Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians

01/25/2025

🌟 Exciting times at VMX 2025! 🌟

ARAV is proud to be hosting all the reptile and amphibian talks at this year’s VMX, the largest veterinary conference in the U.S! 🐍🐸 From today through Wednesday, we’ll be showcasing some incredible presentations.

Stay tuned throughout the week as we share more photos and highlights from the conference. Let’s make this an unforgettable event! 💚

01/24/2025

🌟 Join Us at the ABVP Symposium! 🐢

ARAV is thrilled to invite you to the upcoming Chelonian Clinical Diagnostics session at the ABVP Symposium, led by Dr. J Jill Heatley, DVM MS DABVP DACZM. Dive into the fascinating world of chelonian medicine and enhance your clinical diagnostic skills for turtles and tortoises!

👉 Learn more and register here: https://abvp.com/symposium

📅 Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
💻 Where: ABVP Symposium
💵 Cost: $375 DVM / $350 Vet Tech

This is an incredible opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in zoological medicine. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!

01/20/2025

🐸 January ARAV H**p Happy Hour 🐢

🎓 Topic: Externships & Internships: How to find opportunities, what to expect, and how to make the most of them.

👉 Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aTFiv45kR1CIYYOLbo0Mwg

📅 When: January 22, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET
🌐 Where: Online via Zoom

Don’t miss this chance to learn invaluable tips for your career in reptile and amphibian medicine!

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.

**pHappyHour

01/18/2025

New article from the latest issue of the Journal of H**petological Medicine and Surgery, Presumptive West Nile Virus Infection in a Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)! You can read this article in BioOne (https://bioone.org/) and the access is included in your ARAV membership!

A 3-year-old Komodo dragon presented with acute neurologic signs in October 2021. Initial tests were inconclusive, but follow-up revealed rising West Nile virus (WNV) titers. Treatment included corticosteroids, antibiotics, and exercise. The dragon recovered over six weeks and returned to display. This is the first reported case of neurologic disease from presumptive WNV in a Komodo dragon.

Authors: Zoltan S. Gyimesi; Aric A. Applewhite

01/14/2025

🐍✨ It's ARAV Trivia Tuesday! ✨🦎

Test your knowledge and learn something new about our scaly friends!

Did you guess the answers to our trivia questions?

Stay tuned for more fun facts and trivia every other Tuesday! 🔍

01/12/2025

It's time to give due recognition to our members and their scaly friends! 🐢

We love learning more about our members, and this is your chance to introduce yourself to the community. Whether you're a student, a doctor, or a proud owner, we want to showcase your passion for reptiles and amphibians.

All you have to do is comment on this post with the hashtag of the category you want to participate in, and we’ll send you a private message with the registration link! You can also check the link in our bio!

We can't wait to get to know the ARAV family better!!

01/08/2025

📢 Webinar Announcement: Principles of Tortoise Medicine 🐢

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of tortoise medicine? Tortoises are becoming more popular as pets, and understanding their unique health needs is vital for providing top-notch care.

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/iYhEXf9p7Vuw7Dkv9

📅 Date: 09-01-2025
🕖 Time: 19:00 CET
🌐 Location: Online
🎓 CS points (Utrecht University students): 1
💸 Cost: Free!

👉 Meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-
join/19%3aPEHkWDsMm67geYN2E8jbGKqGGGElC0PIKRDibnOLHuM1%40thread.tac
v2/1731943569766?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22d72758a0-a446-4e0f-a0aa-
4bf95a4a10e7%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22c25dc372-a76f-40da-9b53-
a9113d5fde6c%22%7d

Join John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVS, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine and co-author of Essentials of Tortoise Medicine and Surgery, for this comprehensive webinar covering:
✨ Essential practice requirements for treating tortoises
✨ Examination techniques
✨ General anaesthesia and surgical procedures
✨ Management of common diseases

This exciting webinar is brought to you by ARAV and Archaeopteryx, offering an incredible learning opportunity for veterinary professionals, students, and anyone interested in reptile care.

No membership is required—just join and learn! If you have any questions, feel free to contact: [email protected]

📚 Expand your knowledge and gain practical insights into tortoise medicine. Don’t miss it!

Webinar: Principles of Tortoise Medicine with John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVS Date & Time: 09-01-2024 - 19:00 (CET) Location: Online Tortoises have become increasingly popular as pets over the years. However, their unique needs and health challenges often bring them to veterinary clinics. It is...

01/06/2025

🎉 New Year Meet Me Monday! 🐸✨

This week, we’re leaping into the new year with the Red-Eyed Tree Frog! 🕊️💚

Native to the rainforests of Central America, these vibrant frogs (Agalychnis callidryas) are known for their striking red eyes, lime-green bodies, and bold orange feet. Their bright colors symbolize a fresh start—just like the new year! Red-eyed tree frogs spend most of their time perched on leaves, blending into their lush surroundings, but they’re always ready to make a leap toward something new—a perfect reminder to embrace new opportunities in 2025!

Stay tuned for more facts about these colorful creatures, and let us know your 2025 goals in the comments below. 🌿✨

01/04/2025

📅✨ Tomorrow! ✨📅

Our next ARAV VIN Round is on January 5th, featuring the fascinating topic of Snake Ophthalmology with Dr. Kelsey Lykins, DVM! 🐍 This is the link: https://www.vin.com/vinmembers/rounds?id=12364822

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to dive into the world of reptiles and amphibians.

Set your reminders and join us for an insightful session!

**petologicalSurgery

01/02/2025

Are you ready for 2025? 🐍🐢🦎

Join ARAV as we embark on another year of advancing reptile and amphibian medicine, innovation, and care. Let's make 2025 a year to remember! Stay tuned for exciting updates, events, and opportunities to shape the future of veterinary science. 💚💙

12/31/2024

🎉🐍✨ Happy New Year from all of us at ARAV! ✨🐢🎇

As we welcome a brand-new year, we're excited to continue championing the health and well-being of reptiles and amphibians everywhere. From bearded dragons to dart frogs, tortoises to tree frogs, every scale, shell, and slime deserves the best care possible!

Thank you for trusting us with your incredible herpetological companions. Here's to a 2025 filled with wellness, discovery, and appreciation for our scaly and slimy friends!

Wishing you and your beloved reptiles and amphibians a joyful and healthy New Year! 🌟

**pVet **petologyLove **ps

12/29/2024

Last opportunity before the end of 2024! Don't forget to renew your ARAV membership!

Join or renew here: https://members.arav.org/general/register_member_type.asp

Join a unique and active community dedicated to the medical treatment, surgery, and captive care of the growing reptile and amphibian pet population, captive collections, and conservation of their wild counterparts.

Benefits of an ARAV Membership:

🐊 Journal of H**petological Medicine and Surgery – Access to a published journal that delves into veterinarian’s experiences, case reports, and original research in reptile and amphibian care.

🐸 Find-A-Vet – Members enjoy more ready access to patrons who visit our website in search of a practitioner.

🐢 H**p Blerp – The H**p Blerp is our monthly electronic newsletter that keeps members up to date with information and announcements regarding the conservation, care, and academic efforts and opportunities in H**petology.

🐍 ARAV Annual Conferences (The Joint Conference & ICARE) – At these Conferences ARAV brings together the best of the best in the veterinary field to network and learn from each other. As an ARAV member you will enjoy reduced registration to both, The Joint Conference of AEMV & ARAV and ICARE Conferences! Special Note: The ICARE conference is held every other year in Europe.

🦎 ARAV Members-Only Facebook Group – Our transnational members-only Facebook group allows you special access to engage with reptile and amphibian experts. Instantly ask questions and share in discussions with colleagues around the world.

🩺 ARAV members-only website – Log in at ARAV.org to access client brochures for popular species on “Care in Captivity,” ARAV publication lists, ARAV power point presentations, and a special library including all the past conference proceeding publications.

Please note, ARAV offers yearly memberships which run true to the calendar year. No discounts are offered on partial year memberships.

12/27/2024

🌟 New Year, New Goals: Plan Your Path to an ARAV Internship! 🌟

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next steps toward an exciting career in reptile and amphibian medicine. 🦎🐸 If you’re a student passionate about exotic animal care, consider applying for internships and externships in the USA!

✨ Start Planning Today: Check out our list of internships and externships here: https://arav.org/students/

ARAV offers incredible opportunities for hands-on experience, mentorship, and learning through a variety of programs. These internships and externships are designed to help you gain valuable skills, network with professionals, and take your passion for reptiles and amphibians to the next level.

Let’s make 2025 the year you take a big step toward your dream career! 💚

12/25/2024

🎉✨ Happy Holidays from ARAV! ✨🎉

To all our amazing ARAV members, we wish you a season filled with happiness, warmth, and time spent with loved ones—including your scaly and slimy companions! 🦎🐸

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to improving the care and well-being of reptiles and amphibians. Your hard work and passion make a difference every day, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of our community.

Here’s to a joyful holiday season and an inspiring year ahead! 🌟

12/23/2024

🎄✨ Meet Me Monday! ✨🦎

This week, we’re celebrating the holiday season with a spotlight on the Blue-Tongue Skink! 💙🎁

Blue-tongue skinks (Tiliqua species) are native to Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia, living in habitats from woodlands to grasslands. Known for their striking blue tongues, these intriguing reptiles use this vibrant feature to deter predators—nature’s own little surprise gift! 🎅 As omnivores, they enjoy a diverse diet of fruits, veggies, and insects, making them adaptable and fascinating. With their curious and personable nature, these skinks bring a little joy wherever they go, much like the holiday spirit.

Stay tuned for more fun facts about this incredible species, and let us know your festive thoughts in the comments below! 🌟

12/21/2024

🎄✨ Time to introduce our festive ARAV ! ✨🎄

Say hello to Amora, a gorgeous Red-Footed Tortoise! 🐢🎅

Red-Footed Tortoises like Amora bring holiday cheer year-round with their stunning shell patterns and sweet personalities. Native to South America, they love indulging in seasonal treats like colorful fruits and leafy greens: Amora’s favorite holiday “feast”! 🥬🍓

Does your pet have the spirit to shine as our ? Share a festive photo in the comments below! 📸

12/20/2024

Did you know that improper diets can lead to a hidden danger in reptiles? 🦎💔 Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (SNHP), or metabolic bone disease, is a common yet preventable condition caused by imbalances in calcium, phosphorus, and UVB exposure.

From soft shells to brittle bones, this condition can have devastating effects—but the good news? You have the power to prevent it! Proper UVB lighting, appropriate supplementation and education are the keys to keeping your scaly friends thriving.

Swipe to learn the signs, causes, and solutions to protect your reptiles from this silent threat. Let’s work together to ensure their health and happiness! 🐢✨

💡 Share this post with a fellow reptile keeper and help spread awareness. Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!