Avian & Exotic

Rabbits and rodents are popular pets in urban society because they require little space, are relatively easy to care for, and are a species with which the client can develop a bond.

Rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs are monogastric, hind-gut fermenters; all have a functional cecum and require a high-fiber diet.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the mammalian body, and the major component of bones and teeth.

Adrenocortical disease (ACD, adrenal gland disease, hyperadrenocorticism) is a common malady affecting middle-aged to older ferrets with no sex predilection.

Egg binding is defined as failure of an egg to pass through the oviduct at a normal rate.

Prolapses from the cloaca can be a serious and often life-threatening condition in birds.

Pancreatic islet beta cell tumors, more commonly known as insulinomas, have been well recognized and well documented in ferrets over the last 20 years.

Pneumonia is a common presenting complaint in exotic companion mammals.

Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas are all monogastric, hindgut-fermenting herbivores adapted to a course, high-fiber diet.

Endotracheal intubation is the placement of a tube that extends from the oral cavity into the trachea.

One of the more common abnormal presentations of disease in rabbits is a head tilt, which is often accompanied by nystagmus and circling.

Fractures in small mammals generally involve the femur, tibia, and occasionally the humerus.

Although the principles of examination and care are universal in all species, familiarity with normal anatomy is essential in recognizing abnormal conditions.

One of the main reasons for neutering exotic pet mammals is to control reproduction.

Although the principles of critical care are universal in all species, veterinarians face a unique set of challenges when dealing with small mammals.

When presented with a seizuring dog or cat, the steps to take are familiar to most veterinarians. However, with a non-traditional species, even knowing where and how to administer treatments presents a challenge, as well as what might be common etiologies.

Respiratory diseases in small mammals can be challenging. Although anatomy is similar, there are variations in anatomy that can predispose to certain diseases, or can interfere with interpretation of test results.

Although many diseases of the urinary and genital systems are similar in many aspects in all mammals, there are features and presentations which are unique to certain species.

In order for AI-PMMA beads to produce a positive outcome, many factors must be taken into consideration.

Ferrets are very similar to more 'traditional' companions in many ways. They also develop many similar disease processes.

The respiratory system of birds is significantly different, both physiologically and anatomically, from that of mammals.

A simple ventral midline celiotomy provides limited exposure to most abdominal organs in birds.

Davis, Calif. -- Scott Weber, DVM, MS, former head veterinarian at the New England Aquarium in Boston, leads the new Aquatic Animal Health Team at UC-Davis? William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Although, of course, ferrets are not just small cats or dogs, the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in ferrets does mirror that used in cats and dogs, and ferrets often develop similar heart problems.

Talk to reptile owners about adequate sun access.