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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Many owners fail to appreciate the importance of [[Preventive medicine|preventive medicine]] and the role of the veterinary surgeon as part of it.  A [[Preventive medicine|preventive medicine]] program is an important part of sound husbandry practice. This is especially important in exhibitions where larger numbers are kept although it is still important for the pet owner with only one or two reptiles.

Many owners fail to appreciate the importance of preventive medicine and the role of the veterinary surgeon as part of it.  A preventive medicine program includes placing all new reptiles in separate areas for at least three months, and performing regular veterinary examinations and screens during this quarantine period and at regular intervals. Quarantine allows you to record normal patterns of eating, defaecating, weight gain and behaviour for each individual and to provide optimum species-specific husbandry. This is especially important in exhibitions where larger numbers are kept although it is still important for the pet owner with only one or two reptiles.

Prevention is simple, low tech, and cheap. On the other hand, treatment is often complex, requires high technology and is usually expensive.

Prevention is simple, low tech, and cheap. On the other hand, treatment is often complex, requires high technology and is usually expensive.

==Veterinary involvement==

==Veterinary involvement==

Veterinary involvement in a [[Preventive medicine|preventive medicine]] program should include regular screening as well as disease investigation.  Regular screening can include annual physical examinations, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] and [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|biochemical tests]], faecal tests and other tests as deemed necessary.  Regular screening of prey for infectious disease is also worthwhile considering.  Disease investigation includes examinations as necessary and necropsies. Isolation of any infectious organism can be used for autogenous vaccination production.

Veterinary involvement in a preventive medicine program should include regular screening as well as disease investigation.  Regular screening can include annual physical examinations, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] and [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|biochemical tests]], faecal tests and other tests as deemed necessary.  Regular screening of prey for infectious disease is also worthwhile considering.  Disease investigation includes examinations as necessary and necropsies. Isolation of any infectious organism can be used for autogenous vaccination production.

* '''For more information on giving physical examinations, see''' [[Lizard Physical Examination]] '''and''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

* '''For more information on giving physical examinations, see''' [[Lizard Physical Examination]] '''and''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

* '''For more information on post mortems, see''' [[Lizard Necropsy|Lizard Necropsy]] '''and''' [[Snake Necropsy]].

* '''For more information on post mortems, see''' [[Lizard Necropsy|Lizard Necropsy]] '''and''' [[Snake Necropsy]].

[[Category:Lizard_Husbandry|Q]][[Category:Snake_Husbandry|Q]]

[[Category:Lizard_Husbandry|Q]][[Category:Snake_Husbandry|Q]]