Contributor: Eric Klaphake, DVM, DACZM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DABVP (Reptilian & Amphibian Practice)

Eric Klaphake, DVM, DACZM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice)

After having been in exotics/small animal practice for many years, Dr. Eric Klaphake is the Associate Veterinarian at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Eric is a Past-President of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. He serves as the Reptile-Amphibian American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Regent as well as Session Chair for the Reptile Sessions at the North American Veterinary Conference.

Quiz 

Five Common Reptile Emergencies Post Test

The Five Common Reptile Emergencies webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (R.A.C.E.) program for 1 hour of continuing education, in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB R.A.C.E. approval…

Article  Quiz  Video  Webinar 

Five Common Reptile Emergencies

View the recording of this webinar presented by Eric Klaphake, DVM, DACZM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian). This presentation explores five common reptile clinical presentations in detail: trauma, gastrointestinal foreign body, neurological deficits, respiratory difficulty, and reproductive problems.

Client Education Handout 

Egg Laying Problems

Reproductive problems are a common problem in many small pet bird species, particularly cockatiels, budgerigars parakeets, lovebirds, finches, and canaries. Use client education handout to briefly explain egg laying problems, from egg binding and egg yolk peritonitis to chronic egg laying to the companion parrot owner.

Client Education Handout 

Feather Picking

Feather picking is the most frustrating behavioral condition in pet birds from both the veterinarian’s and the owner’s perspective. This client education handout, donated by Dr. Eric Klaphake, explains that feather picking is a symptom and not a particular disease. Potential causes of feather picking are summarized and possible veterinary tests and treatment recommendations are listed.

Client Education Handout 

Cold Weather Tips for Exotic Animal Pets

While most exotic pets are housed indoors, there are still some key concepts to keep in mind when winter comes around. Donated by Dr. Eric Klaphake, this client education handout describes exotic pet housing, transport, and household hazards during cold weather months.

Client Education Handout 

Avian Polyomavirus Client Handout

Avian polyomavirus infection is a disease in psittacine birds or parrots of greatest concern in chicks. This client handout briefly explains this important disease from signs and transmission to diagnostic testing and control or prevention.

Client Education Handout 

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease

Donated by Dr. Eric Klaphake, this client education handout describes psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), an important disease of parrots. This handout discusses the cause of PBFD, bird species at greatest risk, transmission, as well as diagnosis or testing. Recommendations for removal of PBFD from a collection or aviary are also described.