Reptile Veterinary Services in Rochester, NY
Reptiles are fascinating, unique pets, but they require specialized care that many general veterinary practices aren’t equipped to provide. At Lakeside Animal Hospital in Rochester, NY, Dr. Licata offers dedicated reptile veterinary services designed to support the health and well-being of your reptile.
From bearded dragons and chameleons to snakes and turtles, we’re here to provide the education and medical care reptile owners need to be confident in their husbandry and healthcare practices.
Responsible Reptile Ownership: Nutrition, Husbandry & Hygiene
Every reptile species has distinct environmental and dietary needs.
During your reptile’s exam, we’ll discuss:
- Nutrition: Whether your reptile is herbivorous, insectivorous, or omnivorous, a well-balanced and species-appropriate diet is vital. We’ll review feeding schedules, supplementation (like calcium and vitamin D3), and hydration.
- Husbandry: Proper enclosure setup is important. This includes temperature gradients, UVB lighting, substrate choice, humidity control, and safe decor or hides.
- Hygiene: Reptiles need regular enclosure cleaning and proper handling to prevent health issues like shell rot, skin infections, or respiratory disease.
Good husbandry practices help prevent many common reptile illnesses, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Reptile Veterinary Services Offered
At Lakeside Animal Hospital, we provide care for reptiles, including:
- Wellness exams and preventive care
- Sick visits and illness treatment
- X-rays and fine needle aspirates (FNAs) for diagnostics
- Reference laboratory utilized for specialized testing
- Surgical services
While our diagnostic capabilities for reptiles are limited, we are committed to doing everything we can to support their health, and will refer to specialists when necessary for advanced care.
Why Trust Lakeside Animal Hospital for Your Reptile’s Health?
Reptiles are often misunderstood in traditional veterinary settings, but at Lakeside Animal Hospital, Dr. Licata brings knowledge, compassion, and experience to every exotic patient. Our goal is to provide quality, affordable exotic pet care for the Rochester, NY community, including your cold-blooded companions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reptile Veterinary Care
Q: How often should reptiles see a veterinarian?
A: We recommend annual wellness exams for reptiles, especially to review husbandry, nutrition, and to detect early signs of illness. Young or recently acquired reptiles may need more frequent checkups.
Q: What are common signs of illness in reptiles?
A: Lethargy, lack of appetite, abnormal shedding, respiratory symptoms (like wheezing or open-mouth breathing), or changes in stool can all indicate illness. Many of these issues are related to improper husbandry.
Q: Do reptiles need vaccines or parasite prevention?
A: Most reptiles do not require vaccines. Parasite prevention depends on the species and risk factors, we may recommend fecal testing or treatment based on your pet’s lifestyle and enclosure conditions.
At Lakeside Animal Hospital, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (585) 467-2120, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!