| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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