The Vet Diaries

The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) Student Chapter at Mumbai Veterinary College marks a new milestone for students passionate about herpetology. Established under the guidance of ARAV, this chapter aims to bridge the gap between curiosity and clinical expertise in reptile and amphibian medicine. Through interactive webinars, hands-on workshops, and collaborative learning, ARAV Mumbai provides a platform for aspiring veterinarians to explore diagnostics, husbandry, conservation, and medical care of reptiles and amphibians. Members will gain exclusive access to international resources, mentorship opportunities, and the Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery - all designed to enhance their academic and professional journey. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate biology of snakes, the delicate physiology of amphibians, or simply wish to expand your clinical horizon, ARAV Mumbai invites you to be part of a growing network that celebrates the art and s...

Few things worry snake keepers more than a pet that suddenly stops eating. This causes owners to panic - Why is my snake not eating? Is  it stressed? Sick? Or just being a picky serpent? As a snake owner, I get this question all the time, and the truth is: snakes refusing food can be perfectly normal—or a red flag that needs attention. The trick is knowing the difference. In this post, we’ll walk through the common reasons snakes go off food, how to separate harmless fasting from health issues, and the practical steps you can take to get them feeding again. Why is My Snake Not Eating? Common Reasons Not all feeding refusals are alarming. Here are the most common causes: ~ Classic visible signs that Google is about to shed ~ Shedding: Appetite often dips a week before shedding. Dull skin and cloudy eyes (“blue eyes”) are tell-tale signs.  Seasonal cycles: Some snakes naturally slow their feeding in cooler months or during brumation. Stress: New e...

Maybe you didn’t read my earlier rant about why conures might not be everyone’s cup of tea (read it  here if you haven't) —or perhaps you read it and still thought, “Challenge accepted.” Either way, you’ve found yourself living with a feisty little rainbow chicken that screams like a smoke alarm and chews like a teething puppy. Good news: while conures can be a lot to handle, they’re also incredibly rewarding companions when cared for properly. That’s why I put together this Conure Care Guide—to help you survive. 

Conures are undeniably gorgeous—bright feathers, big personalities, and parrot energy packed into a smaller body. But owning one isn’t all rainbow feathers and Disney moments. From the ear-splitting calls to the decades-long commitment, conures can be a handful—way more than many expect. Here’s why you might want to think twice before inviting one into your life. 1. They’re loud. Painfully loud. Once, I was walking home and heard a very distinct “RIO!”—from an entire lane away. Conures aren’t just “chatty.” They scream . Their calls can cut through walls, neighbours, and your last shred of peace, especially at dawn and dusk. And it’s not just irritating—it can stress them out. When a conure realises loud noises get attention, they’ll double down. Breaking that cycle requires training, boundaries, and sometimes an avian behaviourist… which isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. 2. Not exactly beginner material Yes, they’re smaller than macaws or greys, but they need the same level of ca...

This article is in collaboration with IDA Indievets A recent Supreme Court directive has stirred a nationwide debate: all stray dogs in Delhi are to be removed from public spaces and shifted to shelters within the next six months. While the intention—addressing public safety and reducing human-animal conflict—is understandable, the ruling has raised significant concerns among veterinarians, animal welfare experts, and urban planners. Below, we break down what the ruling entails, why implementing it isn’t straightforward, and what a more sustainable approach could look like. The Ruling in Brief On August 11, 2025 , the Supreme Court of India issued a directive to authorities in Delhi and the wider NCR region, ordering the removal of all stray dogs from public areas and relocating them to newly established shelters. The ruling requires: Capturing and housing stray dogs in shelters within eight weeks Ensuring each dog is sterilised, dewormed, immunised , and not rel...

Reptiles are often misunderstood. Cold-blooded, slow-moving, and mysterious, they don’t wear their emotions on their sleeves (or scales) like mammals do. But make no mistake—these creatures have a rich behavioural repertoire. If you’ve ever watched a bearded dragon bob its head, a snake flick its tongue, or a turtle bask under a lamp, you’ve witnessed a complex language of instinct and adaptation. In this edition of The Herp Index , we dive into the fascinating world of reptile behaviour—decoding the why behind the wiggle, the stillness, and the sideways glances of our scaly friends. 1. Tongue Flicking: The Snake's Super Sensor  If you've ever held a snake, you’ve likely seen it flick its tongue rapidly in and out. This isn’t a sign of aggression—quite the opposite. Snakes use their tongues to “taste” chemical particles in the air and transfer them to Jacobson's organ (or vomeronasal organ) in the roof of the mouth. Why it matters: Frequent tongue flicking me...