Central Animal Hospital - Tucson Veterinarian
Tucson's Best Pet Care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and exotics
Acrylic Shell Repair for an Injured Tortoise
Understanding the Avian Post-purchase Exam
Feline Upper Respiratory Infections & Bordetella Vaccinations
Prehensile-tailed Skink (Corucia zebrata)
The Ball Python (Python regius)
The Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis)
The Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi)
Scientific studies have shown that dirty diseased teeth and the associated gingivitis lead to damage of the kidneys, liver and heart valves. Damage to the heart valves results in Congestive Heart Failure and a potentially shortened life span… not to mention a significant reduction in quality of life. In addition, bad teeth hurt, and they stink, which affects your quality of life, not to mention that of your favorite frisky feline or French bulldog.
Shell injuries to turtles and tortoises present both cosmetic and functional problems which often necessitate the repair of the damaged shell. A variety of materials may be used to repair shell damage. These materials include fiberglass, epoxy and dental acrylic. Acrylic provides the most cosmetic repair. Most acrylic kits are of the type used to make temporary dental repairs. What follows is an example of an acrylic repair for an injured Leopard Tortoise…. [Read more…]
After the purchase of a new bird, it is important to schedule a post-purchase examination with a veterinarian who is experienced in avian medicine. Generally, it is recommended to schedule an examination a few days after actually taking a new bird home. This allows the new owner to observe the new bird and its behavior, and allows the owner to accurately answer questions that the avian veterinarian might have concerning the bird. New birds should be effectively isolated from birds that are already in residence in the home. Of course, if health issues arise, an immediate examination is recommended. [Read more…]
Feline upper respiratory infections are a huge problem in most populations and groups of cats. These infections may weaken and compromise a catís health enough to produce life-threatening complications. In addition, upper respiratory infections (URIs) are extremely contagious, often rapidly sweeping through a household of cats as a result of casual exposure. The routes of transmission are via [Read more…]
Prehensile SkinkThe Prehensile-tailed Skink (a.k.a. Monkey-tailed Skink, Solomon Island Skink, and Zebra Skink) is one of the larger skink species. In the wild, C. zebrata are found inhabiting the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea of the South Pacific. Crepuscular and nocturnal in nature (active around the dusk to dawn hours), C. zebrata can be found primarily in [Read more…]
Rabbits are herbivores (they eat plants). Their daily diet should include:
The Ball Python (a.k.a. The Royal Python) is one of the smaller members of the python Genus, all of which are members of the Family Boidae, which includes the boas. In the wild, Ball Pythons are found ranging from Western to Central Africa. Primarily crepuscular (active around dawn and dusk) in nature, P. regius can be found in the [Read more…]
The Leopard Tortoise is the second largest African mainland tortoise (the African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) is larger). It is not unusual to find specimens 35 to 45 cm in length and weighing over 15kg. G. pardalis are found in the wild from [Read more…]
Russian TortoiseThe Russian Tortoise (a.k.a. Steppe, Afghan, or Horsfeld’s Tortoise) is a recent introduction to the pet trade of the Western World. Little is known about its natural habits, and consequently our understanding of its proper care in captivity is continually improving. Presently, two subspecies have been proposed; T. horsfieldi kazachtanica with a range from [Read more…]
Hours:
Monday - Friday 8am to 6 pm
By appointment only.
