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Reptiles & Amphibians

Reptiles and amphibians are often misunderstood animals. They require very specific environmental conditions and do not show emotions or signs of pain well. Catherine has a wealth of experience with keeping and treating a variety of reptile and amphibian species.

When it comes to the care of these animals husbandry is often pivotal, so we would ask that when you book an appointment you bring with you details of their environment such as temperatures, light provision(including brand of bulb and output), diet and supplements. This may include pictures of their set up.

Intestinal parasites are a frequent problem in many of these species. Where possible we would advise you bring a faecal sample with you to your first appointment. We like the sample to be as fresh as possible and can be brought in any clean tub, jar, pot or bag.

Most reptiles need to be kept warm at all times. This can be a problem on the journey to the vets. To help to keep them warm you can use hot water bottles, hand warmers, rubber gloves filled with hot water etc. On cold days it is also advisable to ensure the car is warmed up and temperatures kept up during the journey. If you require top ups for hot water bottles etc whilst in the practice please ask.

Read some of our case studies about reptiles & amphibians

  • Shelly the tortoise has major surgery

    13/09/2015 20:10 by Mrs Catherine Thomas
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    Shelly the tortoise is an old lady and when she started slowing down a bit at first her owner didn't think much of it. But Shelly had quite a serious condition called follicular stasis. She needed major surgery to treat the problem.
  • Fred the egg bound corn snake

    22/01/2015 21:19 by Mrs Catherine Thomas
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    Fred was initially thought to be a male. But one day his owner's noticed the sudden appearance of a pile of eggs in his enclosure and some swellings just before his cloaca. Fred's owners soon realised that Fred would need to be changed to Fredrica. Read more details of what happened to Fred here.
  • Turbo the constipated Sulcata

    27/10/2014 08:46 by Mrs Catherine Thomas
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    Turbo the Sulcata tortoise was brought in because he appeared to be constipated. X-rays showed us what the problem was. Read the details of Turbo's treatment here and see the pictures of what we got out of him.
  • Sookie the tortoise with severe metabolic bone disease

    21/10/2014 07:44 by Mrs Catherine Thomas
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    Sookie is a one and a half year old tortoise with severe metabolic bone disease. This case study has been written to warn other tortoise owners and hopefully prevent other tortoises from ending up like this.
  • Skittle's surgery is a success

    11/09/2014 22:54 by Mrs Catherine Thomas
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    Skittle, the Leopard Gecko developed a problem when her owner's were away on holiday. Fortunately after a visit to see Catherine, surgery and a course of antibiotics Skittle is now doing well.
  • Jasper the Tortoise

    30/06/2014 20:17 by Mrs Catherine Thomas
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    Jasper was brought to see Catherine last year when he woke up from hibernation and his owner noticed that he wasn't his usual self.