a network of sloth experts dedicated to improving the outcomes for sloths in-care worldwide
a network of experts dedicated
to improving the outcomes for Choloepus sloths
in-care worldwide
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common heath FAQ
additional info available to licensed veterinarians only by password, please email debjanedial@gmail.com if you are a veterinarian with a sloth case and need the password. Thanks- Deb
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condition - Choloepus metabolic conditions
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"
"the animal misses the perch when climbing"
causes
-dietary calcium/phosphorous excess
- renal
- parathyroid or related hormone
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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
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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
choloepus medical in care
Choloepus seem to be sensitive levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
condition- renal disease
treatments
-immediate diet correction by expert (vet, nutritionist etc)
-carefully monitor labs, PLEASE GET SDMA
-fluids, supportive care, evaluate cause
-minimize risk for falls etc while in tx
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signs & symptoms
metabolic disorder (tremors, ataxia etc)
weakness
anorexia
mineralization
causes​
nutrition- high protein/minerals, cystitis
urolithiasis
condition- dysbiosis
signs & symptoms
poor quality/poor scoring fecal and/or diarrhea
hyporexia - anorexia
dehydration
causes​
- inappropriate diet
- inappropriate temps for digestion
- parasitic, bacterial, viral
- acidosis
- secondary to systemic process
- secondary to antibiotic use
- stress
- gi ulcers
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diagnostics
-labs cbc/chem electrolytes, calcium, PTH
-fecal
-radiographs, ultrasound, advanced imaging
-detailed husbandry history from client including wild caught vs
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treatments
e-tube placement for severely compromised animals, animals with diarrhea must receive aggressive supportive care
hydration
corrective measure if husbandry related (nutrition/temp)
treatments for parasitic etc if found on diagnostics
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diagnostics
-bloodwork including pth/calcium BUN/CREATINE CAN APPEAR NORMAL UNTIL
DISEASE IS ADVANCED. PLEASE GET SDMA & REPORT #'s to SOS W/ LABS
TO HELP DEFINE IF THIS IS APPROPRIATE FOR EARLY DETECTION
-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
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