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93 Cards in this Set
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What are some differences from freshwater fish that effect the health of tropical marine fish in captivity?
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- marine reef fish not adapted to withstand poor water conditions of captivity
- most are wild caught: have to acclimate to confines - highly territorial - often carry latent infections, which recrudesce under captive conditions - many have specialized diets: many can’t adapt to standard aquarium feeds & starve to death in captivity - all of these factors --> ↑ susceptibility to dz |
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What are the best marine fish for any aquarium?
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clownfish
damselfish angelfish gobies wrasses |
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What are the worst marine fish for any aquarium?
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parrotfish
butterflyfish tangs sharks eels lionfish |
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What are the steps in working up a fish dz case?
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- discussion w/ owner (usually over phone)
- clients brings in fish & water sample *fish: place airstone in container until ready to examine fish -interview client -discuss water quality results -examine fish for behavioral/physical abnormalities -sedate fish & take skin & gill bx -necropsy if fish can be euthanized -prioritize problems based on which problem primarily responsible, which is best to tx 1st, & which is most life threatening -plan *short term: meds *long term: improve environment |
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What parameters are measured in analyzing a water sample?
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ammonia
nitrate pH salinity (if marine aquarium) oxygen temperature |
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What are the sites & procedures for taking fish biopsies?
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skin bx: any fish > 25 mm (1”)
-fin clip taken w/ fine forceps: usually use tail fin -skin scrape taken w/ scalpel gill bx: any fish > 50 mm (2”) -normal gills: bright red -gill bx taken w/ fine scissors for all bx, immediately transfer to glass slide, add drop of water & coverslip -examine immediately: many parasites die soon after being removed from host |
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What are some factors in analyzing organ samples from fish?
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-take kidney & possibly other organs for culture
-live fish if possible -whole fish may be frozen, or tissue samples can be submitted (kidney, spleen, liver, peritoneal fluid) -all fish isolates should be cultured at room temperature -samples from marine fish should be cultured on medium w/ high salt content |
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What factors make live fish examination preferable to dead fish examination?
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-parasites dies or leave host quickly after death
-viruses inactivated quickly -tissues autolyse quickly -post-mortem bacterial & water mold invasion |
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What is the procedure for removing the kidney from a dead fish?
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dorsal approach
-clip off dorsal fin -disinfect surface of back -incision made just posterior to dorsal fin w/ sterile scissors: just deep enough to cut thru vertebral column -bend head & tail ventrally to expose kidney: just beneath vertebral column (appears as a dark red, bloody area) -take sample w/ sterile loop or culturette |
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What is acclimation & how does it relate to stress?
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acclimation: ability of animal to physiologically adapt to a new environment
w/ ↑ degree of stress: healthy --> no reproduction & slow growth --> opportunistic infections --> death acute stress (ex. confinement) --> AUR (Acute Ulceration Response): skin sloughs off |
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environmental hypoxia
a. what is it b. F &/or M? c. proper range |
a. low dissolved O2
very little oxygen in water b/c it’s poorly soluble: < 1/20 amt. in air ↑ temp --> ↓ solubility, ↓ metabolism b. F, M c. 4-5.5 mg/L |
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environmental hypoxia
a. dx b. PE c. tx |
a. measure, hx (acute vs. chronic)
b. acute: death w/ operculum (gill cover) flared & mouth agape, fish congregate at air-water interface chronic: opportunistic infections c. acute -restore air supply immediately -monitor ammonia & nitrate for 1 wk to ensure biological filtration is functioning properly -tx opportunistic infections chronic: ↑ aeration, reduce overcrowding |
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hypothermia/hyperthermia
a. F &/or M? b. proper range c. dx d. PE e. tx |
a. F, M
b. 22-27º C (varies w/ species) c. measure, hx d. opportunistic infections e. restore proper temp immediately, correct cause of low or high temp |
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ammonia poisoning (new tank syndrome)
a. what is it b. F &/or M? c. dx d. tx |
a. nitrogen cycle: excrement, uneaten food, dead plants & animals --> ammonia --> nitrite --> nitrate --> removal by water changes, uptake by plants
ammonia more toxic as pH ↑ b. F, M c. UIA (unionized ammonia) > ~1 mg/L --> lethal UIA > ~ 0.05 mg/L --> sublethal d. add biological filters, ↓ biomass add zeolite: absorbs ammonia water changes (50% EOD): avoid shock ↓ pH (w/ sodium phosphate): avoid shock |
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nitrate poisoning: brown blood dz
a. what is it b. F &/or M? c. proper range d. dx e. tx |
a. follows ammonia poisoning
-hemoglobin --> methemoglobin --> clinical hypoxia, light tan to brown gills, tan to brown blood -susceptibility varies greatly among species b. F, M c. < 0.10 mg/L d. nitrite > 0.10 mg/L e. -add biological filters, ↓ biomass -add salt: blocks uptake -water change (50% EOD): avoid shock |
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too low (too acidic pH)
a. F &/or M? b. proper range c. acid death point d. alkaline death point |
a. F > M
b. 6.5-9 c. 4-5 d. 11 low pH problems most common in areas having water supply w/ a low alkalinity |
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too low (too acidic pH)
a. dx b. hx c. tx |
a. test water (< 6.5 (F), < 8.1 (M))
b. -acute pH drop: acute mortality w/ tremors & hyperactivity -chronic pH drop: poor growth, ↑ mucus production, clinical hypoxia, opportunistic infections c. -add buffer solution: adjust pH ONLY if ammonia levels are safe -change water frequently (25% of tank every month) |
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Monogenean infestation
a. F &/or M? b. characteristics of organism c. hx/PE d. dx e. tx |
a. F, M
b. -rapid reproductive rate -feed on skin/gill epithelium -clinical signs d/t irritation -may be present in low numbers w/o causing dz c. pruritis, white patches, clinical hypoxia d. wet mouth of skin or gills: small worm w/ “jerking” motion, hooks or suckers e. formalin bath OR prolonged formalin immersion OR prolonged organophosphate immersion |
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"Ich" infestation
a. F &/or M? b. causative agent c. hx/PE d. dx e. tx |
a. F
b. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis c. MF white nodules d. wet mount of skin or gills: large ciliate w/ C-shaped nucleus, parasite found WITHIN epithelium e. prolonged formalin or salt immersion: theront stage most susceptible to therapy: drugs must remain at therapeutic levels for a long time to ensure all parasites have passed thru this stage |
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marine white spot dz
a. F &/or M? b. causative agent c. hx/PE d. dx e. tx |
a. M
b. Cryptocaryon irritans c. MF white nodules d. wet mount: medium to large ciliate w/in epithelium e. prolonged copper sulfate immersion |
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marine velvet dz
a. F &/or M? b. etiologic agent c. PE/hx d. dx e. tx |
a. M
b. Amyloodinium ocellatum c. similar to Ich, yellow "dust" on body d. wet mount: brown, wrinkled trophont attached to epithelium e. prolonged copper sulfate or chlorquine immersion |
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Chilodonella infestation
a. F &/or M? b. PE/hx c. dx d. tx |
a. F
b. bluish sheen, “tattered” skin c. wet mount: oval flat ciliate w/ cilia bands on 1 side; moves in slow circles d. formalin bath or prolonged formalin immersion |
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Brooklynella infestation
a. F &/or M? b. dx c. tx |
a. M
b. wet mount: oval flat ciliate w/ cilia bands; moves in slow circles c. formalin bath |
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Trichodinid infestation
a. F &/or M? b. etiologic agents c. dx d. tx |
a. F > M
b. Trichodina, Trichodinella, Tripartiella: relatively low pathogenicity c. wet mount: round in top view, peripheral cilia, denticle, “scrubbing bubble” d. formalin bath or prolonged formalin immersion |
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water mold infection
a. F &/or M? b. predisposing factors c. PE d. dx e. tx |
a. F
b. acute stress/temperature drop, primary infection c. cottony mass on skin/gills d. wet mount (broad aseptate hyphae) e. -prophylaxis best (salt) -prolonged malachite green immersion: preferred -prolonged salt immersion -formalin bath |
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"pigmeted bacteria" infection
a. F &/or M? b. most common organism c. PE d. dx e. tx |
a. F
b. Flexibacter columnaris c. fin erosion, shallow ulcers d. wet mount: “haystacks”: long, thin, flexing bacteria e. -oxytetracycline: prolonged immersion or oral -prolonged nifurpyrinol immersion -prolonged potassium permanganate immersion -other ABs based on C/S |
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lymphocystis infection
a. F &/or M? b. etiologic agent c. PE d. dx e. tx |
a. F, M
b. most common viral infection of aquarium fish (iridovirus) c. white to pink nodules d. wet mount: massive dermal fibroblasts e. supportive care: prophylactic ABs |
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Mycobacteriosis
a. F &/or M? b. most common agents c. hx/PE d. dx e. tx |
a. F > M
b. M. marinum, M. fortuitum c. wasting, nonhealing ulcers, MF white nodules d. culture > histo (spleen, liver, kidney) > wet mount of viscera w/ granulomas e. -disinfection & quarantine -prolonged kanamycin immersion -other ABs based on C/S |
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aggression/trauma in fish
a. hx b. PE c. dx d. tx |
a. territoriality behavior response: fish hiding in tank, obvious attack, etc.
b. torn fins, missing scales c. R/O d. -hospitalize attacked individual(s) & tx opportunistic infections -remove aggressor(s) from tank -change position of rocks & other objects in tank |
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heavy metal poisoning in fish
a. conditions of poisoning b. most common metals |
a.
-metal in pipes, ornaments, water, drugs -most toxic in soft, acidic water b. most common: copper (#1), zinc, lead |
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What are some problems w/ improper drug use in fish?
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-failure to respond to tx: wrong tx, resistant organism
-death d/t tx -treated illegally: residues, discharges |
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What are the regulations for drug use in food fish vs. non-food fish?
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food fish: any fish used for human consumption at any stage of its life cycle
-restricted use of drugs non-food fish: wider latitude in drug use, but must still follow regulations -drugs must be tested for efficacy, animal safety, & environmental safety |
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What are some factors that influence the tx of dz in marine fish?
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-chemistry of saltwater influences toxicity of many substances
-some agent may not be effective in saltwater -many medications are very toxic to invertebrates: avoid using in “reef systems” |
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What are the 3 methods of drug delivery in fish?
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water borne (bath, prolonged immersion)
oral injection |
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What are some advantages & disadvantages of water borne drug delivery in fish?
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(+): easily administered, uniform dosage
(-): not often effective for systemic dz, affected by water quality, can affect water quality, greatest problem w/ effluent |
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What are some advantages & disadvantages of oral drug delivery in fish?
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(+): easily administered, can be used to tx systemic problems
(-): dosage varies w/ food intake |
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What are some advantages & disadvantages of injectable drug delivery in fish?
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(+): precise control of dosage, can be used to tx systemic problems
(-): labor intensive, stressful |
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What are some unique anatomical & physiological features of snakes w/ regard to the head?
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most have 6 rows of teeth: 4 in upper jaw, 2 in lower jaw
(all teeth can be periodically shed & replaced) no true eyelids spectacle (lens cap): transparent structure that covers eye -may get a retained lens cap when shedding if environment not humid enough (ideal: 50-70%) no external ear opening: have an inner ear that aids in balance some snakes have heat sensing pits on external surface of face & jaws frequently flip tongue as a means of chemosensory detection -“Jacob’s organ”: site of taste buds on roof of mouth |
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What are some unique anatomical & physiological features of snakes w/ regard to the viscera?
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most species have 1 functional lung (right)
-vestigial left lung forms an air sac in some species fusiform stomach, liver > 200 vertebra: each has a pair of ribs 2 kidneys: left lies caudal to right (also true for repro tract) no urinary bladder |
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How do snakes accomplish locomotion?
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move large ventral scales in groups &/or lateral undulatory musculoskeletal contractions
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What agents can be used for anesthesia in reptiles?
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o simple diagnostics (blood sampling, rads, PE) don’t require anesthesia
-don’t use barbiturates -injectable anesthetics that can be used: ketamine + medetomidine, propofol, telazol (turtles) -isoflurane: mask or induction chamber -easy to intubate: prominent glottis that opens into trachea |
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What is the maintenance fluid rate for reptiles & what type of fluid is preferred?
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15-25 ml/kg/day
1:2 dilution of LRS & physiological saline: “reptile ringers” |
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How can fluids be delivered to
a. snakes b. lizards |
a. usually SQ, else oral or intracoelomic
b. usually SQ, IV catheter in ventral caudal v. (hard to place) |
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What are some sites of blood collection in
a. snakes b. lizards c. turtles |
a. caudal v.; cardiac puncture for euthanasia
b. ventral caudal v. , lateral tail v., dorsal spinal vessels c. caudal v., jugular v., supra-occipital (dorsal cervical) sinus (also dorsal tail v., sub-carapacial sinus, brachial v., cardiac puncture) -use heparinized syringe: EDTA causes lysis of RBCs in some samples -nucleated RBCs |
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What is the maximum amt. of blood that should be sampled from
a. snakes b. lizards |
a. 0.5-1% of body wt.
b. 0.5% of body wt. |
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snakes & lizards: thermal burns
a. how injuries occur b. tx |
a. may be burned by a hot rock or other device
b. -severe wounds: systemic ABs, fluids, debridement, flushing, analgesia -superficial wounds: topical silver sulfadiazine |
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snakes: rodent bites
a. how injuries occur b. tx |
a. may occur if owner leaves rodent in cage & snake doesn’t subdue it on its 1st attempt
-rats esp. may actually bite or even eat portions of snake b. -tx wounds openly w/ AB ointments -severe wounds: ABs, fluids |
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snakes & lizards: impaction
a. causes b. dx c. tx d. what is a concern when doing sx in lizards? |
a. improper cage substrate (corn cob, wood chips) lodging in GI tract, impaction w/ feces d/t dehydration
b. hx, rads c. may require sx d. ventral paramedian incision is recommended b/c some lizards have a large mid-ventral v. -leave skin sutures in for at least 4-6 w. |
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What are the treatment options in snakes for egg/embryo retention?
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try medical therapy 1st
- lubricate oviducts & manually assist in removing eggs - OR inject oxytocin - OR aspirate yolk & pass egg if unsuccessful, perform hysterotomy (salpingotomy) & remove of eggs |
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snakes: blister dz
a. causes b. lesions c. tx |
a. usually occurs 2º to high humidity & poor cage hygiene
b. multifocal necrotic & inflamed ventral scales c. -correct environmental problems -tx lesions w/ topical Betadine or Nolvasan -severe cases: systemic ABs to prevent sepsis |
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dysecdysis: snakes
a. what is it b. causes c. tx |
a. incomplete or retained shed
b. may be 2º to low humidity, poor nutrition, or any underlying dz c. soak snake in warm water for up to 1 hr & carefully remove retain skin piece by piece -take special care in ocular region where retained spectacles exist -multiple retained spectacles can lead to infection & blindness -don’t let client try to remove -moisten eyes w/ warm water & use pair of fine jeweler’s forceps to elevate some scales peripheral to eyes & then gradually remove attached lens cap |
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What is the tx for prolapsed hemipenes in snakes & lizards, & prolapsed phallus in turtles?
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if attended to quickly
-apply lidocaine gel & reduce manually -purse string suture may be used to partially close cloaca to prevent prolapse: leave in for 2-3 wks 2nd prolapse may require amputation -snakes & lizards: animal can still be used for breeding if unilateral (have 2 separate repro tracts) -turtles: will no longer be able to reproduce |
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gout: snakes
a. what is it b. causes c. dx d. tx e. prevention |
a. deposition of urates in kidneys, other organs (mucus mems, gut lining), & joints
b. usually 2º to dehydration, but can be caused by 1º renal or metabolic dz c. tophi (crystals) may be visible on rads d. allopurinol & NSAIDs e. maintain proper hydration, balanced diet |
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stomatitis (mouth rot): snakes
a. precipitated by b. signs c. common bacteria cultured d. tx |
a. stress
b. excessive saliva or mild petechia in mouth --> anorexia, inflammation & ulceration of oral mm --> osteomyelitis, teeth loosen & may fall out -head may become swollen if infection becomes systemic c. Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Citrobacter d. flush oral cavity at least SID w/ Nolvasan or povidone iodine sol’n -topical antimicrobial (silver sulfadiazine) -advanced cases: injectable enrofloxacin or amikacin + Clindamycin (covers anaerobes) -↑ environmental temp (90-95º F) |
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What causes osteoarthritis/ osteoarthrosis in snakes?
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caused primarily by Salmonella: likely enters bloodstream from gut & spread to bone
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respiratory dz: snakes
a. signs b. hx c. tx |
a. open mouth breathing, nasal d/c, audible wheezing, ↑ lung sounds on auscultation
b. inadequate environmental temp or recent addition of new animal c. ABs, fluids, ↑ environmental temp |
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paramyxoviral dz (ophidian paramyxovirus: OPMV): snakes
a. signs b. dx c. tx d. prevention |
a. anorexia, regurgitation, head tremors, “star gazing”, respiratory difficulty
b. hx, Ab titer, histopath, EM c. ABs, supportive care d. new animals should be quarantined for at least 90 days before being exposed to other animals in collection -can screen for virus w/ ELISA |
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inclusion body dz: snakes
a. etiologic agent b. signs c. dx d. tx |
a. retrovirus: occurs most often in boas & pythons
b. regurgitation (boas), head tremors, disorientation, & flaccid appearance (pythons), ataxia, may hold mouth open for minutes at a time c. histo or EM exam of brain, spinal cord, liver, pancreas, or kidney (eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies) d. none |
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What are the 2 most important protozoal parasites of snakes & lizards?
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amoebiasis: Entamoeba invadens
cryptosporidiosis: Cryptosporidium serpentis |
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Amoebiasis: snakes
a. signs b. dx c. tx |
a. anorexia, bloody diarrhea, rectal prolapse, acute death
-some species of snakes are carriers but never show clinical signs b. ID of amoebic cysts in eosin stained feces c. metronidazole |
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cryptosporidiosis: snakes
a. signs b. dx c. post mortem lesions d. tx |
a. swelling near mid-point of body, regurgitation w/in a few days of feeding
-some animals shed oocysts in feces for yrs w/o clinical signs b. ID of oocysts in unstained fecal smear or using acid-fast stain (can use a stain that fluoresces), fecal antigen ELISA, gastric wash c. thickened gastric mucosa, organisms seen on histopath d. none |
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helminth parasites in reptiles
a. dx b. tx |
a. fecal exam
b. nearly all respond well to standard veterinary parasiticides |
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arthropod parasites: snakes
a. sites most commonly affected b. tx |
a. eyes, mouth, throat (ticks, mites)
b. -puppy/kitten flea & tick spray applied w/ moist cloth once a week -soak snake daily in warm water to remove mites -clean environment -some clinicians use injectable ivermectin or Frontline (fipronil) |
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What are some unique anatomical and physiological features of lizards in regards to the head?
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well developed tongues
external ear openings & eyelids that can be closed teeth that can be replaced some species have a parietal eye (3rd eye) at top of head -usually covered by a thin opaque scale -regulates biological clock via changing photoperiods |
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What are some unique anatomical and physiological features of lizards in regards to the body/viscera?
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2 well-developed lungs, true diaphragm
internal fertilization; oviduct usually paired; male lizards have 2 separate repro tracts (paired testes have own copulatory organs: hemipenes) paired kidneys common cloacal opening utilized by urogenital & GI tracts some species can shed tail or a portion of it as a defense mechanism |
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egg retention: lizards
a. species most commonly affected b. primary cause c. signs d. dx e. tx |
a. female iguanas & perhaps other species often produce infertile eggs in captivity but not lay them
b. shortcomings in captivity c. abdominal distension, ↓ appetite, lethargy d. rads e. -can try oxytocin, but sx is the best tx -sx: can do OVH or hysterotomy (salpinotomy) *if ovaries & uterus being removed, must be careful to avoid adrenals & vena cava in close proximity to ovaries -ovocentesis is another option: aspirate yolk |
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metabolic bone dz: lizards
a. species commonly affected b. causes c. pathophysiology |
a. #1 dz in captive green iguanas
b. insufficient Ca in diet, too much P in diet, lack of vitamin D (lack of sunlight), 1º endocrine imbalance (rare) c. nutritional 2º hyperparathyroidism --> demineralization of bone, fibrous osteodystrophy |
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metabolic bone dz: lizards
a. signs b. dx c. tx |
a. lameness, anorexia, depression, enlarged rubber-like mandible, large swollen limbs
b. rads: thin bone cortices, pathologic fx c. supplement diet w/ Ca, vitamin D ultraviolet light: preferably natural sunlight |
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hypervitaminosis D: lizards
a. causes b. lesions c. dx |
a. occurs in green iguanas oversupplemented w/ vitamin D
b. calcification of vessels, renal tubules, etc. c. rads |
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fractures: lizards
a. common cause b. tx |
a. most commonly assoc. w/ metabolic bone dz
b. correct diet don’t apply internal or external fixators on bones w/ thin cortices |
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What are some unique anatomic & physiologic features of turtles?
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-pelvic & pectoral girdles contained entirely w/in rib cage that is fused to shell
-sexual dimorphism exists in many species *male tortoises: concave plastron *male aquatic turtles: long toenails on front feet *males usually have larger tails than females -lack teeth, but possess a sharp beak (tomium) -almost all aquatic turtles must eat in the water -lack a diaphragm -internal fertilization; courtship usually part of copulation -all turtles lay eggs & most bury them in the earth |
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What agents can be used for analgesia in turtles?
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butorphanol
ketoprofen buprenorphine morphine |
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abnormal beak/tomium: turtles
a. common cause b. tx |
a. consumption of unnatural foods
b. trim or grind down w/ Dremel |
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bacterial infection: lizards
a. common cause b. major pathogens c. dx |
a. systemic bacterial dz usually 2º to trauma or poor husbandry
b. usually gram neg. (Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Bacteroides, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella) -large percentage of infections are mixed aerobic/anaerobic c. C/S |
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amoebiasis: lizards
a. signs b. dx c. tx |
most serious protozoal dz of lizards
a. depression, anorexia, rectal prolapse, diarrhea, acute death b. ID of amoebic cysts in feces c. metronidazole |
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cryptosporidiosis: lizards
a. signs b. tx c. prevention |
a. wt. loss (no regurgitation as in snakes)
b. no effective tx: can try TMS c. quarantine new lizards, disinfect materials before placing in different cages |
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What are some normal protozoal inhabitants of the lizard GI tract?
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Balantidium
Paramecium Nyctotherus |
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What are some miscellaneous protozoa that affect snakes?
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Giardia, Hexamita, Trichomonas (frequently non-pathogenic), Caryospora, Eimeria, Isospora, Haemogregarina, Hepatozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium
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What is the tx for a cracked shell in turtles?
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-flush wound w/ dilute antiseptic like Nolvasan, or physiological saline if coelomic cavity is exposed
-shell repair: sterile bone screws & surgical wire -fluids, analgesia, aggressive AB therapy -post-op: force feed, appropriate temp, rest, access to fresh water |
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hypovitaminosis A: turtles
a. type of turtle most affected b. signs c. common cause d. prominent lesion e. tx |
a. freshwater aquatic
b. swollen eyes, nasal d/c, aural abscesses, respiratory distress if advanced c. inadequate diet d. squamous metaplasia e. parenteral vitamin A followed by diet change |
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hypervitaminosis A: turtles
a. common cause b. signs |
a. occurs 2º to oversupplmentation of vitamin A
b. skin sloughing, 2º bacterial infection of exposed tissues |
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metabolic bone dz: turtles
a. common causes b. prevention |
a. may occur in turtles fed primarily organ meats or pure muscle
-crickets & mealworms have a poor Ca:P ratio b. if using these diets, supplement w/ Ca or multivitamins |
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egg retention: turtles
a. contributing factors b. dx c. tx |
a. lack of appropriate nesting substrate, dehydration, hypocalcemia, poor nutrition, trauma
b. rads, digital palpation of coelomic cavity c. -1st give turtle food & water & suitable nesting substrate & see if it passes eggs -if unsuccessful, give oxytocin (ONLY if there is NOT an obstruction) -may need sx or endoscopy to remove |
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ruptured oviduct: turtles
a. risk factors b. possible sequela |
a. turtles w/ obstructive dystocia are at risk, esp. if given oxytocin
b. can be fatal d/t peritonitis & endotoxemia |
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gout: turtles
a. what is it b. common causes c. tx |
a. accumulation of uric acid crystals (tophi)
b. usually 2º to water deprivation or protein imbalance in diet c. NSAIDs, allopurinol |
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shell rot: turtles
a. common causes b. tx |
a. aquatic turtles: 2º to turtle spending all of its time in water or water that is of poor quality
b. correct water quality problem, provide a place for turtle to “haul out” |
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What are 2 common viral diseases of turtles/tortoises & what are their assoc. clinical signs?
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herpesvirus dz of tortoises: multiple clinical signs, high mortality may occur
iridoviral (ranavirus) dz of box turtles: mortality may be high & clinical signs include pharyngeal ulcers, focal skin sloughing, & marked lethargy |
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respiratory bacterial infection: turtles
a. risk factors b. signs c. dx |
a. debilitation
b. aquatic turtles will float in water asymmetrically or have difficulty surfacing or submerging c. rads, C/S |
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septic cutaneous ulcerative dz (SCUD): turtles
a. type of turtle affected b. etiologic agent c. signs |
a. aquatic
b. Citrobacter fruendii: gram neg. rod c. skin ulcers in a variety of locations |
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mycoplasmosis (upper respiratory tract dz: URTD): tortoises
a. signs b. dx |
a. generally a chronic infection w/ varying degrees of clinical signs
b. culture, ELISA, PCR |
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What are the characteristics of fungal infections in turtles?
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systemic infections: hard to tx, usually 2º to poorly functioning immune system
superficial infections: tx w/ topical antifungals & proper hygiene (↓ pH of water < 6.5) |
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What are the characteristics of protozoal infections in turtles?
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rarely get amoebiasis (may be subclinical carriers) or cryptosporidiosis
Hexamita/Spironucleus flagellates do cause dz in turtles -tx: metronidazole |
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leeches: turtles
a. type of turtle affected b. tx c. possible sequela |
a. aquatic
b. pluck them off c. in severe cases, may cause anemia & act as vectors for blood borne parasites |
