Deciphering Medicalese
Your veterinarian wants to keep your pet healthy and the fact is that people who are better informed take better care of their pets. Do not be overwhelmed by “medicalese”. Try your best to understand this foreign language and if you cannot quite decipher it, ask your veterinarian to speak more plainly.
Bearded Dragons – Owning
Bearded dragons are well-known small to medium-sized lizards. They are currently considered one of the most popular pet lizards for all ages. Owners often refer to their pets as ‘beardies’. This handout explains how they differ from other pets and provides tips for selecting a healthy beardie to keep as your pet.
Bearded Dragons – Housing
Bearded dragons have specific environmental requirements to thrive as our pets. This handout outlines their housing needs, including enclosure size, appropriate bedding, preferred accessories, and necessary lighting and temperature control.
Bearded Dragons – Diseases
If they are well looked after, including proper diet and husbandry, bearded dragons are reasonably hardy animals. Common health conditions of pet bearded dragons include CANV, atadenovirus, metabolic bone disease, parasites, infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), and respiratory infections. Any change from normal is cause for concern and should be immediately evaluated by your veterinarian.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is an oral medication typically used to prevent uric acid and calcium oxalate stones in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat leishmaniasis and gout in dogs and other species. Side effects are uncommon but may involve stomach upset. Caution must be taken when allopurinol is used in conjunction with certain other medications. It should not be used in pets with liver or kidney dysfunction or in red-tailed hawks.
Iguanas: Problems
Taking your pet to the vet can be a stressful experience, both for you and your furry friend. Pets often feel anxious due to unfamiliar environments, strange smells, and new faces. To ease this anxiety, start by familiarizing them with the car and the carrier well before the visit. Practice taking short, non-stressful car rides, and allow them to explore the carrier at home with treats or toys inside. You can also use calming sprays or treats to soothe their nerves on the day of the visit.
Box Turtles: Problems
Box turtles can be very fairly easy to care for type of turtle. It needs to be mentioned that there are several medical conditions that are known with box turtle ownership. Every box turtle owner should be aware that any swelling, change in energy level or food intake needs veterinary attention relatively soon.
Bearded Dragons – Problems
Bearded dragons are susceptible to several health problems; understanding them will help you prevent them from occurring in your pet and know when to seek veterinary attention. Problems described in this handout include salmonellosis, avascular necrosis, tail rot, abscesses, and dystocia (egg binging).
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is given by mouth or injection and is used off-label to treat certain anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections and gastrointestinal conditions in dogs, cats, and other animals. Give as directed. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, regurgitation, decreased appetite, tiredness, and drooling. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are debilitated, or are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
The Importance of Sharing Medical Records
Complete and accurate medical records are like a medical diary for your pet. The ability to review your pet’s medical history before the first appointment will allow your new veterinarian to provide exceptional care that is tailored and timely. You can request that your previous veterinary clinic send your pet’s records to your new veterinarian.