Home

>

EmiKnafo, DVM, DACZM

Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM

Biography

Originally from New York City, Dr. Knafo received a BS in biology from Cornell University followed by a DVM degree from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University (V'08). After veterinary school, she completed an internship in large animal surgery and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania (2009) and an internship in zoological medicine at the University of Georgia (2010). In 2013, she completed a residency in zoological medicine at Cornell University and briefly ran a house call practice for exotic pets. In 2014, she became a Clinical Assistant Professor of Zoological Medicine at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Dr. Knafo has a strong interest in surgery and anesthesia of all exotic and zoological species, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) in 2016. Dr. Knafo shares her home with her husband, son, 3 rescue dogs, a cat, macaw, and chameleon. When not working, she rides horses, runs, raises bees, and does CrossFit.
Questions Answered by Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM
Now basically my tortoise is a two year old tortoise and basically today at around three I stepped on her by accident. She is fine though. I can find no soft spots or cracks and there are no other visual marks. After wards she just got up and went on exploring the garden, and she has since, eaten and drank and has fallen asleep. So I think she is fine but I just wanted a professional view. Thank you.

Hello, I’m sorry to hear Heidie was stepped on! The good news is that it sounds like she didn’t suffer any obvious ill effects. From what you described, and from the photos included here it appears she doesn’t have any evident trauma. However, please continue to monitor her attitude, appetite, and activity. If you note any changes that concern you (lethargy, decreased appetite, any signs of bleeding or lameness), then please contact your primary veterinarian and have Heidie examined.

Read More

I have a 8 month old Black Capped Conure. I have had him about 4 months. I was thinking about maybe adopting another one. I was just wondering would they get along if they were the same type of Conure? I also don’t know what gender my bird is if that would matter? Also would they need to be in different cages?

Hello! I’m glad to hear that things are going so well with Rico that you are considering a second bird. Birds are flock animals so they do tend to do well with other birds. There are a few things to keep in mind though, before adopting another bird. The birds should be about the same size, though don’t have to be the same species. This is to reduce the chance of fighting and trauma from a big bird to a little bird. The birds should have infectious disease screenings to ensure they don’t introduce any illness to each other. I’d recommend minimum of a physical exam, fecal gram stain, fecal float, screening bloodwork (CBC, chemistry), and Chlamydia testing. An avian veterinarian will be able to do all of this for you and they may recommend some additional testing based on what’s already been done by the breeder/store/rescue. I would recommend that each bird has their own cage, at least at the beginning until they get to know each other. Sometimes, birds just don’t get along no matter what we do. They are individuals and it’s possible that personalities can clash. So be prepared to have two separately kept birds in case that happens. However, since Rico is still young, I bet that he will take accept a new bird well! Good luck!

Read More

[Baby Hedgehog] I bought a 32 days old hedgehog from a pet store. She seems weak and sometimes makes sounds. What kind of specific food and drink I should feed her? And how to make she become healthier? Thank you vet

Hello, I’m sorry to hear Hung May be having issues. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian for a new pet exam just to be sure she is otherwise healthy and to establish a relationship with a local vet. In general, hedgehogs need a high protein diet since they are insectivores. Mazuri insectivore diet is a good option, but feeding insects like mealworms, roaches, etc is also enriching and a good food source for them. Some hedgehog owners feed high quality cat or kitten food, which is an acceptable alternative to an insectivore food. Avoid human table scraps as obesity is a common problem in hedgehogs. Also, make sure you keep the hedgehogs enclosure warm ~72-82F. Dental disease, mites, heart disease, and cancer are common diseases of hedgehogs you might want to be aware of.

Read More

Why my box turtle get lumps on her carapace? It’s hard to tell from the pictures. One is right on her middle top and another one is on the middle bottom back.

Hi, you’re right, the lumps are difficult to see in the photos. Lumps on or in a turtle shell can be from a number of things. There can be an underlying metabolic issue like metabolic bone disease (lack of UVB light and imbalance of calcium/phosphorus), or pyramiding, which can be from high protein and low humidity. Infections (bacteria, fungus, some parasites) can also cause shell lumps. Because these issues are all so different, it’s important to have Cookie examined by a veterinarian so they can do some tests and get her on the best treatment, if indicated. Good luck!

Read More

Which deworm can be use as general deworm med for land tortoise for periodic treatment?

Hello, this is a tricky question as tortoises can have very serious sensitivities to some deworming medications. Therefore, I strongly recommend you bring your tortoise to have an exam by a veterinarian. They can test the feces and tell which parasites might be present and then choose the safest and most effective medication. Please, do not give ivermectin to any tortoise.

Read More