2025-12-22 – Weekly Veterinarian News : Heatwave prep for reptiles

Last week in our community, members engaged in rich discussions covering a wide array of topics. From the intricacies of managing notifiable diseases and their impact on animal movement to the peculiarities of species-specific anatomy, there was plenty to consider. Conversations also delved into practical issues like heatwave preparation for vulnerable pets and the nuances of medication choices for chronic conditions. This mix of clinical insights and real-world applications made for an enlightening week.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Which notifiable disease stops movement in hours
This discussion dives into the critical role of rapid disease identification and the implications for movement restrictions in animals. It’s a reminder of how crucial timely intervention is in disease control.
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Rabbits can’t vomit β€” name another species
A fascinating thread about the unique anatomical features of different species. It’s always intriguing to compare physiological traits across animals.
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Autoimmunity blunting vaccine responses in dogs
Vaccine efficacy is a hot topic, and this thread explores how autoimmune conditions can alter immune responses in dogs. Important for anyone involved in canine healthcare.
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Heatwave prep for reptiles and rabbits
With rising temperatures, this discussion focuses on best practices for keeping reptiles and rabbits safe during heatwaves. Practical advice for pet owners and vets alike.
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Grapiprant or carprofen for chronic OA
A detailed look at medication options for managing osteoarthritis in pets, weighing the pros and cons of Grapiprant versus Carprofen. Essential for informed treatment choices.
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Which joint is the horse’s β€˜knee’
A thread clarifying common misconceptions about equine anatomy, specifically the terminology used for horse joints. Perfect for those looking to refine their equine knowledge.
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Best hands-on lameness CE this spring
If you’re looking to enhance your skills in diagnosing lameness, this discussion on continuing education opportunities might interest you.
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The bearded dragon who outsmarted my syringe
A lighter, yet insightful story about the challenges of administering medication to reptiles, offering tips and shared experiences.
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Which organ boosts PCV at gallop
A technical discussion that sheds light on the physiological adaptations in horses that enhance performance. Great for those interested in equine sports medicine.
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Best CE for reptile anesthesia monitoring
For those focused on reptile care, this thread on continuing education for anesthesia monitoring is particularly relevant.
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Thank you for engaging with the forum this week. Your contributions and insights make this community vibrant and informative. Looking forward to another week of valuable discussions.

For >90-minute dentals, we pre-warm fluids; fewer hypotension dips, but monitor esophageal temps, @ReneeVT.

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And , heat spikes cook tubs faster than you’d think; for heatwave prep I stick a $20 Bluetooth temp/humidity logger in the β€œcool end” set to ping at 30–32Β°C and have clients tape a frozen water bottle outside the glass with a towel to drop ambient without soaking the animal. Desert species can ride hotter, but in plastic totes with weak ventilation I kill all supplemental heat by 10 a.m., move them to the coolest room, and watch for humidity spikes. Quick checklist worth sharing: https://arav.org/owner-resources/.

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Biggest save for me in β€œheatwave” prep is a cheap high-temp cutoff: plug the heat source into an Inkbird set to 33–34Β°C so it hard-kills if the room spikes. I also have clients pre-freeze 500 ml bottles and swap one into the cool-side hide in a sock during outages; it holds a 29–30Β°C refuge without soaking substrate. Caveat: great for colubrids and beardies, but for humidity-sensitive boids I skip the ice and use a pre-soaked terracotta hide with a fan across the mesh, @jmcdermott22.

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I chill spare ceramic tiles ($2 each) and rotate during peaks; great thermal buffer β€” watch humidity, @ReneeVT.

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But i switch basking to a β€œsiesta” schedule on hot days β€” timers push heat/UVB to early morning and after sunset, with mid-day lights off β€” which reliably shaves about 2Β°C in my colubrids and beardies; I skip big shifts for chams or late-term gravid females. Handy ref: https://arav.org/owners/ @ReneeVT.

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