Reptiles and amphibians are a group of very extraordinary pets. I have an intimate knowledge of their needs, physiology and health of a wide variety of species. Regardless of the species you decide to get, an initial examination of your species by me should be part of your research process. I can get you started on the right track and make sure that your newest family addition is and will remain healthy. For those species that have been with you for a while, I hope they remain healthy and strong, but should they fall ill, I have the facility to deal with them, and many of the tests, procedures or treatments available to other animals are also available to your reptile or amphibian.
Turtles and tortoises
Regardless if they are aquatic or terrestrial, nutrition and environmental related disorders and diseases are common in turtles and tortoises. Setting up a consultation is your first and best step in preventing these problems and keeping your turtle or tortoise healthy. I am also skilled in treating these problems should they develop, and can offer advice and medication to prevent further development of problems.
When kept and fed correctly, many turtles can live up to 25 years or more and many tortoises can live significantly longer then that. Unfortunately, many never live to their full capacity as problems are missed or initial information many owners receive may be flawed. Any changes in behaviour, appetite, appearance or energy may be a sign of underlying illness. Should you notice any of these or other changes to your turtle or tortoise, you should arrange for me to come and evaluate their health.
Snakes
Snakes can suffer from a variety of diseases, some of which can cause serious respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin problems. They also commonly harbour internal and external parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, mites and ticks.
I recommend that you have an initial examination so I can make sure it’s healthy. If your snake needs future veterinary attention, I will also have a baseline to compare against. Although snakes don’t need vaccinations, they can benefit from routine examinations. Annual veterinary visits can even help your snake live longer.
I am happy to share my specialized knowledge of appropriate enclosures, temperature and humidity, lighting, substrates (ground covering), cleaning, and skin shedding. Besides having feeding requirements that are species specific, snakes can become stressed and may not eat. If this happens, please contact me so I can help.
A healthy snake should flick its tongue and be alert and active, showing interest in its environment; its scales should be smooth and dry. Call me immediately if you notice any of the following signs of illness: vomiting or regurgitation, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or weight, weakness or loss of energy, wheezing, mucus or bubbling around the nostrils, changes around the mouth (inflammation, purplish-red spots, dry and diseased tissue) and changes in the skin (reddening, slow-healing sores, swelling, discharge), or if your snake starts behaving different then they normally do.
Lizards
There are a wide variety of lizards available in the pet trade market. They come in all sizes, from several feet long monitors and iguanas to tiny sized geckos. Some, like the bearded dragons, are very common, while others are more difficult to find. Their diets range greatly from strict vegetarians to complete carnivores and everything in between. Some are hardy and make great pets for beginners, while others are challenging even for the experienced reptile owners. All rely on specific environmental requirements to maintain optimal health. Ensuring this fine balance of all these factors can sometimes be a tricky and daunting task. I am experienced and knowledgeable and can educate and offer you guidance, and can help identify deficiencies that might lead to health concerns and set you on the path to maintaining a healthy lizard, regardless of which type you have.
Nutrition and environmental related disorders and diseases are the most common problems seen in lizards. These problems may not start manifesting themselves for months or even years, at which time they may become life threatening. Intestinal parasites are also common in lizards, especially those eating live pray such as crickets or other insects. I can help you avoid these problems. An initial check-up for new lizards followed by regular physical and fecal examinations once a year, can help identify current or potential medical problems and, if necessary, begin treatment.
Call me to set up an examination so I can discuss how to help keep your lizard healthy. In addition, I can provide you with information on appropriate enclosures, specific environmental requirements, sanitation and disease prevention.