If the gut works, use it. The preferred route for providing nutrition is enteral feeding since this preserves intestinal structure and function. Parenteral nutrition is indicated to prevent malnutrition when patients cannot consume adequate nutrients by oral feeding or tube feeding or when the respiratory tract cannot be protected. Parenteral nutrition is 100% bioavailable […]
Introduction A critical component for maintaining the health of all animals is proper nutrition. Every patient, healthy or ill, that visits the veterinary hospital should have an evaluation of their nutritional status and healthcare team members should be ready to make a nutritional recommendation based on this evaluation. Unfortunately the large number of pet […]
A collection of online resources related to nutrition and the feeding of veterinary patients. This list of links come from a variety of sources: academic institutions, industry, government, and professional organizations.
Kara Burns, LVT, VTS ( Nutrition) is a licensed veterinary technician with master’s degrees in physiology and counseling psychology. She began her career in human medicine working as an emergency psychologist and as a poison specialist dealing with human and animal poisonings. Kara is the Founder and Past President of the Academy of Veterinary […]
[…] single species of tree in their native environment. Table 1. Feeding strategies and common diet ingredient of wild psittacine birds. (Table adapted from Koutsos, et al. Nutrition of birds in the order Psittaciformes: a review. J Avian Med Surg. 2001;15:257–275.) Species name Feeding strategy Common diet ingredients Time spent feeding* Blue and gold […]
Created with a focus on the bird, LafeberVet’s Nutrition Glossary is an extensive list of vocabulary terms. Listed terms range from nutrients like vitamins and minerals, nutritional strategies ranging from frugivore to fungivore, and related anatomy or physiologic terms like crop and coprodeum, and even nutrition-related diseases like goiter and gout.
Providing a bird with good nutrition often has different meanings for clinicians and clients. While the goal is to provide a diet that mimics the diet of that particular species in the wild, in captivity those strategies for feeding parrots are very different.
Dr. Susan Orosz presented this live, interactive webinar event on the clinical perspectives of avian nutrition. How can veterinary health professionals best address the nutritional needs of the companion bird in the exam room?
When Kara Burns, veterinary technician specialist in nutrition, visited Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine during the fall of 2014, her lecture on critical care nutrition made a big impression on the veterinary medical students. This 48-minute presentation explores the basics of nutritional supportive care appropriate for all species before concluding with information on […]
[…] provide little nutritional value. Another technique is to add a colored pellet into the seed mix but most birds do not eat these, so balance for proper nutrition is not gained. Pelleted diets Lafeber Company and Roudybush are the only bird food companies that make a truly pellet-based food. Pellets consist primarily of […]
The majority of bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can be time consuming! Our new Health and Nutrition 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 […]
Dr. Jason Crean of Saint Xavier University presented this distance-learning event on whole food nutrition in birds for the University of Minnesota College Veterinary Medicine ZEAW Club. This presentation was sponsored by the Lafeber Company Student Program.
[…] the basics of avian anatomy and physiology as well as important principles of handling and restraint. Then explore content on the examination and history, behavior, housing and nutrition, as well as supportive care techniques, diagnostics, basic therapeutics, and common presenting problems. Start with content listed in the rows titled, “Begin with…”, then expand your […]
The cornerstone of successful aviculture is healthy breeding birds. These birds should be kept in a stress-free environment and provided with optimal nutrition to meet their physiological needs. Sound management techniques are paramount to ensure the birds remain healthy. Proper environmental enrichment is also important for psychological and behavioral well-being.
[…] significantly smaller percentage of their body mass as daily food intake. (Forbes 2015). Tube feeding As long as the patient possesses a functional gastrointestinal tract, enteral nutrition can be started once the patient is warm and adequately hydrated (Murray 2014). Oral electrolyte fluids like Pedialyte (Abbott) are sometimes offered before tube feedings. Avoid […]
Dr. Susan Donoghue is a veterinarian and a reptile nutritionist and researcher. She is a past-president of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition and was one of the founding members of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition…
John E. Bauer is Professor of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and holder of the Mark L. Morris Professorship of Clinical Nutrition in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University…
The guinea pig is a gentle, highly social rodent, that commonly serves as a companion animal and an experimental model in North America and Europe. Food preferences are established early in life, and a guinea pig can refuse to eat if their food type or presentation is changed. For this reason, small mammal veterinarians recommend exposing juvenile guinea pigs to a variety of chows and vegetables. Guinea pigs also do not tolerate environmental changes well. When exposed to something perceived as dangerous, the response of the guinea pig is generally to freeze, or less commonly flight.
Dr. Thomas Boyer presented this live, interactive webinar. The RACE-approved recording discusses nutrition, the leading cause of disease in reptiles and amphibians. Chronic nutritional diseases remain common, including nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, hepatic lipidosis, protein deficiency, hypovitaminosis A, hypervitaminosis A, pyramidal shell growth, renal disease, urocystoliths, thiamine deficiency, vitamin E/selenium deficiency, steatitis, corneal lipidosis, and […]
[…] diet is essential to your chinchilla’s health. This educational material was awarded third place in the 2021 Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) Veterinary Technology Client Education Materials Contest, sponsored by Lafeber Company. Download the PDF version of this chinchilla nutrition client education handout, or modify the DOCX version or DOC version for your veterinary hospital.
[…] vitamins, certain amino acids, and some minerals including calcium, zinc, copper, and iron. To overcome these deficiencies, pellets and extruded diets have been developed to provide balanced nutrition. Seeds, minerals, and vitamins are ground to a mostly homogenous mixture, and then processed into a pellet. This keeps birds from choosing individual components. However, pellets […]
Introduction
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. This recording was created for students unable to attend the live event.
Recording
This video will be available on […]
[…] of Sciences in zoo conservation biology from Plymouth University. While working as a veterinary assistant in Guelph, Stefanie did the Distance Education Veterinary Program through Cedar Valley College. She has a special interest in exotic medicine, nutrition, and emergency care. Her long term goal is to obtain Veterinary Technician Specialty in Clinical Practice (Exotic Medicine).
[…] College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Irlbeck received a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and a Master’s degree in animal nutrition at Iowa State University. Her Ph.D. work in ruminant nutrition was completed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to her administrative appointment, Nancy served as a […]
[…] surrounded by dense forest floors or submerged savannah. Shared by Dr. La’Toya Latney of PennVet, this educational handout will help your client understand how to care for and maintain this aquatic turtle species in captivity. Recommendations for indoor and outdoor housing as well as nutrition are described as well as common problems seen pet turtles.
[…] Ethiopia. Leopard tortoises inhabit hot arid desert, scrublands, and savannah. Shared by Dr. La’Toya Latney of PennVet, this educational handout will help your client understand how to care for and maintain this tortoise in captivity. Recommendations for indoor and outdoor housing as well as nutrition and breeding are described as well as common clinical problems.
[…] patty and pond environments of Taiwan and southern China. Shared by Dr. La’Toya Latney of PennVet, this educational handout will help your client understand how to care for and maintain this semi-aquatic turtle in captivity. Recommendations for indoor and outdoor housing as well as nutrition and breeding are described as well as common clinical problems.
[…] edge of the Sahara in Africa. Sulcata tortoises inhabit hot arid desert, scrubland, and savannah. Shared by Dr. La’Toya Latney of PennVet, this educational handout will help your client understand how to care for and maintain this popular tortoise in captivity. Recommendations for housing as well as nutrition, breeding, and common clinical problems are described.
Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT,VTS (Nutrition) presented this distance-learning event for the veterinary medical students at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.
Herbivore nutrition separates animals into two main categories, depending on where food particles are broken down and fermented prior to absorption. The categories are foregut and hindgut fermenters, with the hindgut group being broken down into colonic and cecal fermenters.
[…] a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyoma virus and psittacosis. […]
[…] Obtain a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, plasma biochemistry panels, and protein electrophoresis). Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyomavirus, psittacosis. Determine the […]
[…] occasionally eat non-oil seeds like millet to the exclusion of everything else. These birds lose body condition as they continue to eat ravenously, attempting to extract sufficient nutrition from these non-oil seeds devoid of significant levels of fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Although seed mixes should never be recommended for companion parrots, it is […]
[…] a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyomavirus, psittacosis. Determine the […]
[…] a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyoma virus, psittacosis. Determine […]
[…] healthy patient. The predominate white blood cell in passerines is the lymphocyte. Preventive medicine Obtain a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings Determine origin and history of […]
[…] a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyoma virus and avian […]
[…] are also anatomical and physiological between gallinaceous birds and pet birds, which undoubtedly affect nutritional needs. Anecdotal reports suggest that the use of formulated diets in avian nutrition reduce the prevalence of nutritionally based disease. Abstract A published study (Hess L, Mauldin G, Rosenthal K. Estimated nutrient content of diets commonly fed to […]
Developed by LafeberVet to evaluate dietary history and much more – Download this client questionnaire.
Although patient history is important in all species, improper diet and substandard housing are often major contributors to illness in non-traditional pets. This means that a detailed and accurate history is often one of the most critical diagnostic tools for the exotic animal patient. This review focuses on birds, reptiles, and small exotic companion mammals, beginning with the signalment and presenting complaint, before moving onto the environmental history, dietary history, and of course the medical history.
View the recording of this free, interactive webinar, presented by Neil Forbes, BVetMed DECZM (Avian) FRCVS. Many sick or injured exotic animals are presented in critical condition. More of these patients can be saved by appropriate fluids and nutritional support, than by any single medical or surgical procedure. In practical terms, providing this support is often easier said than done. Dr. Forbes’ presentation serves to demystify some of the challenges encountered; practical solutions for all exotic patients are described and discussed.
Did you attend the Lafeber Symposium at the 2015 International Conference on Avian heRpetological and Exotic mammal medicine in Paris? View a recording of this encore, web-based seminar: “Medical Management of Psittacines with Bornavirus Ganglioneuritis (PDD)” by Susan Orosz, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian). This presentation on avian borna virus contains medium to advanced level content. The novice is encouraged to view the first hour of Dr. Orosz’s presentation “Anatomy & Physiology of the Avian Gastrointestinal Tract: Clinical Applications”, which includes a helpful review of avian gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology.
Need images of Lafeber Company products? Download these PowerPoint files for your viewing–or lecturing–pleasure!
[…] diet should initially be fed. Dietary fiber may assist in the management of bacterial overgrowth, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and colitis. Fiber promotes gastrointestinal motility and provides nutrition to colonic epithelial cells. Colonic epithelial cells use butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by bacterial fermentation within the cecum for energy. Avian species with a […]
[…] Rosa, California USA Nutritional Requirements for Guinea Pigs 3rd Place Technician Jovanna Berls, CVA, LVT ABC Animal & Bird Clinic Sugar Land, Texas USA Nutrition: The Key to Your Chinchilla’s Health Prizes 1st Place Technician/Technologist (estimated value $130 USD) 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope Nursing kit (pouch […]
[…] healthy animal under thermoneutral conditions 12 hours after a meal. The animal is conscious but not exercising. Practical applications The basal metabolic rate applies primarily to human nutrition because the conditions needed to measure BMR are so stringent that it is virtually impossible to do so in animals. ↑ top Resting energy rate (RER) […]
[…] a complete history and perform a thoroug hannual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings:avian polyomavirus, avian chlamydiosis. Use of […]
[…] a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyomavirus, psittacosis. Determine the […]
[…] an alumni of Snead State Community College Veterinary Technology Program in Alabama with over 25 year’s experience in animal care. She specializes in emergency and critical care, nutrition, behavior, and wildlife rehabilitation. Heather’s company Dog Love, LLC was created in 2021 to provide pet taxi services to the community and local rescues, even transporting […]
Dr. Jason Crean currently teaches in the Department of Biological Sciences at Saint Xavier University-Chicago where he has instituted coursework like “Zoo Biology: Animal Nutrition, Behavior & Diagnostics.” Dr. Crean is also a zoo consultant, working with zoological institutions in the areas of nutrition, enrichment, and biologically-appropriate exhibit design. He currently serves as the […]
[…] amount of treats to offer is also discussed. This client educational material was awarded first place in the 2022 Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) Veterinary Technology Student Client Education Materials Contest, sponsored by Lafeber Company. Download the PDF version of this client education handout, or modify the DOCX version for your veterinary hospital. Chinchilla Nutrition thumbnail
[…] Place Technologist Marianne Wikdahl Sveberg Dyrehospital Hommelvik, Norway Dental Health in Rabbits 1st Place Technology Student Natasha Omar Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Chinchilla Nutrition: What to Feed Your Chinchilla Prizes 1st Place Technician/Technologist (estimated value $130 USD) 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope Nursing kit: pouch with bandage […]
[…] completed a Special Species residency at PennVet and an 18-month exotics internship under Heidi Hoefer, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (Avian Practice). Dr. Latney has conducted research in reptile nutrition and she completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Latney is a Diplomate of the […]
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Le site Lafervet.com est conçu pour une utilisation par les vétérinaires. Il est ouvert aux vétérinaires diplômés, aux techniciens vétérinaires diplômés, aux […]
[…] selabgroup.com/napa_nectar.htm National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research. Blood sampling microsite nc3rs.org.uk/bloodsamplingmicrosite/page.asp?id=313 Nutrient requirements of laboratory animals, Fourth revised edition, 1995 nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=4758 Nutrition Advisory Group: Feeding Captive Insectivorous Animals-Nutritional Aspects of Insects as Food nagonline.net/801/feeding-captive-insectivorous-animals-nutritional-aspects-insects-food/ Oxbow Animal Health oxbowanimalhealth.com/ Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory radil.missouri.edu/index-2.html Small Mammal Hematology: Leukocyte Identification […]
Dr. Jessica Magnotti of Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services presented this distance-learning event for the veterinary medical students at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. View this webinar recording “GI Stasis in Rabbits: Demystifying the ‘Silent Killer‘, approved for 1 hour of continuing education.
[…] future webinar topics Expert Q+A Although Dr. Morishita answered most questions during the live event, the remaining questions were answered by email and are posted below: NUTRITION Is there a right amount of commercial diet to feed or should it be free choice? Adult laying hens normally eat about a 0.25 lb. (113 […]
Due to their unique anatomy, physiology, and behavior, critically ill reptiles pose special challenges. Fortunately there are a host of tips and tricks that can increase clinical success in an intensive care setting.
[…] about a companion exotic mammal health and wellness topic. A list of proposed topics is included below: Dental health in rabbits or small mammal herbivores Guinea pig nutrition Chinchilla nutrition Masking phenomenon in exotic pets The importance of laboratory testing in exotic pets Environmental enrichment for exotic companion mammals Other suitable topics are also […]
[…] immune system and growth and reproduction, as well as the impact of an animal’s diet on the immune response. His lab also explores the diverse nutritional and immune strategies of carnivorous, nectarivorous, herbivorous and granivorous animals. Included among Dr. Klasing’s many publications is the detailed text on avian nutrition: Comparative Avian Nutrition. Kirk Klasing PhD
[…] rock dove. Photo credit: John Liu via Flickr Creative Commons Click image to enlarge. Successful flock maintenance Success in pigeon fancy requires optimal environmental conditions including proper nutrition, husbandry, and preventive care. Housing Normal pigeon housing, also called a loft or dovecote, is derived from a time when fanciers kept birds in the attics […]
[…] a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings:avian polyomavirus, avian chlamydiosis. Use of […]
[…] Practical Applications, video Presenting problem: “Red Leg” in Frogs Case Challenge: 5-Year-Old Rabbit with Anorexia & Lethargy Bloat and Gastrointestinal Blockage in Rabbits Client Handout Critical Care Nutrition, video A Guide to Esophagostomy Tube Placement in Chelonians Contributors in 2015 We are thankful for our contributors, who take time out of incredibly busy schedules […]
[…] a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination. Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries. Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry. Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds. Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings:avian polyomavirus, psittacosis. Determine the origin […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
Most bird owners need guidance when it comes to avian nutrition, and it can me be time consuming! Lafeber’s Veterinarian Health and Nutrition Kits provide ease, convenience and time saving advantages to veterinarians serving these clients. Save time and money with avian patient appointments by leveraging Lafeber’s Vet Kits to aid in converting “seed […]
This 1-hour, R.A.C.E.-approved webinar recording is designed to impart a basic understanding of avian nutrition for the veterinary health professional as well as students in these fields. Viewing of this recorded is strongly recommended before viewing the recording of the live webinar event Clinical Avian Nutrition for Veterinary Health Professionals by Susan Orosz, PhD, […]
View the on-demand recording of this non-interactive webinar, then take the brief quiz. With a passing grade of 70% or higher, you will receive a continuing education certificate for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize American Association of Veterinary State Boards Registry of Approved Continuing Education approval.
In 1998, an expert committee met to discuss the nutritional needs of companion birds. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and develop nutrient profiles for companion birds, focusing on profiles for formulated feed.
The expert panel developed maintenance guidelines for two broad groups of birds: psittacines and passerines (regardless of size or genus). These conservative, generalized guidelines are extrapolated from the National Research Council requirements for poultry and…
Test Your Knowledge: View the RACE-approved webinar recording on “Rabbit Nutrition and Critical Care Feeding” by Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), then take the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.
[…] novice veterinary health professional should know before laying hands on the companion parrot patient? Upon completion of this learning aid, the participant will have a basic clinical understanding of avian anatomy, psittacine handling and restraint, history and physical examination, zoonotic concerns, nutrition, basic diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, as well as a few select presenting problems.
Providing nutrition to the hospitalized small mammal is a fairly straightforward process. Encourage owners to bring their pet’s “regular” diet to minimize the risk of food refusal or gastrointestinal upset. Also consider keeping the following food items available…
Bearded dragons are omnivores that accept a wide variety of foods. Variety is the key to good nutrition and foods offered should include…
[…] seek like-minded veterinarians, but lack of training and paucity of resources leads many veterinarians to shy away from these unique pets. This recording of the live, interactive webinar reviews handling and restraint as well as routine veterinary procedures, from physical examination, vaccination, and nutrition to therapeutics such as hoof trim, tusk trim, and deworming protocols.
Turtles and tortoises display a variety of dietary strategies ranging from the complete herbivory seen in many tortoises to the strict carnivory displayed in aquatic species like the snapping turtle. There are also many chelonians, such as the Eastern box turtle, that may be considered opportunistic omnivores. This review article, critiqued by reptile nutritionist, Susan Donoghue, discusses clinical concerns related to feeding the hospitalized turtle or tortoise. Topics covered range from recognizing true anorexia to food items to avoid. Practical technical concerns related to nutritional support such as tube feeding and daily caloric requirements are also discussed.
[…] weight gain is to feed calorie-restricted diets. These diets should reduce energy density (e.g., calories per gram) while providing normal levels of other nutrients required for balanced nutrition. If a maintenance diet is fed at a reduced rate, energy is reduced, but so too are all the other nutrients, so that the diet I […]
[…] husbandry and of the veterinarian in disease prevention. Outline Introduction to Mediterranean tortoises Identification and sexing of Mediterranean tortoises Captive husbandry Heat Ultraviolet light Humidity Substrate Nutrition and water Hibernation needs and management Reproduction and annual cycle Causes of follicular stasis Diagnosis and management of follicular stasis Clinical investigations Examination and history taking […]
[…] this practice is generally not recommended: Kits are pulled at 10-12 days, and fed a fox milk replacer such as Day One® Formula 35/32 (Fox Valley Animal Nutrition; Lake Zurich, IL). Solid food may be introduced at 1 month in force-weaned animals, and weaning can occur as early as 6 weeks. Adult size and […]
Introduction Urolithiasis is characterized by single or multiple calculi throughout the urinary tract or by the presence of sandy material within the bladder and urethra. Uroliths are fortunately more of a historical disease in the ferret, while calculi are still an important problem in rabbits and rodents (Fig 1). Figure 1. Large urolith in […]
[…] however diagnostics are not always possible in the dyspneic bird. Sometimes treatment must be empirically based on signalment and history. Non-specific therapy Fluid therapy Improve plane of nutrition. Supplement vitamin A as needed Reduce exposure to inhalant irritants in the environment. Consider an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Humidify air to soothe dry, […]
[…] calcium and vitamin C. This educational material was awarded second place in the 2021 Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) Veterinary Technology Student Client Education Materials Contest, sponsored by Lafeber Company. Download the PDF version of this guinea pig nutrition client education handout, or modify the DOCX version or DOC version for your veterinary hospital. Calcium and Vit C handout screenshot
[…] a reliable technique for nutritional support of the avian patient. Esophagostomy tubes are generally well tolerated and can reduce patient stress while improving delivery of medications and nutrition. References Feeding a falcon via esophagostomy tube Severe crop burn injury is one potential reason for esophagostomy tube placement in birds Fourteen French tubes are […]
