This week’s segment features Pocky, the 5-month-old uromastyx!!! 🦎Uromastyx, also known as the spiny-tailed lizard, is native to North Africa, the Middle East, and Northern India. Now commonly seen in the pet market, uromastyx are becoming popular pets in the United States. Pocky was brought in to see Dr. Emerson for a new pet wellness examination and annual testing. Wellness exams and testing are just as important in our reptile and other exotic species as it is in cats and dogs. In reptiles specifically, we will look at their feces to check for intestinal parasites, and additionally will swab various places on their bodies to check for bacterial overgrowth that can be indicative of systemic illness and disease. Unfortunately for Pocky, he was found to have Giardia and roundworms, two different types of intestinal parasites. After the administration of some medications, we were able to successfully treat the parasites that Pocky had. With annual exams and testing, we anticipate that Pocky will have a long and happy life. Give us a call today to get your reptile or other exotic pet scheduled for their annual wellness examination and testing!! 🦎🐍🐢