Exotic Animals
Exotic Pet Animal Care
While exotic pets can provide the same companionship and love as cats and dogs, they require specialized care, attention, and owner education to thrive. Plus, exotic pets need different care according to their species. Though we are not fully equipped to be classified as an exotic species hospital, we are equipped enough to provide basic primary animal health care for certain exotic species, such as bunnies, guinea pigs, rats, birds, and the occasional reptile. We are also more than happy to help provide emergency care for injured wildlife species as required until they can be referred to the correct rehabilitation facility. We will do what we can with what we have, and though we are not specialists in the field, we will do our best to find out the correct course of treatment and assist you to the best of our abilities if referral to an exotic centre is not a possibility for you.
Internal and external parasites:
There are two types of parasites that your exotic pet must be monitored for. Internal parasites like tapeworm and hookworms and external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites and lice. Internal parasites are common in exotic pets and may spread to humans if treatment is not quick and proper hygiene not followed. Fleas, mites, and ticks carry many diseases that can cause your pet to be sick or shorten the years you have with your pet. You want your pet to be happy, healthy, and safe, plus keeping your pet healthy is an excellent idea for protecting the health of the family.
Dental care:
Small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas have teeth that grow…and grow…and grow. Regular wear from chewing their food helps wear the teeth down as they grow, so that your small mammal basically always has fresh, new tooth material. This means you don’t have to attempt to brush your rabbit or guinea pig’s teeth.
But if your little pet doesn’t get enough dental stimulation, the teeth can get too long. This can lead straight to painful conditions, like malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth. Malocclusion makes everything difficult for your tiny friend, especially chewing and eating.
You veterinarian can check on your pet’s teeth to make sure everything is growing and grinding as it should.
Bird nail, wing and beak trimming:
Some people choose to trim their bird's wings to prevent them from flying away, especially when they are trying to train them. It's important to have a professional do this, as trimming can hurt the bird if not done right. Because just a few millimetres of feather growth can enable a bird to fly, be sure to test the bird’s ability to fly before taking the bird outside.
Overgrown nails may become caught or trapped on toys, clothing, or parts of the cage. In these situations, parts of the toenail may be ripped off, causing the toe to bleed, or the toe may be broken, creating a severe painful event. In all cases, a bird with an overgrown beak should be seen by an veterinarian. It is never advisable to trim your bird's beak at home, as there is a large blood vessel running down the center of the beak that will bleed profusely if it is nicked. The tip of the upper beak has a substantial nerve supply and will cause pain if it is broken or trimmed improperly. A veterinarian familiar with birds will trim or grind the beak properly during regular health examinations if they find that the upper or lower beak is elongated or misshapen.
Husbandry:
• Security — Rodents, small birds, and reptiles can be prey for other pets living in your house, such as dogs and cats, or may escape unsecured enclosures. Ensure these pets have an enclosure that is inaccessible to other pets and can be closed securely.
• Space — Reptiles and parrots, for example, can grow quite large, and they will need numerous enclosures to provide adequate space as they grow.
• Temperature and humidity — Exotic pets, including lizards and snakes, need a specific temperature and humidity range for optimum health.
• Lighting — Natural and artificial light are necessary to maintain the appropriate circadian rhythms of many exotic pets.
• Enrichment — Ensure your exotic pet can exercise their natural behaviours, such as climbing, stalking, sunbathing, swimming, or soaking.
• Diets — Exotic pets have specialised nutritional needs, and require species-appropriate, balanced diets to avoid macronutrient, vitamin, or mineral deficiencies. For example, some pets need to eat live bait or small prey, while no pet should eat processed food. Every exotic pet must always have access to clean, fresh water. Also, exotic pets should be fed precise portions based on their weight, body condition, and life stage. Under- and over-feeding can lead to serious health issues. Spend time researching your pet’s nutritional requirements, and never hesitate to consult with your veterinarian if you have questions.
Surgery: Spay and neuter, lump removal
Sterilisation (otherwise known as desexing or neutering) is recommended for many exotic pets, and it is important in preventing a range of problems that can occur later in your pet’s life.
Why Should I Sterilise My Exotic Pet?
There are many health and behavioural benefits from sterilising your exotic pet, including:
• Eliminating the risk of testicular cancer in males
• A reduction of unwanted behaviours (such as urine spraying, humping/mounting, biting, aggression)
• Reducing the smell that ferrets give off
• Eliminating the risk of uterine cancer in females. This is particularly important in rabbits as up to 80% of rabbits over two years of age will develop uterine cancer.
• Eliminating the risk of cystic ovary disease (particularly important in guinea pigs as this is very common) and ovarian cancer
• Reducing the risk of mammary cancer development (particularly important in rats)
• Preventing female ferrets suffering from life-threatening anaemia (low red blood cells) if they are ‘in season’ too long
• Decreasing the risk of faecal impaction in male guinea pigs
• Prevent unwanted pregnancies
