Fish have a unique way of showing signs of health concerns.  Paying close attention to appearance and behaviors will help identify problems early and allow a more narrowed focus for diagnostic testing. 

Pig Terminology

Sow- Adult female pig
Gilt- Young female pig
Boar- Intact male pig
Barrow- Male pig neutered before puberty
Stag- Male pig neutered after puberty

Koi are extremely popular pets due to the growing number of people who enjoy backyard ponds.  While generally quite hardy with appropriate care, koi still come down with a variety of conditions that may be helped by working with a veterinarian.

White's tree frogs are relatively easy to care for and are a good start for those looking to keep frogs as a pets.

African dwarf frogs (Hymenochirus sp.) are often sold as additions to tropical freshwater fish aquariums or as "living art" to be kept in small glass vases or other displays.  In fact, these frogs often do not compete well with aggressive tropical fish and fail to thrive in community aquariums.  They also need a larger more complex environments than a 1 gallon vase filled with water lined with gravel in order to do well. 

Asian water dragons, also known as the green water dragon or Chinese water dragon, can make beautiful pets but they have specific care needs that must be met in order for them to thrive. Once they are used to your presence, they are generally tame and easily handled. While they occasionally fight among themselves or compete for superiority with cage mates, they are rarely aggressive toward human keepers.

Spiny-tailed lizards (Uromastyx spp.), also commonly referred to as Uromastyx, are among the more popular pet lizards.  There are at least 14 different species of these desert-adapted lizards although only a few are being regularly imported or bred in captivity.

Unlike our furry friends the dog and cat, turtles and tortoises (known collectively as "chelonians") aren’t quite suited to wearing collars bearing ID tags.  In the past chelonian enthusiasts have tried to establish forms of identification for their turtles and tortoises through various methods.  Microchips (also know as transponders, PIT tags, or microchip transponders) provide a more long-lasting and reliable form of identification.

How many times have you seen someone standing by the side of the road holding up a sign that says “BABY TURTLES FOR SALE”?  Did you know that the roadside sale of turtles or any other animal is illegal in Arizona and Colorado? 

African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata)

Commonly referred to as sulcatas, are a hearty tortoise from the deserts of Africa. The do extremely well locally given proper care.  They start off small and cute but grow to weights of over 75 pounds with exceptionally large individuals weighing more than 100 pounds. Please read the information below on how to properly care for these tortoises.