by Dr. Abby Reichard, Janet L. Swanson Intern of Shelter Medicine, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program 2022
A license to practice veterinary medicine gives you the authority to examine, diagnose, do surgery, or prescribe medicine for almost any animal. Most vets specialize in small (dog and cat) or large (swine, cow, horse, or small ruminant) animals. Being asked to see species you have never worked with before is a relatively common occurrence when shelters or clients acquire exotic animals.
What is an exotic animal?
In veterinary medicine, exotic animals are any animal that is not a dog, cat, horse, or farm animal, that is being kept for pet or exhibit purposes. These include birds, reptiles, fish, and small mammal species such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc.
Why should someone who mainly works with dogs and cats learn about exotics?
According to the AVMA, 13% of US households owned exotic pets in 2016. This was an increase of 25% from 2011. Some of these animals may not be cuddly or even handleable, but are still seen as part of the family to their owners. It is important that veterinarians learn how to find information about basic husbandry, common conditions, and stabilization in these animals so that we may set them up for a long healthy life.
Basic examination
When I hear I will be examining a new species, I find it helpful to refer to textbooks and reliable online sources for guidance on what is normal before going into the exam room. Reliable sources help identify best handling practices (safety first!), differential diagnoses, advice on diagnostic tests and sample collection, pharmacological information, husbandry needs, and dietary recommendations.
Before starting your examination, remember to breathe and go back to the basics! Think about what you would do with any of your patients. If presented with a dog, the first thing a veterinarian would do would be to take a history – and it should be no different with a small furry or a slithery snake! After your basic research and detailed history, a thorough clinical examination should be performed. During the examination, the veterinarian should aim to identify abnormalities.
It is best to start with observation from afar, looking at mentation, respiratory pattern, obvious wounds, lameness, hair loss, etc. After you have examined from a distance, it is time to move to physical examination to identify irregularities. Depending on the species and abnormality, the veterinarian may run specific diagnostics to help formulate a treatment plan for their patient which will then help to guide management and care of that animal.
The Importance of Husbandry and Diet:
Unlike dogs and cats, exotic species are often not well adapted to life in a human home. Each species of exotic animal has unique dietary and housing requirements, which owners may not realize or know how to meet. Many abnormalities in exotic species can be corrected with improvements in diet or husbandry. To learn about those requirements, and for help figuring out when husbandry changes alone will not suffice, many resources are available!
Resources:
In any case that you feel unsure about, it is best to consult reliable sources such as textbooks, board certified exotic veterinarians, or referral facilities when you have questions or need guidance. Information on the internet can be inaccurate or contradictory, so having a few reliable sites is recommended.
Here are some sources I find helpful:
- Ballard, B.M., Cheek, R., Crane, M., Cheek, R., 2017. Chapter 9: Snakes, in: Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician. Wiley Blackwell, pp. 137–181.
- Quesenberry, K, Orcutt, C, Mans C, and Carpenter, J., 2020 Ferrets, Rodents and Rabbits: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis MO
- Kubiak, M., Hedley, J., 2021. Chapter 17: Boas and Pythons , in: Handbook of Exotic Pet Medicine. Wiley Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ, pp. 305–325.
- Mitchell, M.A., 2004. Snake care and husbandry. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice 7, 421–446. doi:10.1016/j.cvex.2004.02.007
- LafeberVet and VIN.com have great resources for many exotic species
