (Female Reptiles)

Decide if the issue is normal or abnormal.
Husbandry improvements might suffice if the animal is healthy with eggs.
Consider basking areas, nesting areas, quiet/isolated enclosures, and appropriate nutrition (e.g., calcium supplementation).

Diagnostic Evaluation

Evaluate husbandry and nutrition.
Check if reproductive issues or infections are suspected.
Utilize hematology and biochemistry tests.
Implement diagnostic imaging (e.g., radiography, ultrasonography).
Identify post-ovulatory egg stasis (dystocia)
Look out for pre-ovulatory follicular stasis.
Investigate potential neoplasms or hemipenal swellings.

Blood Collection

Perform venipuncture (jugular, caudal/coccygeal, cardiac).
Utilize appropriate anticoagulants (e.g., heparin for chelonians, EDTA for squamates).
Conduct necessary hematology (including analysis of leukocytes, heterophils, monocytes, and azurophilia) and biochemistry tests (assessing iCa, TCa, P, TP, Chol, and Trigs).

Radiography (Lizards, Snakes, Chelonians)

Examine post-ovulatory egg stasis (eggs within oviducts or shell glands).
Identify pre-ovulatory follicular stasis (unshelled ova in enlarged ovaries).
In chelonians, identify obviously calcified eggs in the oviduct, bladder, or coelom (which is most common), or pre-ovulatory follicular stasis (which is harder to determine via plain radiography).

Ultrasonography

Assist in distinguishing soft tissues, and assess egg/fetal development.
Distinguish healthy from degenerating eggs.
Identify and stage egg or fetal development.
Differentiate between live and dead fetuses.

Medical Therapy

Provide suitable environment, nutrition, and fluid support.
Check calcium and phosphorus levels, as they should not be routinely administered intravenously.
Check for egg laying inducers and avoid them if obstructions are suspected.
Employ appropriate medications for specific conditions.

Bird Reproductive Issues (Excessive Egg Production)

Chronic egg laying is common in cockatiels.
A high-quality diet, long photoperiods, and mate interaction are common contributing factors.
Recognize overly affectionate owners.

Bird Physical Examination (Excessive Egg Production)

Note poor body condition and a debilitated appearance.
Check for a soft, doughy feeling in the coelom and potentially present eggs.

Bird Diagnostic Imaging

Utilize radiography.
Look out for possible shell eggs.
Check for hyperostosis.
Observe if osteoporosis is present.
Observe increased density in the reproductive tract's coelom region.

Bird Hematology

Investigate leukocytosis or monocytosis, potential indicators of infection or inflammation.
Check for anemia of chronic disease.
Assess for abnormalities in biochemistry (e.g., hyper- or hypocalcemia, hypercholesterolemia).
Observe for hyperglobulinemia or hypo/hyperalbuminemia.
Monitor AST and CPK levels.

Bird Treatment (Excessive Egg Production)

Adjust husbandry and nutrition.
Control photoperiods to about 8 hours.
Reformulate feed from seeds to a diet containing formulated ingredients.
Reduce exposure to mates or owners.
Remove favorite toys and nest sites.
Rotate cage furniture and cage locations.
Avoid removing laid eggs.

Bird Treatment: Medical Control

Employ hormones like suplorelin (deslorelin) in dosages of 4.7 or 9.4 mg implants to decrease luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, thereby reducing egg production.
Repeat the procedure seasonally (e.g., February or March in Georgia).

Bird Surgery

Oophorectomy is a surgical option with a high risk of hemorrhage.
Salpingohysterectomy can be considered for birds with potentially fatal ailments or high fecundity.
Surgery should be weighed against the risk of hemorrhage.

Bird Difficulty in Egg Laying

Lack of nesting sites, unsuitable environment, malnutrition, metabolic disruption, or reproductive disorder are potential causes.
Repeat egg laying history is a warning sign.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Test your knowledge on the reproductive physiology of reptiles and birds. This quiz explores topics such as temperature-dependent sex determination, common reproductive issues, and surgical interventions in pet birds. Perfect for students of biology and wildlife management.