Post by VegasIguana on Apr 18, 2004 14:11:36 GMT -8
I'm a big advocate of preventive measures and well-check vet visits. Over the years, I've learned a lot about Vega$ and the dragons. I'm writing up an article for this, but since my time is limited prior to its release, let me bring up the key points for now.
Daily physicals: I handle the lizards daily, checking them over. I know when a scalation is even out of place, or there's a new bump, or anything. For Vega$, it's almost like a nice rubdown, which she ends up following asleep through.
Watch da poop: Poop can tell a lot about the working insides. I can also tell when I change the diet how the poop will be affected.
Yearly well checks: The lizards go in for checkups or at minimal blood work and fecals. Though my lizards dont interact with others, there's no telling that they couldn't get something from their food items. Blood chemistry is a good tool to help monitor their health.
Moods: I can tell when the lizards aren't feeling well. I notice when the weather changes, how the lizards react. I know that if Vega$ is hiding under the bed, something *could* be wrong. When she doesnt eat for a few days in a row, etc.... You'll start to see patterns.
Journals: I used to have time to mark all this stuff down. I'd recommend for new owners to write stuff down. Weights, Lengths, vet visits, labwork, breeding seasons, egg laying, etc.
First aid kit: see GIS or IZ for that
Find a vet: pronto! Never wait til you *need* the vet. Do a good evaluation. Dont be afraid to ask questions. Establish a relationship, not just a visit. Get to know the vet techs and staff.
That's it for now....
des.
Daily physicals: I handle the lizards daily, checking them over. I know when a scalation is even out of place, or there's a new bump, or anything. For Vega$, it's almost like a nice rubdown, which she ends up following asleep through.
Watch da poop: Poop can tell a lot about the working insides. I can also tell when I change the diet how the poop will be affected.
Yearly well checks: The lizards go in for checkups or at minimal blood work and fecals. Though my lizards dont interact with others, there's no telling that they couldn't get something from their food items. Blood chemistry is a good tool to help monitor their health.
Moods: I can tell when the lizards aren't feeling well. I notice when the weather changes, how the lizards react. I know that if Vega$ is hiding under the bed, something *could* be wrong. When she doesnt eat for a few days in a row, etc.... You'll start to see patterns.
Journals: I used to have time to mark all this stuff down. I'd recommend for new owners to write stuff down. Weights, Lengths, vet visits, labwork, breeding seasons, egg laying, etc.
First aid kit: see GIS or IZ for that
Find a vet: pronto! Never wait til you *need* the vet. Do a good evaluation. Dont be afraid to ask questions. Establish a relationship, not just a visit. Get to know the vet techs and staff.
That's it for now....
des.
