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Why Take Your Pet to the Vet?

You just brought home your new iguana and he looks great. You did all the research, set up the perfect terrarium and stocked up on everything he may need. So why does he need to go to the veterinarian for a check up? Because he probably wasn't treated nearly as well as you're treating him while he was being raised and held at the pet shop. "Lizard mills" exist just like puppy mills and the chances are good that your pet has been exposed to some pretty horrific bacterial organisms. He may also be dehydrated, underweight and infected with parasites. It can take a while for you to notice the signs and symptoms of illness in your pet. A reptile and amphibian vet can assess his overall health and help you get your pet on track if he needs care.

Finding the Right Veterinarian

The key to getting good veterinary care for your reptile or amphibian is to find a veterinarian who specializes in herpetology. That's not easy to find in every city and town but it's important. During your first visit, the vet will look for signs of protozoan or parasitic infection, limb or bone problems, respiratory infection, signs of calcium deficiency or abnormal color changes. Be prepared to ask lots of questions and find out what the procedure is for emergency medical care, should your pet require it.