VMS 3010 Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders in Non-Traditional Companion Animals (NTCA) 2024 PDF

VMS 3010 APPROACH TO GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS IN NON- T R A D I T I O N A L C O M PA N I O N ANIMALS (NTCA) CODE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR SHARMINI JULITA PARAMASIVAM Slides adapted and updated from previous work by Dan Horton and Will Wilkinson LEARNING OUTC...

VMS 3010 APPROACH TO GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS IN NON- T R A D I T I O N A L C O M PA N I O N ANIMALS (NTCA) CODE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR SHARMINI JULITA PARAMASIVAM Slides adapted and updated from previous work by Dan Horton and Will Wilkinson LEARNING OUTCOMES Apply existing knowledge of structure, function and pathophysiological knowledge to approach disorders of the gastrointestinal tract of non-traditional companion animals Construct a differential diagnosis list of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract based on the relevant clinical presentations Discuss the principles of various diagnostic tests that would be carried out. Determine general disease processes that have commonality across species. NTCA = Non Traditional Companion Animals = Exotics If you’re stuck, just apply basic principles and ask for advice from someone else. Useful to think about the ecological niche they are adapted to survive in Always consider the value they have to the owner- some live a long time and they may be very invested Overview: Mammals Anatomic considerations – Rodents – Ferrets Presenting signs Birds Differential diagnoses Reptiles Diagnostic approach Treatment principles (follow companion animal lecture) Rodents: includes hamsters, rats, degus, gerbil, GP, chinchilla, mouse, chipmunk) Anatomical considerations (Refer to anatomy lectures) Teeth Continuously erupting incisors (elodont) Most dental disease is acquired not genetic Some have continuously erupting cheek teeth Rat teeth are yellowish from iron in enamel hindgut fermenters (GP and Chinchilla) Coprophagy vs. caecotrophy extreme adaptations (e.g gerbil) High fur density (Chinchilla) – common cause of trichobezoars Compound stomach (mice, rats) Unable to vomit (generally), can regurgitate. https://supremepetfoods.com/blog/guinea-pig-teeth-how-to-keep-them-healthy/ P R E S E N TAT I O N ( R O D E N T S ) Porphyrin staining around eyes (rats) – non specific indication of stress/unwell animal. Bruxism – pain related. Reduced faecal output Lack of caecotrophy Wet rear end, smelly Loose stools Hypersalivation This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND Dysphagia/ Inappetant Non specific: hunched posture, lethargy Reduced gut motility upon auscultation Image taken from Supreme Petfoods D I F F E R E N T I A L D I A G N O S E S (RODENTS) Gastrointestinal stasis (primary or secondary to other diseases) Non-infectious diarrhoea : Antimicrobial enterocolitis Nutrition Infectious diarrhoea - Bacterial: Salmonella, Tyzzer’s disease (Clostridium piliforme)- Rats , ‘wet tail’ Lawsonia intracellularis in Hamsters Parasites: Pinworm (Oxyuridae), usually asymptomatic- but can cause rectal prolapse. Cestodiasis (tapeworms)- Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf tapeworm)– potentially zoonotic. Protozoa- Hexamita (spironucleus) muris, Giardia muris - particularly young mice and rats. Cryptosporidium in GPs Viral enteritis Foreign body obstruction – Trichobezoars, objects DIAGNOSTIC A P P R O A C H (RODENTS) History!- e.g recent antibiotic treatment , recent dietary change Physical exam- check teeth, perianal soiling and abdominal auscultation especially in hindgut fermenters Faecal parasitology and bacteriology Tape strips from rectum (pinworm) Radiography/ USG Photo from Lafeber Post mortem, particularly in animals from collections Specific tests available (e.g Tyzzers disease PCR) Can do bloods but rarely get definitive diagnosis. Can help with comorbidities. Chinchilla with ileus 12 MAMMALS ( F E R R E T S ) Anatomical considerations – Anatomical similarity to humans (used as a model for some diseases) – short transit time (