EXOTICS
majority of reptiles can be habituated to feeding on
killed prey with a little effort on the part of the keeper.
Infectious Stomatitis or “Mouth Rot”: Is a common
condition, especially in snakes. It begins with inflammation and exudate build up with petechial haemorrhages and if untreated may progress to abscessation
and tooth loss or even osteomyelitis.
Treatment includes debriding, oral chlorhexidine or
betadine washes and appropriate antibiotic cover.
The pathogenic bacteria are typically gram negative
so Enrofloxacin, Florfenicol and Ceftazidime are good
empirical choices.
derlying skin is often ulcerated. After a shed the affected skin is wrinkled and dull. The lesions can become
very deep, even penetrating the body wall.
Septicaemia may also result and the condition is eventually fatal without treatment. CANV is contagious.
Predisposing causes include those that cause immunosuppression such as crowded or dirty conditions,
trauma, poor husbandry etc. Short to medium term
resolution of clinical signs has been achieved with
oral Voriconazole and topical F10SC therapy. Other
azoles as well as Terbinafine have not proven effective. Affected animals should be considered lifelong
carriers.
Trauma: Tortoises seem to be the most commonly
presented trauma victims. Motor vehicle accidents,
dog bites in smaller specimens and purposeful injury
by people attempting to kill the animal for food are
the most common histories.
Figure 11: Infectious stomatitis leading to abscessation in a Boa
Constrictor
Yellow fungus disease: Chrysosporium anamorph of
Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) is a fungal disease that
mostly affects Bearded Dragons although it has been
recorded in Green Iguanas, Veiled Chameleons, Water
Dragons and Uromastyx.
The lesions begin with yellow to brown crusts in irregular small patches if these crusts are removed the unFigure 13: Tortoise injured by a person wielding a spade
Even severe shell defects can be repaired but this is a
field completely on its own. The most important fact
to remember is to never seal a tortoises shell until the
wound is clean and granulating well, or internal abscessation may occur.
Figure 12: Fungal dermatitis in a Green Iguana
Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital
With a basic understanding of the specific structure
and function of the scaled reptilian skin, diagnosis and
treatment of reptile dermatological issues can become a rewarding although quite drawn out process.
There are several good texts such as Reptile Medicine
and Surgery by Doug Mader and the BSAVA Reptile
Manual available for more detailed diagnostic and
treatment advice.
Exceptional Care for Unusual Pets
Based at the internationally renowned Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital in South Africa, the privately run
Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital focuses towards world class care of Birds, Reptiles, Primates, Fish, Small Mammals,
Invertebrates and other non-traditional species.
With our highly trained and dedicated staff we are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure your treasured
companion receives the best care possible.
[email protected] | www.birdandexotic.co.za | Tel: 012 529 8105
vet360
Issue 06 | DECEMBER 2016 | 38