Good news for bearded dragons who need to see a doctor

Who knew that the secret to a happier, healthier life for your bearded dragon might come from the University of Calgary? 

Dr. Renata Pinho, DVM, and PhD candidate at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), just snagged the Best Research Presentation award at the prestigious Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists' meeting in London, England. Think of it as the Oscars of the veterinary anesthesia world, but with more lab coats and fewer red carpets.

Pinho's research is not just academic facts and figures. It's a game-changer for anyone who has ever tried to give their pet reptile medical care without turning it into a wrestling match. 

Bearded dragons, with their easygoing nature and handleability, are popular pets, but little is known about anesthesia for these charming reptiles. Pinho's study focuses on sedation protocols and validation of a sedation scale for bearded dragons, opening up new avenues for safe and effective veterinary care for these charming little critters.

Her research is supervised by Dr. Daniel Pang, PhD, professor of veterinary anesthesiology, funded by the UCVM Clinical Fund, and developed with the collaboration of Dr. Kelsey Chapman, DVM'17, a UCVM graduate working exclusively with exotic pets, and Maya Reed, BHSc'24, a recent health sciences grad.

So, why should you care about veterinary anesthesiology? Well, imagine taking your fluffy, feathery or scaly friend to the vet, and instead of a chaotic scene, everything goes smoothly. That's the magic of veterinary anesthesia. It's all about ensuring that pets — from dogs to bearded dragons — get the best care possible, with the least amount of stress and discomfort. It's the unsung hero of animal health care that makes those thorough examinations, blood tests and imaging procedures a breeze.

“Renata’s work on this and associated projects is an important step forward in improving care of exotic pets, such as bearded dragons, and raising our knowledge of anesthesia in these species to being closer to that of dogs, cats and horses," says Pang.

Traditionally, anesthesiology techniques were tailored for cats and dogs, but Dr. Pinho and her team have resourcefully adapted these methods for our scaly friends. By learning from other fields and experts worldwide, Dr. Pinho's work underscores a commitment to collaboration and the sharing of knowledge in veterinary anesthesia, ultimately elevating pet care standards. At this vibrant hub of veterinary wizards, ideas and methods are shared, ensuring that animals everywhere receive the best possible medical attention. The conference embodies a dynamic global dialogue, fostering discussions that extend beyond the professional community to inform and engage the public.

"Winning this award is like a dream come true," says Pinho. "Our goal is to make veterinary visits less stressful and more effective and safe for bearded dragons and their owners."

Pinho's award-winning research doesn't just elevate UCVM's stature; it also exemplifies the University of Calgary's commitment to starting something that truly matters. So, the next time your bearded dragon needs a vet visit, thank the tireless researchers like Pinho who make it a smoother ride.