When an exotic small mammal presents for a problem associated with the integument, it may be hard not to try to focus on that specific system.

The majority of the exotic pet cases presented to veterinarians are dehydrated as a result of a chronic disease.

Endocrine diseases in ferrets have been attributed to genetics, early-age neutering, diet, and photoperiod.

The rise in popularity of herpetoculture over the past two decades has led to an increased number of reptiles being imported and captive reared to meet the demands of herpetoculturists.

Diagnostic imaging is an underutilized resource in herpetological medicine.

Many of the exotic species we deal with have evolved to mask their illness to avoid predation.

Nontraditional mammalian species, such as ferrets, lagomorphs, marsupials, hedgehogs, and rodents, are stoic by nature and have evolved to mask their illness to avoid predation.

Clinicians working with "exotic species" should establish consistent anesthetic and analgesic protocols to manage cases that require diagnostic or surgical procedures.

With the growing popularity of exotic pets in the United States, the incidence of zoonotic diseases attributed to these pets should be expected to rise.