Amphibians & Daily Care
What are the steps to Daily Care? Why is sanitation/sterilization important?
1. Sanitize
2. Soak
3. Clean enclosures
4. Replace food/water
Sanitization ensures sickness does not spread and ensures the environment does not allow for bacterial/fungal growth
What is a parasitic infection that can spread between snakes and lead to health issues
Mites
What is the difference between a tortoise and a turtle?
terrestrial / semi-aquatic
flat feet / webbed feet or flippers
herbivore / omnivore
What, in Blythe's opinion, is the coolest lizard?
THE FRILLED LIZARD
What is it called when crocs sit with their mouths open why are they doing it?
Thermoregulation, to regulate their temperature
What does semi-permeable skin mean?
It means that the membrane allows some substances to pass through while blocking others.
oxygen and water can pass through (so can harmful chemicals) but larger molecules cannot
Why is it a bad idea to feed snakes live food? What illness can this lead to?
Rodents have strong teeth that can damage the snake. If the snake is not ready to eat, it can get chewed on. This can lead to mouth rot or lesions.
If a tortoise has Nasal discharge, swollen eyes, wheezing, open-mouth breathing, what illness do they most likely have? How might we treat it?
It most likely has an upper respiratory infection. This can be treated by maintaining a stable temperature, cleaning the housing setup, and administering antibiotics.
Why is stuck shed dangerous for lizards? How can we help?
It can cut off circulation and lead to the loss of toes. We can increase the humidity or give a soak.
What are the 3 crocodilian families?
Alligatoridae (alligators and caiman), Crocodyliidae (true crocs), Gavialidae (gharials)
Why is amphibian skin slimy? What's special about it?
Amphibian skin has mucus and poison glands. This retains water and protects against pathogens.
Why do you have to be careful when removing snakes from glue traps? What should you remove first, and what should you remove last?
They have delicate scales that can be torn off or cause further injury when pulled. Start removal from the tail and body, and finish with the head to avoid getting bitten.
What does metabolic bone disease look like in a tortoise? Can you name both of the main presentations of the illness?
Pyramiding (bone growing up instead of out) or a soft and deformed shell.
What is metabolic bone disease? Is there a cure?
Metabolic Bone Disease is a group of disorders that deal with issues in strength, mobility, and density of bones. It is not curable.
How many times can crocs regrow each tooth?
30 to 80 times, aka 1,000-3,000 teeth, within the lifespan
What illness in frogs is bacterial and causes inflamed skin on the legs?
What causes this illness?
Red Leg Syndrome
Caused by improper husbandry (poor water quality)
What is a morph? What associated problems can be seen in morphs?
A morph is a selectively bred for pattern (often inbred), and it can lead to neurological issues in the animal
What is one of the ways that vet might fix a shell
screws and wire
clasps and wire
plaster cast
These are symptoms of what ailment (weight loss, diarrhea, poor growth, lethargy). How is it treated?
Parasites and antiparasitics
What do crocs' specialized hearts help them do?
It aids in their digestion and lets them hold their breath underwater for longer
What is the most deadly illness for Amphibians? How much of a risk is this to amphibians?
Chytrid or BD fungus
puts over 50% of amphibians at risk of extinction
What's weird about snake lungs?
Most snakes have one long lung. Pythons and boas are the exception with two lungs, but one is significantly smaller.
Can tortoises leave their shells? What are the 3 parts of the shell made of?
no it's a part of their body (bone, collagen, keratin)
Why can MBD be caused by a diet without variety? Food high in ______ can cancel out the calcium the animal recives
Crickets and mealworms are high in phosphorus, and this can cancel out the calcium received in the diet.
What is special about the crocdilian heart? How is it different from other reptiles?
It's 4-chambered (different from humans), all other reptiles are 3-chambered