Pet Health Articles
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Preparing your pet for a blood test helps to ensure that the results are as accurate and reliable as possible. Preparation for routine and special blood tests is slightly different. Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions before your appointment. It is important that you follow these instructions exactly to ensure accurate test results.
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Dystocia means difficulty giving birth or abnormal delivery. In reptiles that do not give live birth, dystocia may also be called egg binding or ovostasis. It is a relatively common problem in reptiles, and can be life-threatening. Any signs of abdominal swelling need attention.
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Swellings on or around the joints in reptiles can be an indication of uric acid deposits in the area. This condition is referred to as gout. Gout is often painful and may also affect internal organs. Treatment will require medications and sometimes surgery.
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Medications can do more harm than good if they are stored or administered incorrectly. Protect your family and pets by handling medications safely. Here are some best practices for medication safety.
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Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.
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Your pet's medical records provide a complete, organized history of their health. They include previous illnesses, test results, treatments, medications, and responses to treatment. This handout outlines why these records are so important for your pet's veterinary care.
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Silver sulfadiazine topical is an antimicrobial used to treat skin infections and burns in cats, dogs, and exotic pets. It is used off label in veterinary medicine. Silver sulfadiazine topical comes in a topical cream.
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Colubrids are snakes in the Colubridae family, the largest grouping of snakes. Most colubrid snakes are harmless, although they can all bite. Some colubrids are small, insectivorous species. Larger species include racers and indigo snakes. Most colubrid snakes sold at pet stores make excellent pets.
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While there are many species of pythons and boas, those noted here are among the easiest to keep. However, constrictor snakes, like the very large, reticulated python, can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced keeper, while others, such as the royal python, can be frustrating because of their long periods of not eating.
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Snakes are carnivores. Some eat warm-blooded prey (rodents, rabbits, birds), while others eat insects, amphibians, eggs, other reptiles, fish, earthworms, or slugs. This handout answers some common questions about feeding snakes.