Avian & Exotic

As with any surgical procedure in any species; prior to cutting it is important to familiarize oneself with the relevant anatomical and physiological details of the species. A very detailed discussion of these two topics is beyond the scope of this presentation but the reader is strongly advised to familiarize oneself with these topics by the references listed below.

There are greater than 6500 species of extant reptiles with a wide variety of behaviors and structural morphologies designed to allow them to escape notice or fight off enemies, reproduce, obtain food and adapt to their environment. This lecture describes some commonly seen and some less commonly seen behaviors and morphological adaptations in reptiles.

Reptile surgery is performed under general anesthesia, observing sterile technique, with appropriate monitoring and supportive care. The true strength layer for reptiles is the skin. To prevent dysecdysis after a skin incision heals, an everting suture pattern is used.

Reptiles are very resilient and capable of surviving physiological changes e.g. severe hypoxemia, that would rapidly kill a mammal. Hypothermia should not be used as a method of restraint. It will induce immobility but will not provide analgesia. Hypothermia will also impair drug metabolism, digestion and immune function.

The procedure is generally very similar to a cat spay.

In general, information about an animal's origin and natural history is often the basis for recommendations concerning dietary management of these animals in captivity. In captivity, whether in an aquarium, screened cage, or (inappropriately) loose in the house – reptiles and amphibians have specific ranges for temperature, humidity, and ventilation which are essential for optimal health. Maintenance of an animal outside of its optimal range is a physiological stress that often results in poor intake, digestion/absorption, and utilization of food.

Ever wondered what it's like to work at a zoo? For one day, the dvm360 editors accompanied the veterinarian at the Kansas City Zoo and his team while they anesthetized a 5-year-old lioness named Zuri for a wellness exam.

Atlanta -- More than 200 people have now been infected with a strain of Salmonella Typhimurium associated with African dwarf frogs, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Learn why preovulatory stasis may be seen in relatively young captive reptiles.

The zoonotic threat of Canadian geese.

Erlanger, Ky -- Within days of the euthanization of a ferret at a Kentucky ferret shelter, 16 more fell sick from H1N1.

Columbus, Ohio -- Outgoing Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, in one of his last official actions before leaving office Jan. 10, signed an executive order for a temporary ban on wild animal ownership.

Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma City Zoo is preparing to build a new $9 million veterinary hospital that will feature areas for public viewing.

Portland, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Agriculture, as directed by state lawmakers in 2009, will stop issuing new exotic animal permits beginning in January 2011.

Dive into this list of schools and organizations offering CE and resources on expanding your aquatic veterinary knowledge and practice.

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.