Nutrition

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In this lecture we will discuss the basics of insectivorous reptile nutrition, paying particular attention to the role vitamin A and Vitamin D play in a healthy diet. Captive animals that receive diets that contain deficient or excessive amounts of both these vitamins are frequently seen by veterinarians. Therefore, it is important that the reptile veterinarian be able to recognize signs of malnutrition and provide treatment as well as correct the diet.

Nutritional supplementation is vital to the healing process for most disease processes and after traumatic injury. However, many of these patients do not receive sufficient nutrition during the healing and recovery process. Over time, this lack of proteins, minerals, and energy substrates can lead to a state of general illness, malnutrition, and profound disability, a condition defined as cachexia.