common heath FAQ

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metabolic/secondary hyperparathyroidism

diagnostics

traditional causes should not be ignored (trauma, neurologic etc.) but

add to differentials metabolic disease specifically nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism

-cbc/chem electrolytes

-rads/ultrasounds/advanced imaging

-PTH

-ionized calcium

symptoms

tremors

ataxia

shaking

stiffness

low tone

spasticity

common client description

"animal is having seizures"

"they can't hold onto or grab

perch"

"the sloths front legs aren't working"

"misses the perching"

"twitching"

causes

- dietary calcium/phosphorous excess

- parathyroid or related hormone

- high oxalates

- inadequate calcium

- hypovitaminosis

- inappropriate diet

- renal insufficiency

potential treatments

-immediate diet correction by expert (vet, nutritionist etc)

-carefully monitor labs

-anticonvulsants but unknown how effective

-minimize risk for falls etc while in tx

symptoms

-muscle loss (weight loss)

-anorexia

-vague, non-specific "quiet"

diagnostics

-lab work

-BUN/CREATINE CAN APPEAR NORMAL EVEN WITH ACTIVE DISEASE PLEASE GET SDMA & REPORT #'s to SOS W/ LABS

-urinalysis, cystocentesis, clean free catch urine

-radiographs

-advanced imaging for mineralization/stones/kidney condition

-cbc/chem electrolytes

-ultrasounds

-detailed husbandry history from client, including wild caught or captive born

condition - renal disease

causes

-inappropriate diet (high protein and mineral)

-cystitis

-urolithiasis

-dehydration?

-likely more contributing factors

potential treatments

-immediate vet intervention

-diet correction by expert (vet, nutritionist, curator etc)

-potentially adjust to kidney friendly diet

-monitor labs

-fluids, supportive care, evaluate underlying cause

-minimize risk for falls etc while in tx

condition- dysbiosis

signs & symptoms

poor quality/poor scoring fecal and/or diarrhea

hyporexia - anorexia

dehydration

diarrhea (review fecal chart in NAG recommendations)

causes

- inappropriate diet

- inappropriate temps for digestion

- parasitic, bacterial, viral

- acidosis

- secondary to systemic process

- secondary to antibiotic use

- stress

- gi ulcers

DYSBIOSIS IS DEADLY. CONSIDER AGGRESSIVE TX OPTIONS WHEN DIARRHEA IS PRESENT. CONTACT VET FAMILIAR W/E TUBE PLACEMENT &

TRANSFAUNATION IF NEEDED.

treatments

-immediate vet intervention

-diet correction by expert (vet, nutritionist, curator etc)

-transfaunation

-fluids, supportive care, evaluate underlying cause

condition- respiratory

diagnostics

-radiographs, ultrasound, advanced imaging

-detailed husbandry history from client including wild caught vs captive

-how long in care if imported

-transtracheal wash

-culture

signs & symptoms

weight loss

dyspnea

nasal discharge

dehydration

causes

- viral

-bacteria

-fungal

-allergy?

treatments

- saline rinses

- systemic antibiotics

- antibiotics in nebulizer (1/4 systemic antibiotic dose)