What a tumor is Benign or malignant A tumor (or mass) is an abnormal growth of tissue which can be either benign (a localized growth that does not tend to act aggressively and tends to not spread to other areas) or malignant (a cancerous growth with the potential to spread to other areas of the body). 
Medical & surgical care
Medical & surgical care for reptiles
Caring for reptiles can be complicated since they often hide their illnesses.
Lizards, snakes, turtles & tortoises
More critical than we can see
Because reptiles hide their illnesses, a sick exotic pet is often much more critical than we can see.
For surgical procedures we reduce stress and provide the best pain management options for them to help ease recovery.
Lizards
Soft tissue mass/tumor removals
What a tumor is Benign or malignant A tumor (or mass) is an abnormal growth of tissue which can be either benign (a localized growth that does not tend to act aggressively and tends to not spread to other areas) or malignant (a cancerous growth with the potential to spread to other areas of the body). 
When we remove it Why surgery is often recommended Due to the potential of any abnormal growth to be cancerous it is often recommended to surgically remove the growth if it is growing rapidly in size, changing shape or color, in an area of high motion that could affect the pet’s ability to move comfortably, causing pain or irritation to the pet. Snakes
Soft tissue mass/tumor removals
A tumor (or mass) is an abnormal growth of tissue which can be either benign (a localized growth that does not tend to act aggressively and tends to not spread to other areas) or malignant (a cancerous growth with the potential to spread to other areas of the body).
Due to the potential of any abnormal growth to be cancerous, it is often recommended to surgically remove the growth if it is:
- Growing rapidly in size
- Changing shape or color
- In an area of high motion that could affect the pet’s ability to move comfortably
- Causing pain or irritation to the pet
Turtles & tortoises
Beak trimming and shell repair
Beak trimming The beak of a turtle or tortoise may become overgrown due to improper nutrition or husbandry care, or may become cracked and damaged due to traumas. Trimming of the beak may be needed to help prevent further trauma and breaking or to help shorten the beak to allow for normal eating.
Minor shell repair Shell damage or cracking is most commonly due to trauma from accidents by the owner (such as being stepped on or being run over) or due to trauma from other pets in the household (like being bitten by a dog). Shell cracking and damage can also occur due to improper nutrition or husbandry issues but are not seen as commonly. Since a turtle or tortoise depends on its shell to help protect its internal organs, damaged shells must be fixed in a timely manner.
From our blog
Reading for reptile owners
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Exotic pets need love, too! Don't overlook their veterinary needs. The term “exotic pets” can be confusing to people. You might envision wild animals from deep in the jungle that were smuggled out of a country far… Read more 
Are You Prepared for a New Pet? Adding a new pet, whether furry, feathered, or scaled can be an exciting time! It’s fun to look for the pet with the most smoochable face, the softest… Read more In their words
The hearts we’ve touched
“My guinea pig wasn’t feeling well and I needed to get her in for an emergency appointment and they were able to get me that day. Through the whole process they were very kind and knowledgeable, and made me feel like I was doing the best I could which is important when a pet isn’t feeling well. I would definitely take my animals here again.”
“Phenomenal staff from the front desk to the vets. Dr Heintz not only provides top notch professional care, she also offers a very high degree of confidence in her abilities and love of birds. Her tender care and kindness are crystal clear.”
“We love the care our bunnies receive! Everyone makes our pets feel safe and comfortable. Thank you Country care for always making our experience wonderful!”
“After getting our bearded dragon we were nervous about finding an exotic vet for him. When we arrived at the Country Care Complex the staff was so excited to see our dragon Java, everyone wanted a peek. The sign in process was a breeze. The Vet was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. We are so happy with our choice to establish Java at Country Care Complex. We are interested in looking at boarding services here in the future. Thank you for your investment in people’s tiny companions!”
“Amazing staff!! Thank you for your excellent compassion for the care of my bearded dragon!”
“I just have to say that I was very impressed with the genuine, caring staff at Countrycare. I read a review online in which a woman stated she drove an hour to have her pets seen at your facility. I thought, “I have to check them out”. Now, I realize what she had experienced, because I feel the same way. I have had a few good vets over the last 22 yrs for our pets, but I still felt a noticeable difference when I brought our pets to your facility. Thank you for your professional, kind, genuine care. We are new to the facility, but I was so impressed, that I have decided this will be our new veterinarian family.”
“I like Countrycare because they not only take great care and concern of my pets but also of me… they don’t send home a pet from their care until they know those pets are truly ready to go home and be able to take care of their own needs and I’m reassured that they’ve done their best to know my dog can make it on her own with my help. I have great faith in their help and care!”
“I trust you and truly believe you are looking out for our pets’ best interests. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are off the charts. Everyone at Countrycare shows genuine compassion and concern for the pets and the owners. During the last 9 years we have brought seven of our pets to Countrycare, and the care they have received has always been top notch. Your motto is ‘modern veterinary medicine with old-fashioned caring!’ and you truly practice it day to day.”
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