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Lizard Physical Examination (view source)
Revision as of 14:18, 2 November 2010
, 14:18, 2 November 2010no edit summary
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Consider examining in a quiet area; the use of the oculovagal reflex will allow for a more relaxed clinical examination.
Consider examining in a quiet area; the use of the [[Lizard_Handling_and_Restraint#Non-chemical_restraint_-_the_oculovagal_response|oculovagal reflex]] will allow for a more relaxed clinical examination.
==Skin==
==Skin==
[[Image:Lizard_dysecdysis.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Dysecdysis and retained skin on digits''' (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
[[Image:Lizard_dysecdysis.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Dysecdysis and retained skin on digits''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
Examine under a bright light and with a hand lens if necessary. A common problem is retained shed especially on the digits. This may cause [[Lizard Avascular Necrosis of Digits or Tail|avascular necrosis of the digits]].
Examine under a bright light and with a hand lens if necessary. A common problem is retained shed especially on the digits. This may cause [[Lizard Avascular Necrosis of Digits or Tail|avascular necrosis of the digits]].
Skin folding indicates dehydration, cachexia. Assessment of dehydration in reptiles is analogous to mammals. With 5-8% dehydration there is loss of skin elasticity with a wrinkled appearance. With more severe dehydration (10-15%) the eyes are sunken and the mucous membranes become dry and sticky (consider that the oral cavity of most reptiles is relatively dry compared with mammals).
Skin folding indicates dehydration, cachexia. Assessment of dehydration in reptiles is analogous to mammals. With 5-8% dehydration there is loss of skin elasticity with a wrinkled appearance. With more severe dehydration (10-15%) the eyes are sunken and the mucous membranes become dry and sticky (consider that the oral cavity of most reptiles is relatively dry compared with mammals).
'''For more information on lizard skin, see''' [[Lizard Integument|Lizard Integument]].
'''For more information on normal lizard skin anatomy, see''' [[Lizard Integument|Lizard Integument]].
Shedding is regular and generally occurs in a piecemeal fashion. It occurs about every 4 to 6 weeks, more often for younger animals during the peak growing seasons and more slowly during winter.
Shedding is regular and generally occurs in a piecemeal fashion. It occurs about every 4 to 6 weeks, more often for younger animals during the peak growing seasons and more slowly during winter.
'''For more information on lizard shedding, see''' [[Lizard Shedding|Lizard Shedding]].
'''For detailed information on shedding in lizards, see''' [[Lizard Shedding|Lizard Shedding]].
==Head==
==Head==
[[Image:Lizard_nares.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Nares of an iguana''' (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
[[Image:Lizard_nares.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Nares of an iguana''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:Lizard_tongue.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''The iguana tongue has a reddened split at the end of the tongue (here it is also forced to the left due to an oral granuloma)''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:Lizard_tongue.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''The iguana tongue has a reddened split at the end of the tongue (here it is also forced to the left due to an oral granuloma)''' (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
===Rostrum===
===Rostrum===
* Trauma and ulcerations due to repeat escape attempts are very common in [[Water Dragon|water dragons]].
* [[Lizard Rostral Abrasions|Trauma and ulcerations]] due to repeat escape attempts are very common in [[Water Dragon|water dragons]].
===Nares===
===Nares===
* Check the nares are patent and free of discharge (some iguanids excrete salt from nasal glands via the nares).
* Check the nares are patent and free of discharge (some iguanids excrete salt from nasal [[Salt gland|glands]] via the nares).
===Eyes===
===Eyes===
* The [[Lizard Eye|eyes]] should be clear and free of discharge.
* The [[Lizard Eye|eyes]] should be clear and free of discharge.
* The [[Lizard Eye|eyes]] should be bright and clear.
* The [[Lizard Eye|eyes]] should be bright and clear.
====Ophthalmologic Examination====
====Ophthalmologic Examination====
* Following a general assessment of the eye and associated structures (eyelids, tear film, globe), a more detailed examination should be performed using a form of focal illumination and a magnification system.
* Following a general assessment of the eye and associated structures (eyelids, tear film, globe), a more detailed examination should be performed using a form of focal illumination and a magnification system.
* Examination of the ocular fundus to assess the retina (fundoscopy) can be carried out using a direct or indirect ophthalmoscope.
* Examination of the ocular fundus to assess the retina (fundoscopy) can be carried out using a direct or indirect ophthalmoscope.
* [[Mydriatic|Mydriasis]] can be attempted either through general anaesthesia or intracameral injection of neuromuscular blocking agents such as curare or d-tubocurarine. These agents can also be applied topically; however their effectiveness may be affected by the variable corneal penetration of the drugs.
* [[Mydriatic|Mydriasis]] can be attempted either through general [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|anaesthesia]] or intracameral injection of neuromuscular blocking agents such as curare or d-tubocurarine. These agents can also be applied topically; however their effectiveness may be affected by the variable corneal penetration of the drugs.
* Other diagnostic tools, such as tonometry (measurement of the intraocular pressure), stains, cytology, bacteriology, histopathology and electron microscopy, in addition to routine diagnostic tools ([[Lizard and Snake Haemotology|haemotology]], [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|biochemistry]], [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiology and ultrasound]]) can also be used to detect an ocular disease or underlying problem in lizards.
* Other diagnostic tools, such as tonometry (measurement of the intraocular pressure), stains, cytology, bacteriology, histopathology and electron microscopy, in addition to routine diagnostic tools ([[Lizard and Snake Haemotology|haemotology]], [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|biochemistry]], [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiology and ultrasound]]) can also be used to detect an ocular disease or underlying problem in lizards.
'''For more information on the eye, see''' [[Lizard Eye|Lizard Eye]].
'''For more information on the anatomy of the lizard eye, see''' [[Lizard Eye|Lizard Eye]].
===Tympanum===
===Tympanum===
* Check that there is no abnormal swelling.
* Check that there is no abnormal swelling.
'''For more information on the lizard ear, see''' [[Lizard Ear|Lizard Ear]].
'''For more information on the anatomy of the lizard ear, see''' [[Lizard Ear|Lizard Ear]].
===Skull and mandible===
===Skull and mandible===
* Check that there is no abnormal swelling, bony masses, soft jaw bones (esp. MBD).
* Check that there is no abnormal swelling, bony masses, soft jaw bones (esp. [[Lizard Metabolic Bone Disease|MBD]]).
===Oral cavity===
===Oral cavity===
* Check for discharges and foreign body.
* Check for discharges and foreign body.
* Observe during respiration to differentiate between discharges originating from [[Lizard Respiratory System|respiratory]] or [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|GIT]].
* Observe during respiration to differentiate between discharges originating from [[Lizard Respiratory System|respiratory]] or [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|GIT]].
====Pharynx====
====Pharynx====
'''For information on the lizard's respiratory system, see''' [[Lizard Respiratory System|Lizard Respiratory System]].
'''For more information on the normal anatomy and physiology of the lizard's respiratory system, see''' [[Lizard Respiratory System|Lizard Respiratory System]].
'''For information on the lizard's sense of taste and smell, see''' [[Lizard Taste and Smell|Lizard Taste and Smell]].
'''For information on the lizard's sense of taste and smell, see''' [[Lizard Taste and Smell|Lizard Taste and Smell]].
==Temporomandibular joint==
==Temporomandibular joint==
[[Image:Lizard_stand.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''In a new area, such as a consulting room, a healthy lizard will stand so that it is supporting its bodyweight (for a quick getaway if an opening appears)''' (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
[[Image:Lizard_stand.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''In a new area, such as a consulting room, a healthy lizard will stand so that it is supporting its bodyweight (for a quick getaway if an opening appears)''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
* Check medial aspects for white deposits ([[Uric acid|uric acid]] deposits).
* Check medial aspects for white deposits ([[Uric acid|uric acid]] deposits).
* Decide if swellings are bone (fibrous periosteal reactions or fractures) or soft tissue (includes abscesses).
* Decide if swellings are bone (fibrous periosteal reactions or fractures) or soft tissue (includes abscesses).
* Flex and extend joints individually and assess for range of movement and pain.
* Flex and extend joints individually and assess for range of movement and pain.
* Check digits for retained skin and digital necrosis.
* Check digits for [[Lizard Dysecdysis|retained skin]] and [[Lizard Avascular Necrosis of Digits or Tail|digital necrosis]].
* Assess withdrawal reflex by pinching a digit.
* Assess withdrawal reflex by pinching a digit.
==Coelomic cavity (thorax/abdomen)==
==Coelomic cavity (thorax/abdomen)==
[[Image:Gecko_abdominal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Small lizards such as leopard geckos are delicately restrained for abdominal palpation.''' (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
[[Image:Gecko_abdominal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Small lizards such as leopard geckos are delicately restrained for abdominal palpation.''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
* Requires a silent examination area for auscultation. Place stethoscope ventrally between forelimbs or laterally in axilla region for heart and lateral thorax for lungs. A thin, damp cloth between stethoscope and scales aids auscultation. [[Lizard Cardiovascular Disease|Cardiovascular problems]] are not uncommon due to calcification of bronchi and [[Lizard Cardiovascular System|major arteries]].
* Requires a silent examination area for auscultation. Place stethoscope ventrally between forelimbs or laterally in axilla region for heart and lateral thorax for lungs. A thin, damp cloth between stethoscope and scales aids auscultation. [[Lizard Cardiovascular Disease|Cardiovascular problems]] are not uncommon due to calcification of bronchi and [[Lizard Cardiovascular System|major arteries]].
* Enlarged kidneys may be palpated by this method. Endoscopic examination should be considered.
* Enlarged kidneys may be palpated by this method. Endoscopic examination should be considered.
* Examine the tail for swellings, masses, tail tip necrosis and evidence of [[Autotomy|tail loss and regeneration]].
* Examine the tail for swellings, masses, tail tip necrosis and evidence of [[Autotomy|tail loss and regeneration]].
==Sexing==
==Sexing==
[[Image:Lizard_dimorphism.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Sexual dimorphism in ''Lacerta bilineata'' (male: left; female: right) ''' (Wikicommons)]]
[[Image:Lizard_dimorphism.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Sexual dimorphism in ''Lacerta bilineata'' (male: left; female: right) ''' (© Benchaum, Wikimedia Commons)]]
Gender identification in juvenile animals may be challenging; however, most lizard species display sexual dimorphism as adults.
Gender identification in juvenile animals may be challenging; however, most lizard species display sexual dimorphism as adults.
==Measurement==
==Measurement==
Carry out normal measurement procedures, such as rostrum to cloaca, cloaca to tail tip and weight.
Carry out normal measurement procedures, such as rostrum to [[Cloaca|cloaca]], [[Cloaca|cloaca]] to tail tip and weight.
[[Category:Lizard Examination|P]]
==Literature Search==
[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
<br><br><br>
[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118384.pdf '''Neurologic examination in reptiles - Part I: Cranial nerve examination.''' Bennett, R. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1766-1767 - '''Full Text Article''']
[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118385.pdf '''Neurologic examination in reptiles - Part II: Localizing neurologic dysfunction.''' Bennett, R. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1768-1769 - '''Full Text Article''']
[[Category:Lizard Examination|C]]