Avian & Exotic

Many people are familiar with the risk of salmonellosis associated with turtles, but a recent multistate outbreak of human Salmonella typhimurium infections has been linked to African dwarf frogs, a common aquatic pet.

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

Rabbits should be spayed anytime after 5 months of age. When very young, the uterine horns and ovaries are very tiny making identification challenging. However, in older mature and perhaps overweight rabbits, the mesometrium is extremely fatty and friable. OVH is indicated in all female rabbits to prevent pregnancy, control territorial aggression, prevent uterine neoplasia (80% incidence), or other uterine disorders such as pyometra.

Amphibians are solidly represented as captives in both private and institutional collections. Many amphibian species are in precarious situations in their natural habitats due to environmental changes and disease. As a result, many captive populations are extremely valuable from a conservation standpoint.

Felids are a large group consisting of 37 species in the genera Felis (small cats), Panthera (large cats), Neofelis (clouded leopards) and Acinonyx (cheetah). Some species of exotic felids such as tigers, lions, bobcats (Felis rufus), caracal (Felis caracal), servals (Felis serval), and serval hybrids have become have become popular pets.

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.

Providing veterinary care to small avian patients can be a tremendous challenge. Basic procedures we take for granted in larger patients can be all but impossible to accomplish in these diminutive, and sometimes quite fragile, animals.

This lecture will focus primarily on terrestrial arthropods such as arachnids, myriapods and insects. There is a significant amount of literature available to bring the veterinary clinician up to speed regarding captive management of various invertebrate species. One of the best books the author has run across is "Breeding food animals: live food for vivarium animals".

Secondary Nutritional Hyperparathyroidism: Clinical Signs: Anorexia, depression, ileus and constipation, cloacal prolapse, swollen compressible mandible, lethargy and inability to support body weight, muscle fasciculations due to hypocalcemia, and rarely seizures.

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.

Due to anthropogenic encroachment on all wild spaces, an animal's encounter with civilization often leads to injury. This means that the number of animals received by wildlife rehabilitators every year is on the rise.

In this lecture we will discuss the basics of insectivorous reptile nutrition, paying particular attention to the role vitamin A and Vitamin D play in a healthy diet. Captive animals that receive diets that contain deficient or excessive amounts of both these vitamins are frequently seen by veterinarians. Therefore, it is important that the reptile veterinarian be able to recognize signs of malnutrition and provide treatment as well as correct the diet.

Diagnosing disease in reptiles can be a challenge for even the most experienced veterinarian. The clinical signs exhibited by these ectotherms are often subtle and physical findings are seldom pathognomonic.

While insulinomas are rarely cured, most affected ferrets can be reasonably controlled and will often live months to years following diagnosis.

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.

Reptilian hearts differ significantly from those of mammals. Most reptiles possess three chambered hearts, with the exception of crocodilians. The anatomy of the great vessels is quite different from that of mammals and can be confusing to uninitiated. Adequate knowledge of normal anatomy and function is paramount in assessing health and performing certain clinical procedures. Reptile cardiovascular physiology is also significantly different from that of mammals.

The Class Reptilia consists of over 6,500 species, but only a few dozen species are likely to be encountered with any regularity in general practice. The diversity within the Class Reptilia necessitates the description of generalities.

Guinea pigs need Vitamin C supplementation as they lack L-gulonolactone oxidase which is involved in synthesis of ascorbic acid from glucose therefore they are unable to manufacture or store vitamin C.

Probably because of their size and likelihood of being found injured, raptors continue to be one of the most commonly received groups of birds in wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Although they are susceptible to most of the same diseases as other birds, raptors possess some unique anatomical and life history traits that translate to clinical syndromes unique to this group.

Waterfowl belong to the order Anseriformes which has 2 families; Anhimidae (screamers) and Anatidae (ducks, swans, and geese). This section will concentrate on Anatidae. Anseriformes have been domesticated since 2500 BC.

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.