Avian & Exotic

The field of invertebrate medicine is in its infancy. Traditionally veterinary interest in invertebrates has centered on the control of species that are involved in vertebrate disease processes. The husbandry and medical care of captive invertebrates has typically fallen to scientists and hobbyists, with very little veterinary involvement. Now, as many institutions and private individuals maintain large invertebrate collections, a genuine interest exists in advancing the quality of medical care available for these taxa.

Budget cuts may cripple the exotic animal program at the University of Wisconsin's veterinary school.

Why are cockatiels more likely to develop lockjaw?

Cleveland, Ga. -- Mice, rats, and chicks sold as frozen reptile feed may have been the cause of human illnesses in 17.

The goal of this session is to highlight the most significant anatomical and physiological differences between fish patients and the terrestrial and avian patients commonly seen by the exotic veterinarian. Many clinicians fear starting to practice aquatic medicine due to these differences in the anatomy and physiology of fish as compared to terrestrial animals.

Without a doubt, exotic mammals are becoming increasingly popular as pets and owners recognize that these animals are often very good pets, and ask their vet for good advice and treatment.

Emergency situations are a common scenario for the 'fish' practitioner. As with any other species, immediate action should be taken to stabilize the patient before any attempt is made to correct underlying problems. This lecture will describe the steps for providing first aid to the critical patient.

As aquatic medicine becomes more and more popular, diagnostic tools commonly used with traditional pets become part of the diagnostic workup for fish cases. In order to make radiology a successful part of the clinical workup, one needs to have a basic understanding of normal fish anatomy (e.g. one chambered swim bladder vs. bi-lobed swim bladder).

The purpose of this presentation is to describe some basic and advanced clinical techniques that can be used by the practitioner to establish a diagnosis. Basic techniques start from simple observation of behavior and other hands-off procedures, to collection of samples such as fin and gill clips and phlebotomy.

Invertebrates, amphibians and other unusual pets are kept commonly by clients of the exotic animal practice and they are also brought to the office to veterinarians either as an emergency or for a routine checkup. Often the owners of these animals also have dogs and cats or other pets and this is a good opportunity to build new bridges and acquire new clientele.

The origins of common problems encountered in aquatic medicine are discussed, with emphasis on the importance of monitoring water quality. As with other species, the goal of fish medicine should be prevention and not treatment!

For similar reasons as mentioned in the invertebrate lecture, more and more people are now bringing their pet amphibians to the veterinary office either as an emergency or for a husbandry consult. As previously mentioned, the owners of these exotic pets are often friendly and helpful who definitely can play an active role in the consultation.

Educate clients early to monitor for these behavioral changes.

Guinea pigs belong to the family Cavidae. Four digits on the forepaw and three digits on the hindpaw characterize Cavidae. Guinea pigs originate from the high planes of South America therefore they tolerate cold better than heat.

Relaxed: fluffed feathers under the beak and on the head, preen, stretch, eye closing slightly, pupils normal size, head low around shoulders, vocalizing quietly, gently playing with a toy or object, one foot tucked up close to the body, rouse, flick its wings or shakes tail, scratches its own head

Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps = tight rope walker, short head) are one of the newest additions to the world of fad pets. Published information on Sugar Gliders is sparse, but more is coming available as we continue to see them as pets/patients.

The African pigmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) has become a very popular pet in the early 1990's. They were a fad that hit the 'get rich quick' crowd initially but now has a small but very loyal following.

The chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is a small rodent originating from the Andes Mountains of South America. Chinchillas have been trapped to near extinction in their native countries.

Tumor of the beta cells in the pancreas that secrete excessive levels of insulin.

Healthy ferrets: Inquisitive, alert and curious, bright eyes, will often eat if offered favored treats

Physiologic "stress" response to pain.

Rabbits should be spayed anytime after 5 months of age. When very young, the uterine horns and ovaries are very tiny making identification challenging.

Do not aggressively palpate females with distended coeloms or over-restrain for procedures (preovulatory stasis, egg bound, egg yolk peritonitis).

When a pet is sick clients will often do some research and find that diet and environment is incorrect. Many times they make those changes just prior to their visit and report to you only the recent diet and environment. It is up to you and your staff to find out what the real situation is that the patient has been in prior to the visit.

When a pet is sick clients will often do some research and find that diet and environment is incorrect. Many times they make those changes just prior to their visit and report to you only the recent diet and environment. It is up to you and your staff to find out what the real situation is that the patient has been in prior to the visit.