Avian & Exotic

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.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's New Iberia Research Center was cited for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

A new resource for exotic animal enthusiasts has been launched by the MU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Davis, Calif. -- The University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine has launched a new "One Health" program to conserve the world's remaining 740 mountain gorillas.

A new law that could ban ownership of nonnative animals is being debated in Washington.

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

To date there have been very few pharmacokinetic studies published in reptiles, and with only only limited numbers of antibiotics.

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.

There is no question that the most common health problems associated with captive reptiles are diet related.

In general, all reptiles are covered with scales.

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.

"Bad laboratory data are worse than no laboratory data at all."

It has been well established that the majority of bacterial pathogens affecting reptile patients are of the gram negative type.

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