Patient Education

Long Island Avian & Reptile Enthusiasts would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Long Island Avian & Reptile Enthusiasts provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Bird Health Examination

Birds, like all pets, should be taken for regular, usually annual, veterinarian checkups. Owners of birds should be careful to seek out a board-certified avian veterinarian since most vets who treat dogs and cats are not sufficiently familiar with avian health care. This is important because birds, unlike some other pets, frequently evidence only very subtle symptoms of disease. The annual examination is also a good time to discuss any concerns about the bird's health or behavior with the doctor. ...

Declawing

Pet declawing, also known as onychectomy, is the surgical removal of the claws and part of the toes of a pet. Common for cats, this procedure involves removing all or part of the distal phalanx, or end bone, of a cat's toes. Declawing is a medical procedure in which a veterinarian amputates a part of each toe that includes the last bone and claw. The objective of this surgery is to prevent scratching which may cause injury to people and other animals, and damage to household items. ...

Lizard Basics

Lizards can make fascinating pets, but a responsible owner should become informed about lizards in general, and the species being considered for adoption in particular, before choosing such a pet. While some lizards can be responsive to humans, many are difficult to handle. Lizards can also transmit illnesses, chiefly salmonella, to their human companions. ...

Pet Bird Basics

It is important for anyone who is going to adopt a bird to take the time necessary to understand birds in general and the particular species under consideration in particular. There are many fine books, DVDs and training courses available to acquaint the would-be bird owner with the characteristics and habits of particular types of birds. Understanding what will provide the safest, healthiest and most enjoyable environment for the pet bird will make the experience of the owning a bird more pleasurable for all concerned. Most pet birds are intelligent and social and will form a close bond with the person who cares for them. ...

Pet Wellness Visits

Wellness visits are important for every stage of a pet's life. Regular wellness exams allow the veterinarian to evaluate a pet's general health and become aware of any health problems before they become serious illnesses. By visiting a veterinarian at least once a year, a pet has the best chance for a long, happy, and healthy life. ...

Reptile Health Exam

Reptiles, like all pets, require a regular examination, usually annually or semi-annually, by a veterinarian who specializes in such creatures. For many species, short-term anesthesia may be necessary, either because the animal may bite the veterinarian or because, in the case of turtles and tortoises, the animal may withdraw into its shell, making examination impossible. It is also possible that the vet will choose to anesthetize the reptile to reduce possible stress since stress is a major contributing factor to premature mortality in captive reptiles. ...

Senior Pet Care

Older cats and dogs may have somewhat different care needs than they had when they were young. As with humans, although a comfortable and long life can never be guaranteed, certain measures of senior care can be helpful in maintaining health and longevity. While life spans vary, cats are generally considered to be seniors when they reach 8 to 10 years of age. Because dogs' life expectancies cover a wide range depending on breed, dogs are usually considered seniors when they are within 25 percent of the life expectancy for their size or breed. ...

Snake Basics

Snakes can be fascinating pets, but it is important that would-be snake owners do their research to make sure a particular species of snake is appropriate for their household. People who adopt snakes should be prepared to make a long-term commitment since snakes often live 20 years or longer. Snakes must be fed prey animals, so anyone adopting a snake has to be comfortable with feeding rodents, or other small animals, to the pet. ...

Traveling With Your Pet

For many individuals or families, a vacation trip is enhanced by the inclusion of the family dog or cat in travel plans. There are also times when it is inconvenient, or even impossible, to leave the pet behind. With some preplanning, taking your cat or dog along on a trip can be a comfortable and pleasurable experience. ...

Turtle Basics

Although turtles have a reputation for being low maintenance pets, this is not actually the case. For their own well-being and for the health of the humans around them, turtles require careful tending. Any potential turtle owner should be aware that the Humane Society recommends against adopting turtles as pets, particularly in households with children, primarily because of the risk of Salmonella. Still, under the right conditions, with informed and dedicated owners, turtles can be enjoyable and interesting pets. ...