Improving the Quality of Life for Our Lizards

Spaying and Wellness Testing

Copyright 1996-98 © Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.

You’ve Already Covered the Basics

Wellness Testing

• What is wellness testing?

• Why should we test?

• When should these tests be done?

Spaying

• What is spaying?

• Why should we consider spaying our lizards?

• When should the surgery be performed?

Why: • To improve the animals’ quality of life

What Is Wellness Testing?

• Tests performed to check for early disease processes in your pet

• For lizards x-rays are very useful

Why Consider Wellness Tests?

• If we can detect illness early, we can intervene early

• Animals are very good at hiding illness – it’s instinct

• Improves the quality of life of your pet

When Should We Test?

• Yearly

• At what age should these yearly tests begin?

Case Study: Susie

• Approx 6 yrs old

• Had at least 2 previous owners

• Fed some dog food with her fruits and veggies during this time

• Diagnosed with kidney disease

What Other Problems Can We Detect With X-rays?

• Kidney disease is extremely common in iguanas

• Metabolic bone disease (look at density)

• Tumors (could be cancerous)

• Calculi (stones)

So What Else Can We Do?

• Test soon

• Test often

What Is Spaying?

• The removal of the ovaries, oviduct and shell gland – the entire reproductive system

Why Consider Spaying?

• Relieves unnecessary stress on pet

*Anorexia and weight loss

*Complications with the egg process

• Relieves unnecessary stress on owner

Nest Boxes and Egg Laying:

When Should the Spay Be Done?

• Need to confirm sex of animal

• February – April

Xrays:

• Xrays are a great way to monitor the process of the follicles forming into eggs

• Some lizards will complete the cycle and lay the eggs, others will resorb the eggs or remain in stasis

Case Study: Ozzy’s Spay Day

• Before premedication for surgery

Items to Note:

• Skin incision stapled shut

• Entire procedure took about 30 minutes

• Ozzy was completely awake 15 minutes after that

• Full recovery in 1 month

• If not using your lizard for breeding purposes, then spaying should be a strong consideration

In Summary:

• Spaying and wellness testing are 2 ways that we can help improve the quality and duration of the life of our pets

My Advice to You:

• Find a qualified reptile vet that you can trust to help you decide what is best for your lizard

• Many of us have more than one reptile – take it one critter at a time

To Conclude:

• The reason we are here tonight is because we want to improve the quality of life of all reptiles, so please consider spaying and wellness testing for your pets

Thank You for Your Patience and Time