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Reptiles & Amphibians

  • If your pet had an emergency crisis, how would you manage it? Ask your veterinary hospital how they handle after-hour emergencies. Use this handout to help you plan ahead and be prepared in the event of a pet health emergency.

  • 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).

  • Telehealth is a broad term that refers to the use of telecommunications to provide health-related services. Telehealth services can be delivered by a variety of methods including telephone, text messaging, internet chat, and videoconferencing. Telehealth, including teletriage and telemedicine, can supplement in-person care and can provide a safe and practical method of receiving some veterinary care during times of physical or social distancing.

  • Voriconazole is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat fungal infections in dogs, cats, horses, birds, and reptiles. Side effects are not well-known but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite.

  • Prednisone/prednisolone is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat Addison’s disease, inflammatory conditions, neoplasia (cancer), and immune-mediated diseases. Give this medication as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Ponazuril is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat protozoal parasites in several animal species. Side effects are uncommon but may include soft stools.

  • Marbofloxacin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat certain bacterial infections including leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, and hemoplasmosis. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.

  • 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.

  • Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for its sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant properties. It is primarily used as a sedative before surgery and to stop seizures. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in animals. This medication is a controlled substance primarily given via injection by your veterinary team, though it may be prescribed to your pet for intranasal or intrarectal administration at home.

  • Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various forms of cancer and solid tumors in animals. It is prescribed off-label for use in dogs, horses, birds, and reptiles. It should not be used in cats due to potentially fatal side effects. Cisplatin is administered by injection, typically IV into the vein, by trained veterinary staff.