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The 2008 Presidential Candidates--And Their Pets
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Jiminy Crickets! (A Dehydrated Gecko)It was already late in the day and appointments at the clinic were winding down. The technician Debbie and I had just completed the evening treatments when the receptionist Rebecca burst forth through the swinging door to the treatment area: “Hey doc, will you see a dehydrated gecko?” she asked. Red-Eared Slider TurtlesIn the 60’s and early 70’s turtles were the most popular reptile species kept by hobbyist. The red-eared slider, a native of the southern United States, was the most popular of all the turtles. Metabolic Bone Disease in Lizards, Iguanas, and Other ReptilesBone is composed of a tough organic matrix that is greatly strengthened by deposits of calcium salts. The average compact bone contains approximately 30% matrix and 70% salts by weight. Burns in ReptilesThe most common type of burns seen in captive reptiles are thermal and are usually attributed to an abnormally hot heat source, one from which the animal cannot escape. Captive reptiles should always be provided a basking spot, but the enclosure should be large enough that the reptile may retreat to cooler areas if and when the radiating heat becomes too intense. Bites from Reptile PreyBite wounds most commonly occur in reptiles when live rodents are left in cages with a reptile that does not want to eat the rodent, regardless of the reason. The rodent will then often gnaw on the reptile. |
Rose Hair Tarantulas or Chilean Rose HairCapable of calmly walking over the hands of screaming, squirrelly kids without being fazed, the Chilean rose hair or rose hair tarantula (Grammastola rosea) is one of the calmest and hardiest tarantulas in the pet trade. This particular spider can be a wonderful ambassador to introduce people to the wonderful world of invertebrates (animals without a backbone). Leopard Geckos: Starter Herps for the Beginning HobbyistOne of the easiest starter herps for beginning hobbyist is the Leopard gecko. One of the most primitive lizards alive today, the leopard geckos hails from western India, south-eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan. Will Constrictors be Added to the Lacey Act?The US Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing available biological and economic information on constrictor snakes in Python, Boa, and Eunectes (Latin for Anaconda) genera for possible addition to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. An injurious wildlife listing would prohibit the importation into, or transportation between, States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the Unites States by any means, without a permit. Mouth Rot or Infectious Stomatitis in ReptilesInflammation of the tissues in the mouth is defined as infectious stomatitis, more commonly known as mouth rot. The initiating cause may be stress or trauma, both of which lead to an infection of the oral cavity by opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. Humidity Control is Essential with Amphibians and ReptilesCollectors of reptiles and amphibians need to replicate the natural environment of their pets as close as possible. Humidity is an essential ingredient in the creation of a natural setting. |