Mark Mitchell

About

Mark Mitchell received his DVM degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MS in clinical epidemiology from the University of Illinois. He completed his Ph.D. in clinical epidemiology at Louisiana State University (LSU). Dr. Mitchell served as a member of the zoological medicine service at LSU and then served as a founding member of the zoological medicine service at the University of Illinois. He also served as the hospital director of the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. He now serves as the director of the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana. Dr. Mitchell is a past-president of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) and was the first recipient of the ARAV Excellence Award.

Topic: Reptiles

Avian/Exotics

Sunday, June 11, 2023

3:30 PM-4:20 PM

Sleepy Serpents: Anesthetic and Analgesic Considerations for Reptiles

Reptiles are presented to veterinarians for a range of maladies, many of which require sedation and/or anesthesia. Historically, anesthesia for reptiles was limited to a few anesthetics; however, there has been an increase in the evidence-based research used to provide safe sedation and anesthesia for reptiles. The purpose of this study is to review evidence-based research specific to reptile anesthesia and provide attendees those much-desired doses.

4:30 PM-5:20 PM

Making the Most from Hematologic and Biochemistry Data from Reptiles

Hematology and biochemistry data are commonly used in the practice of herpetological medicine; however, this data remains challenging to interpret because of our limited understanding of the differences between species, the sources of these parameters (e.g., tissue enzymes), and limited population-based references. The purpose of this presentation is to review the available evidence for understanding the values of these tests and affirm that not everything needs to be absolute to have value.

Monday, June 12, 2023

8:30 AM-9:20 AM

Why Am I So Thirsty? Understanding Dehydration and Fluid Therapy in Reptiles

Reptiles are frequently presented to veterinarians for chronic diseases. As a result of the chronicity of these cases, many of these patients are dehydrated. Dehydration can also occur in reptiles as a result of low moisture diets and inappropriate husbandry (low humidity). While identifying the degree of dehydration in reptiles is more challenging than in mammals, we can use evidence-based data to guide us in the care of these animals. The purpose of this presentation is to review the methods used to assess dehydration in reptiles, best fluid types for reptiles, and methods for replenishing fluids in these animals.

9:30 AM-10:20 AM

Ring the Dinner Bell! Evidence-Based Examples of Improving the Diets of Reptiles

Nutritional diseases remain a common but preventable problem for captive reptiles. Veterinarians can play an important role in ensuring their clients are educated regarding the specific dietary needs of their pets, but this requires veterinarians to understand how to determine specific diets have value. The purpose of this presentation is to review the evidence associated with captive reptile diets so that attendees can share this knowledge with their clients and increase their success.

10:30 AM-11:20 AM

It Takes More than a Fecal! Diagnosing and Managing Parasitic Diseases in Captive Reptiles

Parasitic diseases remain an important issue for both captive and wild caught reptiles. Unfortunately, our limited understanding of the life cycles of parasites can reduce our ability to effectively manage parasites in reptiles. The purpose of this presentation is to review some of the evidence-based research demonstrating why it is important to understand the life cycles of reptile parasites and the research evaluating different forms of treatment.

11:50 AM-12:40 PM

Getting Started on the Right Scale! Collecting the Best History and Physical Examination Data from Reptiles

The clinical history and physical examination are two of the most important tools available to the veterinarian seeing reptiles. Because many diseases of reptiles can be attributed to husbandry and diet, the clinical history is essential to identifying potential shortcomings in the care of these animals. A thorough physical examination is also an important diagnostic because it serves as the starting point for identifying a problem list, systems-based approach, differentials, and diagnostic/treatment plans. The purpose of this presentation is to review how the clinical history and physical examination can guide veterinarians and increase their success with their reptile patients.

12:50 PM-1:40 PM

These Be Dragons! Common Diseases of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona Vitticeps)

Bearded dragons remain one of the most popular pet reptiles because of their demeaner and ease of care. However, these animals are routinely presented to veterinarians for a number of different disease conditions, including those attributed to nutritional, infectious, and parasitic diseases. The purpose of this presentation is to provide a review of the husbandry and nutritional needs of these animals, review common infectious and parasitic diseases, and discuss different treatment options for bearded dragons.