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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 

metabolic/secondary hyperparathyroidism

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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

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 

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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

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symptoms

-muscle loss (weight loss)

-anorexia

-vague, non-specific "quiet"

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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

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condition - renal disease

causes

-inappropriate diet (high protein and mineral)

-cystitis 

-urolithiasis

-dehydration? 

-likely more contributing factors

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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

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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

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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  

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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 

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signs & symptoms

  weight loss 

  dyspnea

  nasal discharge

 dehydration

 causes​

- viral

-bacteria

-fungal

-allergy?

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treatments

- saline rinses

- systemic antibiotics

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

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