Test Your Knowledge: Sunburned! UVB Lighting for Captive Exotic Species
The “Sunburned! An Evidence-Based Update on UVB Lighting for Captive Exotic Species” webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Test Your Knowledge: Palliative and Pain Management Strategies for Exotic Animals
The Palliative and Pain Management Strategies for Exotic Animals webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Sunburned! An Evidence-Based Update on UVB Lighting for Captive Exotic Species
Lighting is a critical component of animal husbandry, particularly for exotic animal species. View the webinar recording by Mark Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD, DECZM (Herpetology), RACE approved for 1 credit hour. This presentation first reviews the role of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in vitamin D₃ synthesis, before summarizing experimental studies evaluating UVB exposure in reptiles, birds, and mammals. Additional topics include potential adverse effects associated with UVB light and practical clinical recommendations, such as methods for accurate measurement of UVB output as well as proper bulb selection and placement.
Test Your Knowledge: Therapeutic Techniques in Reptiles
The Therapeutic Techniques in Reptile Patients webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Caring Beyond Cure: Palliative and Pain Management Strategies for Exotic Animals
Jade Kingsley, BVSc, MANZCVS (Avian Health) presented this interactive, RACE-approved webinar exploring the veterinarian’s role in delivering compassionate, structured palliative care for exotic companion animals. As advances in husbandry and veterinary care extend lifespan, chronic and degenerative diseases are increasingly common, making effective pain recognition and management essential. This presentation will focus on early identification of chronic pain, species-specific assessment tools, and multimodal analgesia techniques while addressing unique physiologic considerations of exotic species. Dr. Kingsley also discussed client communication, hospice planning, ethical decision-making, and practical medical, environmental, and nutritional strategies to improve quality of life in aging and chronically ill exotic animals.
Test Your Knowledge: Clinical Medicine of Bearded Dragons
The Clinical Medicine in Bearded Dragons webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Therapeutic Techniques in Reptile Patients
Douglas Mader, MS, DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline Practice), DABVP (Reptile/Amphibian Practice), DECZM (Herpetology) presented this live, interactive webinar. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take and pass the brief post-test to earn 1 continuing education credit. Effective therapeutic management of reptile patients requires strict attention to the Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ). Warming patients to their POTZ ensures predictable pharmacologic responses, as reptiles at ideal temperatures demonstrate significantly improved drug absorption and metabolism compared with hypothermic individuals. Hydration status and appropriate route selection also influence therapeutic success in reptile medicine. Various routes of drug and fluid administration are explored, from subcutaneous and intracoelomic to intramuscular, intravenous, and intraosseous routes of injection.
Clinical Medicine of Bearded Dragons
Grayson Doss, DVM, DACZM will present this live, interactive webinar, RACE-approved for 1 credit hour. Bearded dragons (Pogona spp.) are among the most common and charismatic reptile patients seen in practice today. This presentation provides a practical review for veterinary professionals, covering essential topics from anatomy, behavior, and husbandry to key clinical techniques, such as physical examination, venipuncture, radiography, sedation, and fluid therapy. Common medical concerns—including constipation, periodontal disease, follicular stasis, and Nannizziopsis guarroi infection—will also be discussed.
Post-Test: Brumation in Turtles and Tortoises
The Brumation in Turtles and Tortoises webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Brumation in Turtles and Tortoises
Brumation is a natural state of dormancy that occurs in response to colder temperatures. View the RACE-approved recording of the webinar presented by Dr. Joanna Hedley. This presentation examines the factors that influence brumation and outlines key considerations when preparing to brumate a chelonian in a controlled environment, including a comprehensive health check and preparatory steps, such as withdrawal of food as well as reduction of environmental temperature and photoperiod. Various techniques are discussed, including outdoor housing, traditional box methods, and refrigerator or chiller methods. Effective monitoring as well as rewarming protocols are also covered.
Post-Test: Clinical Approach to Fish Medicine
The Clinical Approach to Fish Medicine webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Fish History Form
When managing fish patients, it is essential to consider not only the fish themselves but the entire aquarium system, including the water, air, filtration components, and other life forms within the environment. A thorough history should include a detailed assessment of the system, with particular emphasis on the life support components and water quality parameters.
Post-Test: Respiratory Disease in Chelonians
The Respiratory Disease in Chelonians webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Clinical Approach to Fish Medicine
View this webinar recording presented by Claire Vergneau-Grosset, DMV, IPSAV, CES, DACZM, RACE-approved for 1 credit hour. Freshwater fish are the most common pets in North America, with over 139 million kept in U.S. households. Historically, fish medicine has focused on population-based care—a model still relevant in aquaculture and research settings. However, a more individualized approach is gaining ground. Dr. Grosset covers key aspects of companion fish care. Topics include history taking, water quality assessment, physical exams under anesthesia, and comparative diagnostic methods such as clinical pathology and imaging. This session also reviews core principles of medical and surgical treatment.
Post-Test: Hazardous Habitats
The “Hazardous Habitats: Protecting Zoological Companion Animals from Everyday Toxins” webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Respiratory Disease in Chelonians
View this RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Mike Corcoran, DVM, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice), CertAqV, then complete a brief quiz to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. Respiratory disease in chelonians represents special challenges. This presentation explores how the unique anatomical and physiological adaptations of shelled reptiles significantly impact clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging. Key pathogens, including Mycoplasma, herpesvirus, and ranavirus, are also explored.
Test Your Knowledge: AMR in Exotic Animal Medicine
The AMR in Exotic Animal Medicine webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Hazardous Habitats: Protecting Zoological Companion Animals from Everyday Toxins
View this RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Sarah Ozawa, DVM, DACZM, then complete and pass a brief quiz to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. Zoological companion animals (ZCA) are frequently exposed to potential toxins both inside and outside the home. This webinar explores common and unique toxins affecting birds, exotic companion mammals and reptiles, providing insights into diagnosis and treatment where applicable.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Exotic Animal Medicine
The use of antimicrobial drugs has revolutionized medicine, making a wide range of infections readily treatable. However, any use of antimicrobials also contributes to the emergence and spread of resistance. Today, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as the most significant global public health threat. View this RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Neil Forbes, BVetMed DECZM FRCVS. This presentation addresses the unique challenges encountered in exotic animal medicine and discusses responsible antimicrobial prescribing practices. Effective infection control and biosecurity strategies are also explored.
Board Certification Panel Discussion
The Lafeber Company Student Program hosted this distance-learning event for the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Avian & Exotic Medicine Club in October 2024. Panelists first presented summaries on board certification through the American College of Zoological Medicine, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, and the European College of Zoological Medicine before answering questions submitted by veterinary medical students. View a recording of the live event or read the transcript.
Post-Test: Clinical Pathology of Herptiles
The Clinical Pathology of Herptiles webinar 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 for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that 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.
Clinical Pathology of Herptiles
J. Jill Heatley, MS, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice, Reptile & Amphibian Practice), DACZM presented this live, interactive webinar. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take the brief quiz to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. Clinicopathologic evaluation of reptiles and amphibians is useful for health assessment and monitoring. There are specific considerations when evaluating data from this taxonomic group, including sex, age, time of year/season, reproductive status, diet, captive versus wild, geographic location, methodology, and anticoagulant. In this informative webinar Dr. Heatley discussed hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis features of reptiles and amphibians as well as the clinical relevance of test results.
Test Your Knowledge: Critical Care of Exotic Pet Species
The “Critical Care of Exotic Pet Species” webinar 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. 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
Test Your Knowledge: Respiratory Disease in Snakes
The “Respiratory Disease in Snakes” webinar 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. 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
Critical Care of Exotic Pet Species
The principles of emergency care and stabilization are the same in exotic pets as those established in human and more traditional pet medicine. Presented by Angela Lennox, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice, Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), DECZM (Small Mammals), this RACE-approved webinar recording first reviews life support measures, including airway and cardiac support, control of hemorrhage, correction of underlying fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, and restoration of normothermia…
Respiratory Disease in Snakes
Lower respiratory tract disease is common in snakes, particularly larger species, such as boas and pythons. This RACE-approved webinar recording by Dr. Scott Stahl reviews key anatomical features relevant to respiratory health, factors that predispose snakes to respiratory issues, common etiologic agents, typical patient histories and physical examination findings, as well as essential diagnostic testing and effective case management strategies.
Setting Up Your Lizard’s Home
Use this client education handout to explore common requirements of lizards in captivity. The vivarium that you create should meet the minimum species-specific needs of your lizard, including temperature and humidity, lighting, as well as cage size and materials that meet the animal’s need to climb, burrow, and/or swim.
Tegu Basic Care
Tegus are characterized by their large size, muscular limbs, spotted pattern, and long, forked tongue. Tegus can thrive in captivity when provided with a proper diet and an enclosure that is designed to recreate the conditions that they would encounter in the wild. This client education handout reviews species commonly kept in captivity, housing, diet, and behavior. In the wild, tegus are mostly ground-dwelling, burrowing lizards. Originating from the tropical rainforests of South America, their humidity requirements are high. Most tegus are omnivores. Most species are generalists that consume a wide variety of food items in the wild. Tegus are also curious, extremely intelligent lizards. Some individuals can be tamed and trained with regular handling, especially from an early age.
Aggressive Behavior in Captive Reptiles
This client education handout reviews aggression in captive reptiles, which is expressed as aggressive behavior between cagemates and aggressive human-reptile interactions. Underlying reasons for aggression, such as reproductive and defensive behaviors are explored and appropriate management and behavioral modification techniques are discussed.
UVB Lighting for Reptiles Client Education Handout
This educational handout on ultraviolet lighting in reptiles is a shorter version of the complete article authored by Dr. Frances M. Baines. This handout is supplemented by two appendices as well as sections that list further reading and online resources that can be included or excluded to best meet individual client needs.
UVB Lighting for Reptiles
Full-spectrum lighting is essential for reptile health. Sunlight – whether natural or simulated in a vivarium – is a vital resource. For decades, the focus has been upon provision of the correct spectrum and intensity of ultraviolet-B (UVB), primarily to enable vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin. More recently, the importance of all wavelengths found in daylight – from full sunlight to dim light filtering through deep shade – is increasingly recognized. UVB, ultraviolet-A (UVA), visible light and short-wavelength infrared (IR-A) all play important roles. This article reviews the relationship between vitamin D and lighting before exploring general guidelines on UV lights as well as specific advice on choosing bulbs, including recommendations on lamps to avoid.
World Lizard Day
Everyone is Excited for World Lizard Day! LafeberVet is rich in lizard-focused content. Check out our collection of: (1) client education material, which is always open access, including “Old World Chameleon Care”, (2) RACE-approved webinar recordings and teaching modules,, including the “Anesthetic Monitoring Teaching Module”, approved for 1 credit hour, (3) educational videos (or text with still images), including “Administration of Medication in Reptiles”, as well as (4) informative articles, such as “UVB Lighting for Reptiles” by Frances Baines, MA, VetMB, MRCVS.
Old World Chameleon Care
There are over 150 species of Old World or true chameleons, however the veiled chameleon, panther chameleon, and Jackson’s or three-horned chameleon are three of the most common species seen in captivity. This client education handout reviews natural history, physical description and caging parameters, including temperature, humidity, visual security, substrate, as well as diet, behavior, […]
Wildlife Intake and Surrender Form
This wildlife intake and surrender form was generously shared by faculty advisor, Dr. G. Lewbart, and the North Carolina State Turtle Rescue Team, a volunteer organization run by veterinary medical students at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Download the Word version of this form and modify the sections highlighted in yellow to best meet your facility’s needs.
Turtle Physical Exam and Treatment Form
This physical examination form was generously shared by faculty advisor, Dr. G. Lewbart, and the North Carolina State Turtle Rescue Team (TRT), a volunteer organization run by veterinary medical students at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The TRT provides medical care to sick and injured turtles free of charge in the hope of releasing rehabilitated turtles back into the wild. Over 500 wild turtles, and other reptiles and amphibians are seen each year.
Disaster Preparedness Plan for Fish
Pet fish are vulnerable and need our help to stay safe during a storm or evacuation. Fish owners must be prepared for power outages, particularly during natural disasters as well as flooding, climatic extremes, and wildfires…
Test Your Knowledge: Reptile and Amphibian Imaging
The “Reptile & Amphibian Imaging” webinar 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. 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.
Reptile and Amphibian Imaging
View the RACE-approved recording of this live 1-hour webinar event, presented by Elizabeth M. Rush, DVM, DACZM. Radiographs are a simple, noninvasive diagnostic tool for reptiles and amphibians. Normal radiographic anatomy is reviewed in each taxonomic group, before some common pathological conditions are discussed.
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.
Amphibian Medicine
View the RACE-approved recording of this live 1-hour webinar event, presented by Gregory Lewbart, MS, VMD, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM). 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 presentation focuses on anatomic and physiologic characteristics shared by this diverse group as well as important disease conditions.
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.
The Critical Reptile Patient
View this webinar recording by Stacey Leonatti Wilkinson, DVM, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice), RACE-approved for 1 credit hour. 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.
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 credit, in jurisdictions that 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Understanding the Chelonian Shell
The shell is a bony structure unique to order Chelonia. No other animal, living or extinct, has its body enclosed within a bony shell similarly constructed in its entirety. This review article describes shell structure, pertinent shell vocabulary terms, as well as shell function, morphology, growth, and pathology.
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.
Reptile Nutrition 101: Veggie & Insectivores Delight
La’Toya Latney, DVM, DECZM (ZHM), DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice), CertAqV presented this talk for the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Zoo, Exotics, Aquatics & Wildlife Medicine Club as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. Reptile nutrition is a growing field. Despite the large amount of biological data known about reptiles, there is much less known about how these species process the foods offered in captivity. This non-interactive webinar recording reviews what we know about reptile nutrition, including the nutritional strategies utilized as well as the comparative analysis of commonly fed vegetables and insects. The basic components of reptile nutrition will also be explored, from metabolizable energy, protein, and fat, to vitamins and minerals. Food preparation is then discussed in detail. Depending on the source, this process can be quite confusing, however, there are measures that can be taken to manipulate the nutritive profile of feeder insects.