1、How I Treat SickReptiles Michael Cannon BVSc, MACVScClinical Examination of Reptile1. History2. Examination of Environment3. Distant Examination4. Physical Examination5. Body Weight6. Snout:CloacaMeasurment (Body Length)7. Determination of Gender 8. Diagnostic Procedures/Basic Laboratory TestsBody W

2、eightInhospital tool, is an objective assessmentprognostic indicator for a Reptile receiving treatment = Gain Loss StableWeight loss is always a sign of a poor prognosis.Make a subjective assessment of the reptiles general condition after palpating the tail base. Samples for Basic Laboratory TestsBl

3、ood SampleHaematology & Biochemical ProfileFaecal SampleFlotation, Wet Prep,Signs of DehydrationSkin stands up in multiple foldsSkin feels “Sticky” when move back and forthAbnormal skin sloughingOpaque, wrinkled spectacle in snakesSunken eyes in lizards, chelonians & crocodiliansFluid Therapy:Reptil

4、eswarm any reptile prior to delivering fluids Oral fluids medicationin reptiles that are warmed correctlyLess useful if 5% dehydratedSubcutaneous or intra-coelomicnot absorbed well in cool animalscrystalloid or colloid fluids is similar to that in dogs and catsAny of the crystalloids are appropriate

5、For anaesthesia and surgery deliver at 5-10 ml/kg/hr. Fluid Therapy in ReptilesIsotonic DehydrationHaemorrhage, vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia or extensive tissue damageHypotonic DehydrationProlonged anorexiaHypertonic DehydrationFailure to drink, cutaneous fluid lossFluid Therapy:ReptilesIn mammalsf

6、luids are most commonly directed towards restoring plasma volumeIn reptiles restoring intracellular fluid is equally importantMost common IV & IO fluidsNormasol0.9% salineHartmanns (Lactated Ringers solution - LRS)LRS + 2.5% DextroseExpand the plasma volume Do not expand the intracellular spaceprolo

7、nged use can lead to hypokalaemiaPotassium not 0.5 mEq/kg/hr unless serum electrolytes are being frequently measured. Dehydrated ReptilesMildly hypotonic fluidsvolume of 2-3% body weight daily until rehydrated2 parts (2.5% dextrose in 0.45% Saline) + 1 part (Ringers solution, LRS or Normosol)Fluid d

8、elivery is usually SC or IntracoelomicOnce rehydrated use hypertonic solutions 1-3% body weight dailyLRS, Normosol, Ringers OR 2.5% dextrose in 0.45% NaCl for maintenance at.IV fluids useful for severe dehydration or shock locating and accessing a vein is usually not possible Fluid Therapy in Reptil

9、esReptiles have a high intracellular fluid compared to mammalsMammalsFluid therapy is primarily directed at restoring plasma volumeReptilesFluid therapy is primarily directed at Restoring plasma volumeRestoring intracellular fluidFluid Therapy in ReptilesMildly hypotonic fluids are preferred initial

10、ly for hypotonic and isotonic dehydration2 parts 2.5% dextrose in 0.45% Saline + 1 part Ringers Solution (or 1 part Hartmanns Solution)1 part Normosol + 1 part 5% DextroseUp to 4% body weight each 12-24 hrsWhen rehydrated use an isotonic solution for maintenanceRingers Solution or2.5% dextrose in 0.

11、45% SalineFluid Therapy in ReptilesDeliveryIntravenous is preferred but often not availableUse Subcutaneous or IntracoelomicAlways warm to normal PBT prior to administrationGive at 2-3% body weight daily until rehydrated or are drinking voluntarilyMild DehydrationSoak the reptile in warm water for s

12、everal hours a dayAntibiotic SelectionTazocin Piperacillin + Tazobactam Similar synergy to Clavulox50-100mg/kg each 24 hrs IM for 7-14 days Fortum Fortaz Ceftazidime20mg/kg each 72 hrs IM for 7-14 days or monthsEnrofloxacin5-10 mg/kg each 24-72 hrsAmikacin (with any above for life threatening Dz)Loa

13、ding dose 5mg/kg IMRepeat dose 2.5mg/kg each 72 hrs, not 3 weeksReptiles History8 Major areas to investigateHusbandryHusbandryHusbandryHusbandryHusbandryHusbandryHusbandryHusbandryGavage FeedingMeasure rubber tube length, mouth to stomachGive no more than 20ml/kg The 8 Hs of HusbandryHeat (+light)Hi

14、deHumidityHealthHygieneHealthy appetiteHabitatHandlingIntroductionThe most common cause of disease in captive reptiles is poor husbandryGood husbandry practice will avoid problemsThe carer must have a sound knowledge of husbandry in order to recognise problemsUVB LightingMaximum/Minimum ThermometerT

15、hermostatHeatShelter/HideHeat and lightReptiles are ectotherms regulate body temperature by changes in behaviour and physiological processes Reptiles should be housed at temperatures similar to field conditions Bureau of Meteorology Climate Services Section Temperature variation within the enclosure

16、 should allow the animal to thermoregulate.In a good enclosure the reptile spends time in ALL areas, in a poor one it tends to stay in one place mainlyPerentie Varanus giganteusThermogradientThermogradient is achieved by having heat sources strategically placed in a vivariumThermal Gradient : Vertic

17、al or Horizontal? Two main typesRadiant lamps, ceramic globesConvective heat mats, tapingThe temperature of the reptile room should not place undue stress on the vivarium heatingAim for Thermal Gradient of 10oC !Vertical or Horizontal ?Basking spotHot rockxHot rocks are not mendedPreferred Body Temp

18、erature (PBT)The Preferred Body Temperature (PBT) is the core body temperature at which metabolism functions bestThe Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ) is the range that allows the reptile to achieve its PBTPBT varies with speciesTemperature RequirementsPreferred Body Temperature PBTBearded D

19、ragons = 35OCMost reptile species have a preferred range of 4-6 OC to achieve PBT Preferred Optimum Temperature Range POTRPreferred Optimum Temperature Zone POTZrange of temperatures to maintain its normal body functions. Bearded Dragon Range = 35 - 39oCTo achieve this, the basking spot = 40OC mende

20、d light globe reflectorstyle light globe (60W 100W) TemperaturePBT Animals Core Body TemperaturePOTZ Environmental Temperature providedHusbandry Captive reptiles should be housed according to their specific needsPreferred Body Temperatures (PBT) of commonly occurring species are published extensivel

21、yCommon Temperature GuidelinesPOTZ oF oCTropical Species80 10226.5 38Temperate Species70 9018 32.5Desert Species Day: 100 37.5 Night:60 8015.5 26.5PBT oCCommon Eastern LN turtle26-27Diamond python29-33Carpet python30-33Childrens python30-33Bearded dragon35-39Common Eastern Blue-tongued lizard28-33Sh

22、ingleback lizard33PBT oCSpeciesPreferred Body Temperature (PBT oC)Common Longneck Turtle (Chelodina spp.) 26Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)33Childrens Python (Liasis childreni)30-33Water Python (Liasis fuscus)34Carpet/Diamond Python (Morelia spilota)29-33Amethystine Python (Morelia amethist

23、ina)33Green Tree Python (Chondropython viridis)32Eastern Bluetongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides)28-32Shingleback Lizard (Trachydosaurus rugosus)33Cunningham Skink (Egernia cunninghami)33Bearded Dragon (Pogona spp.)35-39Lace Monitor (Varanus varius)35Goulds Monitor (Varanus gouldii)37POTZ oCCommon Nam

24、eWater Temperature oCAir Temperature oCKreffts Turtle, Kreffts River Turtle24-2826-3018-26 in winterdo not go 14 over winter24-28may hibernate?Macleay River Turtle24-2812 over winter24-28may hibernate?Sydney Basin Turtle24-2812 over winter24-28may hibernate?Hunter River Turtle24-2812 over winter24-2

25、8may hibernate?Brisbane River Turtle24-2814 over winter24-29may hibernate?Jardine River Turtle25-2818 over winter28-3020-26 in winterPOTZ Aust Longneck TurtlesCommon NameWater Temperature oCAir Temperature oCEastern Long-necked turtle22-2626-28hibernatesBroad-shelled turtle, Broad-shelled River turt

26、le22-2626-28hibernatesNorthern Long-necked turtle25-2828-30hibernatesOblong Turtle16-2413 in winter18-27not rise 28Steindachners turtle, Flat-shelled turtle25-2818 in winter28-3020-26 in winterNew Guinea Long-necked turtle25-2818 in winter28-3020-26 in winterPOTZ Aust Shortneck TurtlesCommon NameWat

27、er Temperature oCAir Temperature oCKreffts Turtle, Kreffts River Turtle24-2826-3018-26 in winterdo not go 14 over winter24-28may hibernate?Macleay River Turtle24-2812 over winter24-28may hibernate?Sydney Basin Turtle24-2812 over winter24-28may hibernate?Hunter River Turtle24-2812 over winter24-28may

28、 hibernate?Brisbane River Turtle24-2814 over winter24-29may hibernate?Jardine River Turtle25-2818 over winter28-3020-26 in winterChilled Reptiles high risk of disease cannot digest food properly. ThermometerHygrometerThermostats and thermometersEvery heat source should be connected to a thermostatIt

29、 is important for your clients to know the difference between a thermostat and a thermometerThermostats must be calibrated for individual enclosuresReptile Heating Guidelinesheat/light source at only ONE end of the cageAim for at least 10oC thermal gradient e.g. 18-28oCadequate ventilation Mesh scre

30、en top, to dissipate excess heat Experiment with location of the heat source measure temperature at different sitesrecord maintainedThe measure of an ideal enclosure:Reptile is making use of all areas of the cage using relocation of its position as a technique to maintain its PBT. Ultraviolet lightU

31、V is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D3 and calcium metabolismBearded dragons and Eastern water dragons need UVB (280-315nm) supplementation if kept indoorsSome keepers believe diamond pythons require some UVB supplementationTemperature+ UVBmeasure at basking spotwhere reptile is locatedUVB O

32、utput of a lampHide All captive reptiles need somewhere to hideDisposable or waterproofed and easy to disinfectSmall snakes Cardboard boxes and toilet rolls Larger snakes Inverted flower potsWhoops!Rememberthe reptile will grow! Can be difficult to remove from HideHealth The health of captive reptil

33、es is directly linked to husbandry practicesMertens Water Monitor Varanus mertensiHumidity %SpeciesPreferred Humidity %Shingleback Lizard (Trachydosaurus rugosus)As low as possibleBearded Dragon (Pogona spp.)30-40 Eastern Bluetongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides)30-40Carpet/Diamond Python (Morelia spil

34、ota)30-40 (Coastal)60-65 (Jungle)Childrens Python (Liasis childreni)40-75 (moderate)Amethystine Python (Morelia amethistina)60-80Shortneck Turtles (Emydure spp.)60-80 (pond present)Water Python (Liasis fuscus)60-80 (pond present)Eastern Water Dragon (Physignathus leseurii)60-80 (pond present)Common

35、Longneck Turtle (Chelodina spp.) 60-80 (pond present)Green Tree Python (Chondropython viridis)55-100 (pond present)Humidity Humidity requirements vary with speciesGreen python (Morelia viridis) needs a much more humid habitat compared to the inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)Humidity may be al

36、tered by changing the size of the surface area of the water bowl Humidity may be increased also by placing a heat source under the water bowlAll vivaria (dry or moist) should be adequately ventilatedGreen python Morelia viridisHygiene Good hygiene is dependent upon the use of a suitable substrate an

37、d good cleaning and disinfection practicesNewspaper appropriate for many species e.g. carpet python, diamond pythonCat litter pelleted newspaper e.g Breeders Choiceterrestrial spp e.g. Childrens pythonDesert sand bearded dragon, egg layingArtificial turf, bark chips are unsuitable provide media for

38、bacterial growthDisinfection Quaternary Ammonium, bleach, F10, ChlorhexidineNothingNewspaper Cat LitterGravelRed Sand Leaves & BarkSubstrates HygieneWater qualityPoor hygiene is the commonest cause of disease in captive turtlesTest with standard aquarium kit NO2, NO3, NH3+, pHFeed turtle in separate

39、 tank to avoid contamination of main tankHealthy appetiteDietary needs vary according to species, age & reproductive statusTurtles MUST eat in the waterMost lizards start as insectivores and e more omnivorous in their habits as they matureAll Australian snakes are carnivorousBluetongues LOVE snailsH

40、ealthy appetitePre-frozen foodAnimal welfare reasonsDisease control endoparasites and ectoparasitesNever feed two snakes togetherAssisted feedingSnakes pinkies, Hills a/d via stomach tube, crop needleTurtles difficult oesophagostomy tubeLizards placing food item in the mouthTurtlesThe common eastern

41、 long-necked turtle is mostly carnivorous.Short necked turtles are omnivorous. Suitable food items for the common eastern long necked turtle include:Fish (Gambusia affinis, mosquito fish)Bloodworms (larvae of the midge family Chironomidae), Turtle pelletsPond weed e.g. floating duck weed, Lemna sp M

42、osquito larvaechopped up Earthworms (worm farms)Marinara mix freeze in small quantitiessoak overnight in fresh water to desalinateExotic Tortoises - VegetablesLizardsBlue tongue lizards are snail eaters. They like to bury themselves in substrate and bruminate (“hibernate” opportunistically) when hou

43、sed outdoors.Bearded dragons prefer a dry habitat in the wild (desert, dry sclerophyll forest). Insectivorous initially, they develop a taste for vegetables and fruit as they mature. Food for LizardsBlue tongue lizardSnailsVegetables (squash, zucchini, broccoli, peas, bok choy, sprouts), Fruit (bana

44、na, apple, strawberries, grapes)Petfood occasional (tinned, not more than 10% of volume)Bearded dragon (P vitticeps, P henrylawsonii)Crickets, WoodiesCockroachesVegetables (sprouts, broccoli, parsley, shaved carrot, corn, capsicum)Snakes Pythons eat small mammals and “DOCs” Day-Old Chickens.Eat less

45、 when ecdysis (shedding of skin) approaches. Ovulating and gravid females are usually inappetant. Nutitional deficiencies are not very common in pythons due their eating a whole animal diet (rodents). Laboratory bred rats and mice are preferable to backyard bred animals as a food source. Only thawed

46、 frozen food items should be fed.Mice & RatsPinkieFuzzieWeanerAdult Healthy appetitePython hatchlings eat pinkie mice (small skinks)Feeding intervalsLizards every 2-3 daysHatchling snakes every 4-5 daysAdult snakes 7-14 daysAmount 20% body wtGaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica) & RatHusbandry Turtles Chelo

47、dina longicollis are semiaquatic and need to have access to land and waterC. longicollis lives up to 75 years.Short necked turtles (Emydura macquarrii) are omnivores.Habitat Huge or small?Small enough to be able to thermoregulateBig enough to stretch outSmall snakes are often placed in tanks that ar

48、e too largeFurniture is just as important as cage sizeHabitat Diamond python Morelia spilota spilotaHousingChildrens pythons (Antaresia childreni) being terrestrial are quite cryptic in their behaviour. They prefer to bury themselves in the substrate or hide. They will eat small rodents in captivity

49、.Carpet/diamond pythons are usually placid. Some subspecies are aggressive (jungle carpet python). They eat rodents and day old chicks in captivity. Live 20-30 years.Snakes lying in the water for extended periods may be infested with mites.SnakesMorelia spilota spilotaHandlingReptiles should not be

50、overhandledSnakes should not be handled for 3 days after eating or will regurgitate and e stressedAvoid all handling when a snake is sheddingWash hands between snakes for hygiene reasons and to get rid of scents (reptile and mammal)Always transport your reptile in an appropriate container (Box, bag,

51、 pillow case)Diamond python Morelia spilotaCollets snakePseudechis colletti Handling Lace monitor Varanus variusSupport neck to control mouth and front legsPress hindlegs onto base of tailBeware whipping of tailHandling Confidence, knowledgeAssistance may be neededPrecautions vary according to speciesAvoid injury to handler and reptileTiger snake Notechis scutatus Handling