Article  Webinar 

Reptile and Amphibian Imaging

Elizabeth M. Rush, DVM, DACZM will present this live, interactive webinar, with RACE approval pending for 1 credit hour. Dr. Rush will first review the standard orthogonal views in these species as well as positioning and techniques, including the use of gastrointestinal (GI) contrast. Normal radiographic anatomy will be reviewed in each taxonomic group, before discussing some common pathological conditions.

Elizabeth Marie Rush, DVM, DACZM

Marie Rush has been a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine since 2013. Since 2015, she has worked in telemedicine and diagnostic imaging interpretation for Antech Imaging Services, where she specializes in zoo, wildlife, and exotic animal species. Dr. Rush has also served as an Associate Professor for St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine since 2009 and a senior research fellow at the Windward Islands Research & Education

Quiz 

The Critical Reptile Patient Post-Test

“The Critical Reptile Patient” was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education, in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this brief post-test and pass. Upon passing the quiz, you will view your results and a link for download of your continuing education certificate.

Article  Webinar 

Amphibian Medicine

Gregory Lewbart, MS, VMD, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM) will present this live, interactive, 1-hour webinar, hosted by LafeberVet. Amphibians are a fascinating and extremely important taxonomic group of animals. Amphibians are valued as environmental sentinels, biomedical research subjects, public display animals, private pets, and even as a human food source. Class Amphibia is divided into three orders and 75 families, containing 8,530 species. This live webinar event will focus on anatomic and physiologic characteristics shared by this diverse group as well as important disease conditions.

Gregory Lewbart, MS, VMD, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM)

Greg Lewbart earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology from Gettysburg College in 1981, a Master of Science in biology with a concentration in marine biology from Northeastern University in 1985, and his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. Greg worked for a large wholesaler of ornamental fishes before joining the faculty at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993, where he serves as a Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife and Zoological Medicine and an Assistant Clinical Sciences Department Head. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine and the European College of Zoological Medicine in Zoo Health Management…

Quiz 

2024 Spotlight on Anesthesia and Analgesia in Reptiles Post-Test

The “2024 Spotlight on Anesthesia & Analgesia in Reptiles” was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education, in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this brief post-test and pass. Upon passing the quiz, you will view your results and a link for download of your continuing education certificate.

Sarah Ozawa, DVM, DACZM presents exotic animal ophthalmology cases to the University of Illinois Non-Traditional Species Club

The Lafeber Company Student Program supports the growth of zoological medicine in veterinary medical schools by sponsoring speakers and other educational events.

Article  Video  Webinar 

The Critical Reptile Patient

Stacey Leonatti Wilkinson, DVM, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice) presented the continuing education webinar “The Critical Reptile Patient: Physical Examination, Triage, and Stabilization”. A common misconception is that true emergencies in reptile medicine do not exist. While it is true that most emergencies are an acute manifestation of a chronic disease, by the time the owner notices a problem an emergency may exist. Some common, true, acute-onset emergencies include trauma, vomiting, prolapse, seizures, tremors, obstructive dystocia, and severe dyspnea. Proper triage is critical when treating exotic animal patients and a complete history is vital to help determine a list of differential diagnoses. A physical examination should be performed, but initially it may be only visual or extremely limited if the patient is unstable. Stabilization should be the priority, then additional tests or procedures can be performed once the patient is more stable.

Avian Nutrition: Practical Applications

Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) presented this talk for the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Avian & Exotics Club as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. This recording was created for students unable to attend the live event.

Stacey Leonatti Wilkinson, DVM, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice)

Stacey Wilkinson earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She became board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in reptile and amphibian practice in 2013. Dr. Wilkinson worked as an associate veterinarian in Raleigh, North Carolina from 2006-2015. She then left North Carolina in 2015 to found the first hospital on the Georgia coast exclusively dedicated to the care of exotic pets, the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Georgia. Dr. Wilkinson is also an…

Quiz 

Herptile Handling Teaching Module Quiz

The Herptile Handling & Restraint Teaching Module was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1/2 hour of continuing education, in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.

Article  Teaching Module 

Herptile Handling Teaching Module

LafeberVet’s Herptile Handling Teaching Module is RACE-approved for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Upon completion of this learning aid, the participant will have a basic clinical understanding of handling and restraint for amphibians, lizards, snakes, and chelonians. This content can serve as a clinical refresher or a teaching aid. Complete the four components of this syllabus, then take the brief quiz to earn one half hour of continuing education credit.

Article  Quiz  Video  Webinar 

Spotlight on Anesthesia & Analgesia in Reptiles

View the RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Javier Nevarez, DVM, PhD, DACZM, DECZM (Herpetology). The live event was an updated version of his 2016 presentation. Topics covered include recognizing signs of pain and discomfort, analgesics commonly used in reptiles, as well as balanced anesthetic protocols. Since a key component of successful anesthesia and analgesia is the ability to properly monitor the patient, essential monitoring parameters and equipment are also discussed. This presentation concludes with a review of respiratory stimulus in the reptile and anesthetic recovery.

Article 

Amphibian Handling and Restraint

Part of the Herptile Handling Teaching Module, this review article addresses handling and restraint of amphibians, a diverse group that consists of over 8,000 extant species belonging to three orders: Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata or Urodela (salamanders, newts, and sirens), and Gymnophiona or Apoda (caecilians). Transport, defense mechanisms that may prove hazardous to handlers, potential dangers for the patient, and specific capture, handling, and restraint techniques are reviewed. Equipment needed, including personal protective equipment, is also discussed as well as measures to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.

Quiz 

Test Your Knowledge: HPAI

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza webinar course was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit, in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. Complete the brief quiz and download your continuing education certificate.

Colin McDermott, VMD, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice), CertAqV

Colin McDermott lives and works in Hong Kong, where he serves as a veterinary surgeon at Zodiac Pet and Exotic Animal Hospital and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences of City University. Dr. McDermott earned his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. He completed a 2-year specialty internship at the University of Pennsylvania followed by a fellowship in aquarium science and veterinary medicine at the National Aquarium…

Quiz 

Test Your Knowledge: Chelonian Shell Repair

The Chelonian Shell Repair webinar course was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit, in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval.

Article  Video  Webinar 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Victoria Hall, DVM, MS, DACVPM presented this RACE-approved webinar. This distance-learning event provided a brief overview of avian influenza viruses before delving into the details of the current highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak. Dr. Hall then discussed the experience at The Raptor Center, located at the University of Minnesota, from outbreak response and epidemiology to clinical picture and management.

Victoria Hall, DVM, MS, DACVPM

Victoria Hall is the Executive Director of The Raptor Center and the Redig Endowed Faculty Chair in Raptor and Ecosystem Health at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Hall earned her Doctorate in 2014 and a Master of Science (Veterinary Preventive Medicine) in 2015 from Mississippi State University. She is also a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Dr. Hall has a strong background in One Health, serving as the first veterinary epidemiologist for the National Zoo and a public health officer for the Smithsonian Institution’s COVID-19 response…

Quiz 

Test Your Knowledge: Avian Anesthesia – Practical Applications

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Article  Webinar 

Chelonian Shell Repair

J. Jill Heatley, MS, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice, Reptile & Amphibian Practice), DACZM presented a live, interactive webinar, RACE-approved for 1 credit hour and hosted by LafeberVet. This distance-learning event compared and contrasted multiple shell repair techniques. Additional topics reviewed included wound management, shell preparation, and fixator removal.

Article  Video  Webinar 

Avian Anesthesia: Practical Applications

Jody Nugent-Deal, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia), VTS (Exotic Companion Animal) presented this RACE-approved webinar recording. This distance-learning event first reviews avian anatomy and physiology, emphasizing clinically relevant ways that birds differ from mammals. This course also goes over anesthesia monitoring equipment and what actually works on birds, as well as machine and basic equipment set-up. She concludes with a discussion of common anesthetic protocols used in avian patients. View the recording, then complete (and pass) the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.

Kay Backues, DVM, DACZM

Kay Backues is the Director of Animal Health at Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Backues has practiced general zoo medicine at Tulsa Zoo since 1998. Dr. Backues is also an adjunct assistant professor at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

Article 

Raptor Anatomy Fundamentals

Veterinary health professionals may be presented with raptors or birds of prey from the wild or those held for education, research, captive breeding, or falconry. If you are comfortable with the basics of avian anatomy and physiology, then you are well on your way to understanding raptors. However, this taxonomic group has many unique anatomic and physiologic adaptations that allow these birds to pursue and catch prey, including flight, beak, and talon modifications. The following collection of raptor
anatomy and physiology facts should serve the reader well during physical examination, clinical care, and/or necropsy.

Article  Teaching Module 

Avian Anatomy Teaching Module

An understanding of avian anatomy is essential for all facets of medical care. This RACE-approved teaching module is based on completion a reading assignment, which begins with a brief summary of Class Aves before exploring organ systems. Important vocabulary terms and key concepts are emphasized. Upon completion of this review article, the participant will have a basic clinical understanding of avian anatomy.

Article 

Waterfowl Anatomy & Physiology Basics

Waterfowl belong to Order Anseriformes. Virtually all anseriforms belong to family Anatidae, which consists of ducks, geese, and swans. If you are comfortable with psittacine anatomy and physiology, then many features of waterfowls will be familiar. LafeberVet has listed twelve interesting and clinically significant facts about waterfowl…

Quiz 

Avian Anatomy Teaching Module Quiz

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2023 T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year

Twenty-one exceptional avian veterinarians from all around the world were nominated for the 2023 T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year. The independent Selection Committee narrowed this list to three finalists and the 2023 T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year, Dr. Michelle Hawkins, was announced during the Plenary Session at the 2023 ExoticsCon.

Article 

Raptor Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Physiology

Raptors are a diverse group of birds consisting of three taxonomic orders: Strigiformes (owls), Falconiformes (falcons and caracaras), and Accipitriformes (hawks, eagles, and remaining families). Although the normal diet of free-living raptors varies considerably among species, all raptors hunt and feed on other animals. Meat and fish-eaters possess unique gastrointestinal characteristics that reflect their predatory lifestyle. This review article begins with unique features of the bill and oropharynx, then describes distinctive features of gastrointestinal tract before concluding with pellet formation and egestion and digestive strategies.

Article 

Passerine Anatomy & Physiology Basics

Perching birds or songbirds belong to order Passeriformes, which makes up the largest taxonomic group of birds. Passeriforms make up nearly 60% of all birds with over 5,000 species belonging to this group. If you are comfortable with psittacine anatomy and physiology, then you are well on your way to understanding passerines. LafeberVet has listed ten interesting, clinically significant facts about passerine anatomy and physiology…

Article 

Pigeon Anatomy & Physiology: 15 Facts

Although pigeons and doves are a diverse group of birds, they do share some clinically significant anatomy and physiology, including a large, bilobed crop or ingluvies, crop milk production, as well as a vascular plexus found in the subcutis of pigeons. This post also touches on specialized anatomic features unique to fruit pigeons before summarizing some features of the columbid integumentary system, musculoskeletal system, and urogenital tract.

Article 

Galliform Anatomy Basics

Order Galliformes is a large, diverse taxonomic group with a worldwide distribution. More than 250 species have a chicken-like appearance and short, rounded wings. LafeberVet has listed twelve interesting and clinically significant facts about galliform anatomy and physiology including important vocabulary terms.

Article 

Avian Anatomy and Physiology Basics

This article is the focus of LafeberVet’s Avian Anatomy Teaching Module, which is RACE-approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit. This review begins with a brief summary of Class Aves before exploring various organ systems. Important vocabulary terms and key concepts are emphasized throughout the text. The reader should have a basic understanding of mammalian anatomy. Birds are quite different both structurally and functionally when compared to mammals, therefore comparisons are frequently drawn between these two taxonomic groups. Since form follows function, descriptions of avian anatomy will also merge into physiology and other life sciences, where appropriate. Clinically relevant information and additional resources on LafeberVet are also highlighted.

Quiz 

Post-Test: Clinical Approach to Avian Feather Destructive Behavior

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Patricia Macwhirter BVSc (Hons), PhD, FANZCVS

Pat Macwhirter is the co-owner of Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Macwhirter earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with honors from the University of Sydney University. She then completed an internship and fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, before returning to Australia in 1980 where she opened Burwood Bird and Animal Hospital…

Quiz 

Test Your Knowledge: GnRH Agonists in Avian Practice

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Article  Quiz  Video  Webinar 

Clinical Approach to Feather Destructive Behavior

Feather destructive behavior is one of the most challenging clinical concerns faced by avian veterinarians and owners alike. In this RACE-approved webinar recording, Lauren Thielen, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) discusses the systematic hunt for underlying causes as well as case management strategies once feather damaging behavior has been observed. Review of the current literature in feather destructive behavior is discussed as a way to understand why parrots exhibit this behavior and what caretakers can do to reduce the incidence of this problem.

Article  Video  Webinar 

The Use of GnRH Agonists in Avian Practice

Avian veterinarian Brian Speer presented this live webinar, RACE-approved for 1.5 credit hours. Reproductive activities, particularly those that are recurrent, pose a significant threat to the health and behavioral well-being of many pet birds. This presentation began by reviewing the basics of female reproductive anatomy and endocrinology before discussing the role of environmental and behavioral stimuli on reproductive endocrinology. Dr. Speer then presented an ethical scale for selecting and prioritizing recommendations for intervention, before discussing medical therapy as well as the environmental and behavioral interventions that can be employed. Dr. Speer concluded with a discussion of behavioral science and its applications to the management of hormonal problems.

Jennifer Graham, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), DACZM

Jennifer Graham graduated from Auburn University in 1999. She completed an avian/exotic internship at the University of Georgia at Athens followed by a 3-year residency in avian/exotic animal medicine at the University of California at Davis. Dr. Graham worked at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston from 2006-2012 and she ran the Zoological Companion Animal Medicine Service at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University from 2012-2022. Dr. Graham consults on zoological companion animal cases through Moichor, University of Miami, and Zoetis, while also running her own consulting business through Graham Veterinary Consulting…

Fawzi Mohamed, BVSC, MS, PhD

Fawzi Mohamed is a veterinary medical officer and pathologist for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Mohamed is based out of Plum Island Animal Disease Center. Fawzi earned a PhD in veterinary pathology from the University of Georgia. He has co-authored several papers on rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and other important infectious diseases, such as…

Molly Gleeson, DVM, DACZM

Molly Gleeson is currently in private practice in California, where she treats a variety of non-traditional pets. Dr. Gleeson is board certified in Zoological Companion Animal practice through the American College of Zoological Medicine. Prior to becoming a Diplomate, she completed a small animal rotating internship and exotics specialty internship at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Texas, and a residency in zoological companion animal medicine and surgery at…

Article 

Lymphoma in the Ferret: An Overview of Diagnosis and Treatment

Lymphoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in the domestic ferret. Hemolymphatic tumors are the third most common neoplasm described in ferrets, with lymphoma representing from 8.6% to 19.3% of ferret neoplasms in retrospective studies. Ferrets of any age or sex can be affected, with lymphoma described in patients as young as 2 months. A recent retrospective found 5 years as the median age of diagnosis in ferrets treated for lymphoma, and was the same for small, intermediate, and large cell lymphomas…

Article  Product information 

Lafeber’s New Diet Conversion Kits

The majority of bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can be time consuming!

Our new Diet Conversion Kits help your team save time by providing clients with instructions and tips on how to convert from a seed mix diet to nutritionally balanced diets along with 5 trial size portions of food […]

Article 

Adrenocortical Disease in Ferrets

Hyperadrenocorticism is a common and complex clinical condition in the pet ferret. This disease occurs most frequently in ferrets three years or older but has been reported in animals as young as one year of age. Presumptive diagnosis of adrenal disease in the ferret is based on history, clinical signs, imaging diagnostics, and steroid hormone analysis. Medical therapy using deslorelin implants, though not curative, is recommended. Ferrets may remain asymptomatic for a median of 1-1.5 years. Adrenalectomy may be indicated in case non-responsiveness to medical treatment, although adrenalectomy of the right adrenal gland is difficult.

Quiz 

Test Your Knowledge: Avian Ganglioneuritis and Avian Bornavirus

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Article  Video  Webinar 

A Clinician’s Perspective on Avian Ganglioneuritis and Avian Bornavirus

This non-interactive, RACE-approved webinar recording by Dr. Brenna Fitzgerald reviews avian ganglioneuritis (formerly proventricular dilatation disease or PDD) and avian bornavirus, which are extremely complex and potentially confusing topics. This lecture begins with what is currently known (including varying viewpoints among the scientific community) and emphasizes what clinicians need to know about this disease, including diagnostic and treatment options. The latest discoveries reported in the literature are discussed to help guide best practices.

Article 

Parrot Anatomy Basics

Parrots are primarily arboreal, diurnal birds found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Parrots belong to Order Psittaciformes and are divided into three families. There are over 350 species of psittacine birds or parrots. If you are comfortable with the basic principles of avian anatomy and physiology, then you are well on your way to understanding psittacine birds. LafeberVet has listed 16 interesting facts about parrot anatomy and physiology that may serve you well during physical examination, clinical care, and/or necropsy. This post also brief describes the Quaker or monk parrot as well as unique features of the kākāpō.

Walter Rosskopf, DVM

Walter Rosskopf is the owner of the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in Hawthorne, California. Dr. Rosskopf has been in avian and exotic animal practice since he graduated from the University of California at Davis in 1969. He has pioneered numerous avian and exotic medical and surgical procedures, and he was a Diplomate of the American Board of Avian Practitioners in avian practice from 1994-2014. Dr. Rosskopf was also the President of the Association of Avian Veterinarians from1987-1988. In the 1980s and 1990s, Walter presented at annual AAV conferences over 65 times. He has also lectured internationally…

Quiz 

Post-Test: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease and Vaccination

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Fast Facts on Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a highly infectious fatal viral hepatitis affecting lagomorphs, including the European rabbit. There are three major pathogenic RHDV genotypes: classical RHDV (RHDV1), RHDVa, which is closely related to RHDV1, and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2). RHDV2 has now become the dominant subtype in endemic countries, and sporadic cases have been confirmed in North America. Use “Fast Facts” to review the basics of this condition, from etiologic agent, pathogenesis, and clinical signs to diagnosis, prevention, and control.