let's talk diseases and parasites

[M_surinamensis]

there are many good books! let me look in my stash and i bet many other can contribute some books titles are well. basic books to more advanced book would be great and ANY reptile books not just leopard geckos!

Little late but... Frye, Mader and Klingenberg have all written excellent and broad books about reptile health. Frye did it first, Mader has done it the best, Klingenberg is probably the most approachable and easy to understand for anyone without the zoology or medical background.

Barnard, Wright, Murphy... narrower focus but more depth on specific subjects. It should be noted that the first three up there also have a pretty good body of detail oriented work in the form of both books and papers or articles. If anyone really wants the best information, regardless of the author, they should skip the eight dollar paperback (Sorry DR. Klingenberg) sitting on an end-cap display in their local big box store and sign themselves up for veterinary reviews, university publications and veterinary seminars where there is a herpetological topic being discussed.

Although after someone has some information, it is absolutely of critical importance that they are then aware of; exactly what they know, exactly what they do not know and exactly what they can responsibly do about it. I think everyone should educate themselves as often and as thoroughly as possible but it is important that nobody ever get the idea that thumbing through Frye's "Atlas of Reptile Diseases and Treatments" qualifies them as being a substitute to veterinary care. Knowing about reptile health is great, it lets a pet owner more easily identify symptoms and get animals treated early, it also lets them communicate the issue better with their vet and lets the pet owner understand what a veterinary diagnosis and treatment course means. It lets them sort out the difference between a competent herp vet and a a dog and cat guy who would just like to take some money. It is still important to recognize the line that is drawn between licensed veterinary practitioner and educated hobbiest. I have a zoology background and a pretty thorough understanding of reptile health, I still go to see my vet every single time it is appropriate.