NAVLE Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine Flashcards

A chinchilla presents with drooling, difficulty eating, and sharp molar spurs on oral exam. This condition is best described as:

Answer: Slobbers (dental malocclusion)

Dental malocclusion in chinchillas, commonly called 'slobbers,' results from molar spurs that lacerate the tongue and cause hypersalivation.

Which of the following birds is most susceptible to aspergillosis due to its natural habitat and immune characteristics?

Answer: Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcons and other Arctic raptors lack prior environmental exposure to Aspergillus and are highly immunologically naive, making them very susceptible.

A red-eared slider turtle is found floating at the surface of the water and unable to dive. Radiographs show increased opacity in the caudal lung fields. The most likely diagnosis is:

Answer: Pneumonia

Pneumonia in aquatic turtles causes asymmetric buoyancy and inability to dive; radiographic consolidation in the lung fields confirms the diagnosis.

A sugar glider presents with self-mutilation of the scrotum and hindquarters. The most common underlying cause is:

Answer: Stress and/or inappropriate husbandry

Self-mutilation in sugar gliders is most commonly associated with stress, social isolation, or inappropriate diet and environmental conditions.

In avian medicine, which drug is contraindicated in pigeons and doves due to severe toxicity?

Answer: Fenbendazole at high doses

Fenbendazole at high doses or prolonged use causes fatal bone marrow suppression in pigeons and doves; caution with dosing is essential.

A bearded dragon is presented with a black beard, lethargy, and yellow-white caseous plugs in the intestine on necropsy. The causative agent is:

Answer: Entamoeba invadens

Entamoeba invadens causes severe ulcerative enterocolitis in reptiles, particularly lizards, presenting with caseous intestinal lesions and rapid death.

Which of the following is the recommended first-line treatment for lead toxicosis in birds?

Answer: Calcium EDTA

Calcium EDTA is the chelation agent of choice for acute lead toxicosis in birds and is administered parenterally for rapid effect.