The House of Pets Veterinary Clinic

08/07/2025

04/07/2025

Lumps on goldfish can be caused by benign or malignant tumors, cysts, infections, parasites, or injuries. While some lumps are harmless, it’s important to monitor your goldfish closely and seek veterinary attention if the lump grows rapidly, changes appearance, or causes behavioral changes. Observe the lump, check water quality, and avoid self-treatment.

03/07/2025

Join The House of Pets Veterinary Clinic!

Are you passionate about animals and looking for a rewarding career?

The House of Pets Veterinary Clinic is expanding our team and searching for dedicated individuals to fill the following roles:

Clinic Secretary:

Do you have excellent organizational skills, a friendly demeanor, and a love for pets? You'll be the welcoming face of our clinic, managing appointments, records, and client communications.

Veterinary Assistant:

Are you eager to learn and support our veterinarians in providing top-notch care? This role involves assisting with examinations, treatments, and ensuring the comfort of our patients.

If you're a team player with a strong work ethic and a genuine love for animals, we want to hear from you!

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

27/06/2025

When Pets Eat the Unthinkable: Foreign Object Ingestion in Tortoises and Dogs

Pets, driven by curiosity or instinct, sometimes ingest objects that are far from edible. This can lead to serious health complications, ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening obstructions.

This article will explore the dangers of foreign object ingestion in tortoises, specifically focusing on metal items like hinges, screws, and paper clips, and in dogs, highlighting the risks associated with mango seeds.

Tortoises and Metallic Mischief: Hinges, Screws, and Paper Clips

Tortoises, particularly those with access to outdoor environments or areas where construction materials might be present, are prone to ingesting foreign objects. Their slow metabolism and unique digestive anatomy can make these incidents particularly dangerous. Metal items like hinges, screws, and paper clips pose several risks:

Obstruction:

Their irregular shapes and sharp edges can easily lodge in the digestive tract, leading to a partial or complete blockage. This prevents food and waste from passing, causing severe discomfort, loss of appetite, lethargy, and in some cases, toxemia.

Perforation:

Sharp metallic objects can puncture the delicate lining of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to internal bleeding, infection (peritonitis), and potentially fatal complications.

Toxicity:

While less common with inert metals, some metallic objects might contain toxic elements that can leach into the tortoise's system over time.

Diagnosis and Treatment in Tortoises:

Veterinarians typically rely on a combination of physical examination, history provided by the owner (if available), and diagnostic imaging like X-rays to identify and locate foreign bodies. Due to the tortoise's hard shell, palpation can be limited.

Treatment often requires surgical intervention, a complex procedure in chelonians. This may involve a plastron osteotomy (cutting a section of the bottom shell) to access the abdominal cavity and perform a gastrotomy (incision into the stomach) or enterotomy (incision into the intestine) to remove the object. Post-operative care is crucial for recovery. In some mild cases, medical management with cathartics or lubricants might be attempted, but severe impactions usually necessitate surgery.

Dogs and the Peril of Mango Seeds

Dogs are notorious for their indiscriminate eating habits, and while the fleshy part of a mango can be a safe treat in moderation, the large, fibrous seed poses a significant threat.

Choking Hazard:

The primary immediate danger of a mango seed is its size, which makes it a substantial choking hazard, especially for smaller breeds.

Intestinal Obstruction:

If swallowed, the mango seed is often too large and indigestible to pass through the digestive tract. It can become lodged in the stomach or, more commonly, the small intestine, leading to a complete or partial intestinal obstruction. This is a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of Obstruction:

Owners should be vigilant for signs such as persistent vomiting (often unproductive retching), abdominal pain (whining, restlessness, tense abdomen), decreased or no appetite, lethargy, constipation, or diarrhea.

Trace Cyanide:

While less of a concern than obstruction, mango pits do contain trace amounts of cyanide. A dog would likely need to consume a large quantity or chew the pit extensively for cyanide toxicity to be a significant issue, but the primary danger remains the physical obstruction.

Diagnosis and Treatment in Dogs:

Diagnosis of mango seed ingestion and subsequent obstruction typically involves physical examination, abdominal palpation (where the seed might be felt), and X-rays.

Treatment for an ingested mango seed often requires immediate veterinary attention. If it's a recent ingestion and the dog is not showing signs of obstruction, a veterinarian might attempt to induce vomiting. However, if the seed has moved into the intestines or caused an obstruction, surgical removal (enterotomy) is usually necessary. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications like bowel perforation, necrosis, and systemic infection.

Prevention is Key

In both tortoises and dogs, preventing foreign object ingestion is paramount. For tortoises, ensuring their enclosures are free of small, ingestible items and supervising outdoor excursions are vital. For dogs, always remove the pit and skin from mangoes before offering the fruit, and generally, keep small, non-food items out of reach. Awareness of these common hazards can help pet owners protect their beloved companions from potentially severe and costly health crises.

20/06/2025

A Monitor lizard day at the clinic!

Monitor lizards are known for their intelligence, predatory prowess, and diverse adaptations.

Here are some key facts about them:

Diversity and Size:

There are over 80 species of monitor lizards, belonging to the genus Varanus.They range widely in size, from the smallest, Varanus brevicauda (about 20 cm long and 20g), to the largest lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), which can reach 3 meters in length and weigh over 135 kgs.Other large species include the Asian water monitor, which can grow up to 3 meters, and the Nile monitor, which can exceed 1.5 meters.

Habitat and Distribution:

Monitor lizards are found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some of the common species of monitor lizards include the Nile monitor, Komodo dragon, and the water monitor. These reptiles can be found in a range of habitats, from forests and savannas to deserts and mangrove swamps.

Diet and Hunting:

Most monitor lizards are primarily carnivorous, consuming a diverse diet of insects, crustaceans, arachnids, molluscs, fish, amphibians, reptiles (including other lizards and their eggs), birds, and mammals. Some species, like the Northern Sierra Madre Forest monitor, also eat fruits.

They are opportunistic hunters and will eat whatever prey is available.Monitor lizards practice "open pursuit" hunting rather than stalking and ambushing. They are fast and powerful due to their strong leg muscles.
They use their long, forked tongues, similar to snakes, to "smell" their environment and accurately locate prey's scent.They can dislocate their thyroid bone to enlarge their throat and swallow food whole or in large pieces.

Unique Abilities and Adaptations:

* Forked Tongues: As mentioned, they are one of the few reptiles (besides snakes) to possess a forked tongue, which aids in scent detection.

* Powerful Tails: Their tails can be twice as long as their bodies and are used as rudders for swimming, for grasping, and as a powerful weapon against predators or rivals.

* Swimming and Climbing: Many species are excellent swimmers and climbers. Water monitors can remain submerged for up to 30 minutes.

* Intelligence: Monitor lizards are considered among the most intelligent lizards. They can be trained to do simple tasks in captivity and are known for their problem-solving abilities in the wild, such as remembering hiding places and routes. They have even been observed working together to raid crocodile nests, with one distracting the mother while the other steals eggs.

Venom: Contrary to past beliefs, most monitor lizards possess venom glands. While their venom is generally mild in effect on humans (causing symptoms like rapid swelling and a drop in blood pressure), it can be potent enough to help subdue their smaller prey. The primary concern from a monitor lizard bite to humans is typically bacterial infection rather than the venom itself.

Behavior:

Monitor lizards are generally shy and solitary creatures.
Males can be territorial and engage in vicious fights with other males.When threatened, they may hiss, stand on their hind legs to appear larger, or whip their tails. They usually do not attack humans unless provoked or cornered.

In summary, monitor lizards are highly adaptable, intelligent, and formidable predators that play an important ecological role in their diverse habitats.

14/06/2025

Regular Vet Check up for our Reptiles 🦖

Our Vet partner for all our exotic animals 👨‍⚕️

For other vet consultation and services, contact them on instagram and facebook: House of Pet Veterinary Clinic

11/06/2025

ANGEL WINGS IN WATERFOWL

Angel wing, also known as airplane wing or slipped wing, is a condition affecting waterfowl like ducks and geese. It's characterized by the last joint of the wing (the carpus or "wrist") twisting outward, causing the primary flight feathers to point laterally instead of lying flat against the body. This prevents the bird from flying.
The primary cause is believed to be a nutritional imbalance during rapid growth, particularly:

* Excessive protein and carbohydrates

* Deficiencies in vitamins (especially E and D) and minerals (like manganese and calcium).
This imbalance leads to the feathers growing too quickly, overpowering the underdeveloped wing structure, which then twists and solidifies in that position. Genetics may also play a role.

If caught early in young birds, angel wing can sometimes be corrected with:

* Dietary changes: Switching to a lower-protein diet (around 16% crude protein) and ensuring proper vitamin and mineral intake.

* Splinting: Gently wrapping the affected wing in the correct position for several days to allow the bones and ligaments to develop properly.

However, once the bird is mature and the bones have solidified, the condition is usually permanent, rendering the bird flightless for life. While not painful, it makes the bird vulnerable to predators.

04/06/2025

Bato na naman!

04/06/2025

A recent visit of these two cuties!

Albino Sulcata tortoises are fascinating and rare variations of the African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), which is the third-largest tortoise species in the world. Their unique appearance comes from a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.

Here's a breakdown of some key aspects of albino Sulcata tortoises:

1. Types of Albinism:

Pink-eyed Albinos (T-): These tortoises have a complete absence of pigment, resulting in very light, often yellowish shells and skin, and distinctly pink or red eyes due to visible blood vessels. They lack the enzyme tyrosinase, which is crucial for melanin production.

Ruby-eyed "Ivory" Albinos (T+): This variation also lacks melanin, but they tend to have a brighter white or yellowish coloration and darker ruby-red eyes compared to pink-eyed albinos.

2. Rarity and Genetics:

Albinism in tortoises is rare, with estimates suggesting about one in 100,000 individuals.

For a Sulcata tortoise to display albinism, it needs to inherit two copies of the recessive albino gene (one from each parent). This means that even if parents carry the gene (heterozygous or "het"), there's only a 25% chance of their offspring being visually albino. This rarity contributes to their higher price compared to normal Sulcatas.

3. Appearance:

Albino Sulcatas are typically a bright orange, yellow, or white color, lacking the typical tan to brown coloration of regular Sulcatas.

Their eyes are a distinctive pink or red, as mentioned above.

4. Size and Lifespan:

Like their normally pigmented counterparts, albino Sulcata tortoises are a very large species, growing to 24 to 30 inches and weighing well over 45kgs as adults.

30/05/2025

Check up and deworming done to a Crocodile Monitor Lizard

The crocodile monitor (Varanus salvadorii) is a large species of monitor lizard found in New Guinea. They are one of the longest species of monitor lizards, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 8 feet. Crocodile monitors have a unique appearance, with long bodies, powerful limbs, and a prehensile tail that helps them climb trees.

These lizards are arboreal, spending much of their time in the treetops of the rainforest. They are excellent climbers and use their sharp claws and strong tails to navigate the branches. Crocodile monitors are carnivorous and primarily feed on a diet of small mammals, birds, eggs, and other reptiles.

Crocodile monitors are known for their intelligence and are highly adaptable in their natural habitat.

24/05/2025

Kagatin kita diyan eh!

A male Caiman crocodile came today for a check up.

Some facts about this wonderful creature….

Caiman crocodiles are a type of crocodilian reptile found in central and south America. They are smaller in size compared to some other crocodile species, but still formidable predators with sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Caimans typically feed on fish, birds, and small mammals. Their tough, armored skin provides protection from predators and helps them regulate body temperature.

01/05/2024

Diving into Veterinary Adventures: Cavite State University Student Interns Embrace Farm Call visit

Aspiring Veterinary Medicine student interns from Cavite State University embarked on a thrilling journey filled with unique encounters and invaluable learning experiences. Eager to immerse themselves in the world of animal care, these dedicated individuals had the opportunity to handle a diverse array of fascinating creatures, including Pacman frogs, African bullfrogs, snakes, Birds of prey, parrots, Peafowls, Bearded dragons, monitor lizards, turtles, and tortoises.

Venturing beyond their comfort zones, the students delved into the intricacies of exotic wildlife care, demonstrating patience and compassion in their interactions with each species. From the gentle handling of delicate turtles to the confident approach towards majestic snakes, each moment was a testament to their passion for animal welfare and dedication to mastering proper handling techniques.

In addition to their exhilarating wildlife encounters, the student interns also took on the vital task of deworming procedures, showcasing their commitment to ensuring the health and wellness of the animals under their care. With precision and care, they administered treatments and provided post-procedure care, embodying the values of responsible pet ownership and proactive veterinary intervention.

Throughout the farm call, the student interns not only honed their technical skills and knowledge but also cultivated a profound appreciation for the interconnected relationship between humans and animals. By engaging in hands-on activities that promoted animal health and well-being, they reinforced the importance of ethical stewardship and compassionate care in the field of veterinary medicine.

As they reflect on their enriching farm call experience, the student interns stand as shining examples of passion, dedication, and empathy in the pursuit of excellence in animal care.