EXOTICS

of

The field of exotic or nondomestic pet medicine has grown , as the popularity of these animals has increased.

Increased number of specialty practices.

Increased number of veterinarians and technicians that specialize in this field.

85% of problems seen in exotic pet medicine results from lack of information given by pet

stores, veterinarians, and technicians to the new pet owner.

HusbandryNutrition

General rule for restraint

•Best protection both handler & animal is knowledge of animal (anatomy, behavior &

special needs)

•Restraint must be quick & efficient. Move quietly & confidently.

•EXOTICS are stressed more than any other species we handle in practice….

SightsSounds

SmellsTemperature

•The more tame a pet is the better it will tolerate stress.

•Stress = disease & injury

RODENTS

• Why do we seen them in practice?

• Trim nails, teeth, husbandry / nutritional concerns, physical exams, administer medication, blood collection

WEAR GLOVES WHEN DEALING WITH RODENTSCAN DEVELOP ALLERGIES

Special consideration for each species:

•MICE: do not squeeze to tight, they are bitters•RATS: instinct is to run & hide, last resort is to bite•HAMSTER: nocturnal desert animals, prod to wake , quick to bite, large cheek pouches, house alone•GERBIL: nocturnal desert animals, easily stressed & excited = seizures, do not pick up by tail = strip skin

ROUTES OF ADMINISTERING MEDICATION

• ORAL GAVAGE • SUBQUTANEOUS• INTRAMUSCULAR (EXCEPT MOUSE &GERBIL)

• INTRPERITONEAL• LATERAL TAIL VIEN (EXCEPT GERBIL)

TECHNIQUES FOR RESTRAINT AND HANDLING RODENTS:

PHYSICALMECHCANICALCHEMICAL

RABBITS

Quiet, shy, & not generally aggressive toward people Nocturnal Massive limb muscles compared to bone Flight response – escape form of protection Over heat easily Ears can be easily damaged Find safety in hiding us to advantage during restraint(allow

to hide head under arm, shield eyes) SQ, IM,IV injections Beware when sexing….inguinal rings open

FERRETS

Make great pets, but can have strong odor

Carnivores (special chow)

Alert, active, very curious seek out small portal – need to make environment safe advantage

Have sweet tooth - for short procedures use laxatone, yogurt or ice cream

Can also calm pet by placing it in your pocket

MEDICAL PROCEDURES &PROBLEMS Commonly seen for nail trims, ear cleaning, vaccinate

for distemper(chicken embryo cell)

Medicate – oral, SQ, IM, use jugular& cephalic vein

Susceptible to influenza

Estrogen toxicity - induced ovulators ( prolonged heats create anemia)

Obstructions

Neoplasia

Insulinomas

BIRDS

DELICATE highly sensitive to stress, temperature (80 -90) no drafts

Use beak, feet, wings as form of protection

Use least amount of restraint as possible (towel)

Typically seen for nail trim, clip wings (leave 3 -4 primary feathers), radiographs, splinting, self mutilation – feather plucking