exotics m1

What is a tortoise?

A terrestrial chelonian

What is a turtle?

A primarily aquatic chelonian (may spend time basking/laying eggs)

What is a terrapin?

A semi-aquatic, hard-shelled chelonian

What percentage of an enclosure’s floor space should the combined surface area of multiple turtles' carapaces not exceed?

25%

Why is clean water difficult to maintain for aquatic turtles?

Because they eat and defecate in the same water

What does "ectotherm" mean?

An animal that regulates body temperature by basking

What is the preferred optimal temperature zone (POTZ) for chelonians?

75-82°F

Why are cool water temperatures considered "death zones" for chelonians?

Because they can cause life-threatening conditions

Name three acceptable substrates for chelonians

Cypress mulch, alfalfa pellets, and newspaper

Name three unacceptable substrates for chelonians

Sand, cat litter, and walnut shells

Why do UV lights need to be replaced regularly?

They lose effectiveness over time

What is Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism?

An abnormality in calcium metabolism causing deformed shells and abnormal scute growth

What role does Vitamin D3 play in calcium absorption?

It helps calcium cross the intestinal tract into the bloodstream

What happens if a reptile does not get enough UVB light?

It cannot produce enough Vitamin D3, leading to low blood calcium and bone loss

What are symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency in turtles?

Conjunctivitis, swollen eyelids, nasal discharge, dyspnea, and ear abscesses

What are symptoms of excessive Vitamin A in turtles?

Dry, flaky skin, sloughing of the skin, and secondary bacterial infections

What are the two forms of shell rot?

Wet form (hemorrhagic discharge between scutes) and dry form (dry, flaky appearance)

What is SCUD?

Septicemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease, a severe form of shell rot requiring antibiotics

What should be done before repairing a turtle’s carapace from trauma?

Avoid rushing into repairs unless necessary

Why are turtles prone to respiratory infections?

They lack a diaphragm and cannot clear discharge by coughing

What is a buoyancy test used for in turtles?

Diagnosing respiratory infections

What causes gout in chelonians?

Kidney disease, dehydration, or high-protein diets

What was the 1975 US ban on baby turtles?

It prohibited the sale of turtles with a carapace length of 4 inches or less due to Salmonella risks

What is the bottom part of a turtle’s shell called?

The plastron

What is the top part of a turtle’s shell called?

The carapace

What are the three standard radiographic views for turtles?

Lateral, ventrodorsal, and craniocaudal

Why is inhalant induction impractical for anesthesia in turtles?

They can hold their breath for a long time

What is the best vein for blood collection in turtles?

The jugular vein

What is a major risk of intracoelomic injections in turtles?

Potentially hitting internal organs

What condition is common in desert tortoises and may require surgery?

Bladder stones

What is the hardest part of euthanizing a turtle?

Knowing whether or not they are actually dead

What is the binomial name of a chinchilla?

Chinchilla lanigera

What is the lifespan of a chinchilla?

10-20 years

How many hairs grow from a single hair follicle in chinchillas?

Up to 90

Why must chinchillas gnaw on objects?

Their teeth continuously grow

What type of birth do chinchillas have?

Precocial (offspring are born mature and mobile)

At what age does a female chinchilla have her first heat cycle?

3-4 months old

Why are chinchillas intolerant to heat and humidity?

They lack sweat glands and overheat easily

How often should chinchillas be given dust baths?

Daily, with 1-2 inches of dust

What type of diet do chinchillas require?

High in roughage, with quality hay and pellets

What is a common sign of dental disease in chinchillas?

Drooling ("slobbers")

Why are chinchillas prone to trichobezoars (hairballs)?

They groom excessively and consume fur

What are symptoms of enteritis in chinchillas?

Diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration

What is the most common venous access site for blood collection in chinchillas?

The jugular or cranial vena cava

Where can intraosseous catheters be placed in chinchillas?

The femur or tibia

What are the two main groups of lizard enclosures?

Arboreal (tree-dwelling) and terrestrial (ground-dwelling)

What type of enclosure is recommended for arboreal lizards like chameleons?

A plastic screen with a metal or plastic frame

Why are glass or plastic enclosures used for geckos?

They help maintain heat and humidity but have poor ventilation

What type of enclosure is recommended for terrestrial lizards?

A horizontally spacious glass aquarium for small lizards and custom-built enclosures for larger ones

What types of lizards commonly require UVB lighting?

Insectivorous, herbivorous, and omnivorous species

Do carnivorous lizards require UVB lighting?

Not as much as other types of lizards

How far should UVB lights be placed from the closest basking surface?

18-24 inches

Why is direct sunlight recommended for lizards?

It provides the best natural UVB exposure

What is a humidified shelter used for in lizards?

To maintain proper humidity levels and assist with shedding

How can humidity levels be monitored in a lizard’s enclosure?

Using a hygrometer

How do chameleons and forest species typically drink water?

They drink water dripping from leaves or ornaments rather than from a bowl

Why should live crickets not be left in a lizard’s enclosure?

They can feed on the flesh of the lizard and cause damage

What is essential for insectivorous lizards to prevent metabolic bone disease?

Calcium supplementation (calcium dusting)

Why should live food not be given to carnivorous lizards?

Live prey can injure the lizard

What is the preferred method of feeding for carnivorous lizards?

Freshly killed prey

What is CANV in lizards?

Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii, a contagious fungal disease also known as Yellow Fungus Disease

How is CANV treated?

Aggressive early treatment, euthanasia for unresponsive cases

What is dysecdysis in lizards?

Abnormal shedding, often due to low humidity or malnutrition

What are common consequences of dysecdysis?

Necrosis of the toes and tails, retained spectacles (eye caps)

What is tail autonomy?

A defense mechanism where some lizards can drop their tail to escape predators

What is Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (metabolic bone disease)?

A disease caused by calcium and Vitamin D3 deficiency, leading to weak bones and deformities

List five symptoms of metabolic bone disease in lizards

1) Failure to grow, 2) Generalized weakness, 3) Soft mandible, 4) Swollen joints, 5) Tremors and muscle fasciculations

What is the scientific name for ferrets?

Mustela putorius furo

What is the average lifespan of a ferret?

5-8 years

Why do ferrets have a high risk of hyperthermia?

lack of sweat glands

How long does food take to pass through a ferret’s digestive system?

3-4 hours

What is a common anatomical finding during a physical exam of a ferret?

An enlarged spleen

What is unique about ferret ovulation?

They are induced ovulators

What happens if a female ferret is not bred while in heat?

They remain in estrus and can develop bone marrow suppression due to prolonged high estrogen levels

What is an adult male ferret called?

A hob

What is an adult female ferret called?

A jill

What is a spayed female ferret called?

A sprite

What is a juvenile ferret called?

A kit

What zoonotic disease can ferrets contract that is also found in humans?

Influenza

Can ferrets transmit rabies to humans?

No known cases have been recorded

What is the most common tumor in ferrets?

Adrenal tumors

What are signs of adrenal disease in ferrets?

1) Hair loss on the abdomen, 2) Vulvar enlargement in spayed females, 3) Prostatic hyperplasia or cysts

What disease causes “Green Slime Disease” in ferrets?

A highly contagious viral infection

What are symptoms of Green Slime Disease?

Green diarrhea, dehydration, anorexia, and progressive wasting

What disease in ferrets is similar to canine distemper?

Ferret distemper virus

What is insulinoma in ferrets?

A tumor of the pancreas that causes low blood glucose

What are signs of insulinoma in ferrets?

Posterior weakness, lethargy, and seizures

What ectoparasites commonly affect ferrets?

Fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mites, and ticks

What are the primary venous access sites for blood collection in ferrets?

Jugular and cranial vena cava

Where can IV catheters be placed in ferrets?

Saphenous, cephalic, or intraosseous (humerus, femur, tibia)

What is the scientific name for guinea pigs?

Cavia porcellus

What ancient civilization raised guinea pigs for food?

The Incas

What is unique about the occlusal plane of a guinea pig's cheek teeth?

It is at a 30-degree oblique angle

Are guinea pigs obligate nasal or oral breathers?

What is coprophagy, and why do guinea pigs do it?

Eating their own feces to obtain vitamin B

What is the gastrointestinal transit time for guinea pigs?

Approximately 20 hours

Do male guinea pigs have open or closed inguinal canals?

Open inguinal canals

What structure allows the pubic symphysis to separate during parturition?

Fibrocartilage

Why should female guinea pigs be bred before 7 months of age?

To prevent dystocia due to fusion of the pubic symphysis

How can you differentiate male and female guinea pigs based on external genitalia?

Females have a Y-shaped genital opening, while males have a straight slit