The VHS holds 3 meetings and a number of other events each year.

Our next meeting is:

Wednesday 30th May 2012

Prahran RSL – 301 High Street – Prahran

7.15pm – 10.30pm

Dr Shane Simpson

Dr Shane Simpson, BVSc(Hons), GCM(VP), CMAVA, has always had an interest in reptiles and amphibians. He has been lucky enough to develop this area of interest into his professional career and is now one of the few reptile vets in Melbourne. Shane is a partner in a three veterinary practice group and is based at Karingal Veterinary Hospital in Frankston.

Over the past 8 years Shane has continued to develop the reptile department of the practice and now over 80% of his clinical work involves treating these amazing animals. With the creation of “The Reptile Doctor” brand in 2011 this expansion has continued. He regularly contributes to reptile magazines and other publications; lectures to other veterinarians and veterinary nurses on a range of topics relating to reptile medicine and surgery and also provides his time and services to treat sick and injured wild reptiles and amphibians. He is a member of the Unusual and Exotic Pet Veterinarians group and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians.

Shane’s presentation will divided into two parts.

Part one will be entitled “Reptiles – A Vet’s Perspective”. He will cover what things to consider before purchasing a reptile; where the veterinary industry is with respect to reptile and amphibian medicine; how to maximise your visit to the vet and the basic husbandry things you need to understand to ensure your animals remain healthy.

In the second part of his presentation, “Common Conditions in Common Reptiles”, Shane will cover those medical problems seen in the more commonly kept species, namely Central Bearded Dragons, Blue-tongue Lizards, Eastern Long Neck Turtles and Carpet Pythons. He will discuss what causes them, how to prevent them occurring and how they are treated. It will be highlighted with some of the more interesting cases that Shane has seen in his practice.

A review of this meeting will be in Odatria #13