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Pet Health Articles

Reptiles & Amphibians

  • 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.

  • Amoxicillin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat certain bacterial infections in a variety of species. Common side effects include lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other penicillins, cephalosporins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics; do not use in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, or other small mammals.

  • Ampicillin is an antibacterial medication given by injection or by mouth and is used on or off label to treat certain infections. Side effects include allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset, and neurological signs when given in high doses. Ampicillin use is contraindicated in pets allergic to penicillins and in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, or hamsters. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Reptile pets benefit from yearly health examinations. Regular veterinary care, to prevent problems before they occur, is necessary to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life. Intestinal parasites and/or underlying health problems may only be identified by your veterinarian during a yearly exam.

  • Atropine ophthalmic (brand name Isopto Atropine) is an eye medication used to enlarge the pupil. It is used off label (extra label) only, in all veterinary species of animals. Atropine ophthalmic comes in a drop, solution, or ointment form, which is placed directly into the eye.

  • The axolotl is an amphibian that spends its entire life in the water. It is a type of salamander, but it has some fish-like features, including visible external gills and a paddle-like tail that it keeps its entire life. This handout summarizes housing, food, health guidelines for your pet axolotl.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they eat both plant and animal-based foods, including insects. A bearded dragon's diet should generally be 50% plant-based and 50% animal-based, although it varies depending on their age. This handout provides the information needed to feed your sugar glider a balanced and healthy diet.

  • Bearded dragons have specific environmental requirements to thrive as pets. This handout outlines their housing needs, including enclosure size, appropriate bedding, preferred accessories, and necessary lighting and temperature control.