Reptile Vs Pet: A Basic Understanding Of The Differences
If you’re a reptile pet owner who lives a healthy lifestyle, your pet should not require visiting the vet quite often. As with human beings, reptile pets should not be subjected to long-term illnesses or serious injuries. In fact, they have very low tolerance for pain and are quite capable of healing themselves without any external assistance. Still, even your reptile might become ill and need to visit the doctor. And that is where your reptile vet plays an important role.
The first step your herp vet will take is examining the snake in detail. They will check its skin for rashes, lumps, skin lesions and warts, determine if it has any tumors or any other abnormal appearances, check its breathing and heart rate, and check for signs of infection or any physical damage. The herp vet might also do a skin scrape and send it to a lab for confirmation. Once your snake has been properly examined and found to be healthy, your herp vet will probably give it an examination by pointing a flashlight into its eyes, a process called “light exposure”.
When dealing with reptiles, exotic pets must be treated as such. A regular glass of tap water is ideal for them. A bath of warm water mixed with halfhearted salt water is a commonly used treatment. Your reptile vet will prescribe either a spray or a solution, perhaps with mineral oil or a carrier oil, applied directly to the reptile’s bottom and all over. This is to keep the reptile clean and prevent it from being contaminated with dirt and other potentially harmful substances.
Your reptile vet might recommend a course of antibiotics if the ailment is serious or if your pet’s health is fragile. Antibiotics should only be given after your herp and/or reptile are testing negative for parasites. Some forms of prescription medications for these animals are not compatible with all kinds of reptile medicine. Your veterinarian will most likely advise you to use a different brand, or may refer you to someone who can.
Sometimes reptiles do not respond well to conventional drugs and treatments. In these cases your veterinary surgeon will most likely attempt to do whatever is necessary to achieve the best results, including giving your reptile IV fluids, blood transfusions, and possibly surgery. Common procedures for reptile emergencies include skull removal and chipped teeth extraction. In some severe cases, like internal bleeding and tumors, surgical removal is required. These are all extreme measures that should only be considered on a case by case basis with the advice and supervision of your trusted veterinarian.
Another important part of reptile and herpet veterinary care involves keeping your pet reptile in good health. Proper diet, with fresh greens, fruits, and vegetables will ensure they stay healthy and disease free. Water will also play a key role in keeping them hydrated. Water bowls should be changed at regular intervals to prevent spoilage. Remember that even reptiles that live in the wild require access to water, so having a constant supply on hand is imperative.
You might be tempted to bring your pet reptile home the first time you see him or her, but it is a better idea to have an initial exam to be sure you understand reptile nutrition and how to provide it correctly. A visit to a local veterinary clinic is recommended for routine exams and to confirm whether treatment is necessary. Dr. Chris is the local veterinarian that many people trust with their reptiles. He has many years of experience in this field and provides a very friendly, caring atmosphere to his patients. He specializes in all aspects of reptile and herpet veterinary care and can probably be contacted for advice or help with basic questions about reptile care.
reptile veterinarians can make reptile and herpet vet care seem complex and confusing to beginning owners, but they are easy to work with and are there to be supportive. You must feel comfortable with the doctor and willing to follow his/her instructions, or you will not reap the rewards of good quality reptile and herpet veterinary care. It is better to be overly concerned with the financial costs of routine care and not worry so much about giving your pets the best care possible. The money you spend will pay off in the long run. reptile pets are sometimes referred to as “the gemstone family” because of their beauty and longevity.
