The most important thing we can ever do for your reptile is a regular examination and routine testing. We can collect stool and respiratory samples to test for parasites and protozoal and bacterial infections. We can collect blood samples to help piece together a better picture of the pet’s health. Blood tests can detect infection, identify organ illness, assess the pet’s nutritional status, and uncover the reasons for abnormal behaviors.
X-rays are extremely useful in diagnosing skeletal abnormalities (fracture, infection, Metabolic Bone Disease), respiratory diseases (pneumonia), digestive tract abnormalities (impaction, obstruction, foreign material), and reproductive issues (egg production, egg binding).
We apply the principles of excellent medical care to reptile species across the board. In the thin, weak, or dehydrated patient, we administer injectable fluids by intravenous, intracoelomic, or subcutaneous routes. These are the same electrolyte solutions administered to mammals (like us). Depending on the needs of the patient, this is performed on an outpatient or an inpatient basis. Reptiles are capable of going for very long periods without eating. That does not mean they do not need nutrition, rather feeding them is critical to their recovery. We have special diets that are species specific which can be fed through a feeding tube directly into the reptile’s stomach.
You might have heard of blood poisoning or sepsis and felt a cold chill hoping this never happens to you. Unfortunately, for reptiles in captivity, the progression from minor wound to sepsis can happen very rapidly. In any sick or debilitated reptile, there is a risk of sepsis occurring at any time. Sepsis can be hard to spot, but it does leave clues and, whenever we suspect it, we administer potent systemic antibiotics by injectable and/or oral routes. Antibiotics are used for local infections, respiratory infections including tracheitis and pneumonia, and bone infections.
The last thing a sick reptile needs is a parasite creating a drag on immune system performance and metabolism. Dewormings are commonly administered for specific or supportive therapy.
We clean up wounds, clean out absesses, and remove pieces of dead bone or tissue to speed up the healing process. We treat sinus infections with flushes, pneumonia with nebulization, and otitis media with surgery. We discuss nutrition and husbandry as much and as often as we need to in order to help create the best environment for the reptile. We even do nail trims and beak trims (turtles). We perform anesthesia and surgery on all species of reptiles. We treat reproductive abnormalities and normalities, and yes, we treat Metabolic Bone Disease. You can find reptiles in our exam rooms and our ICU. It is our commitment to continue to provide excellent medical and surgical care for these species.
Peace of Mind
