Avian/Exotic
At the Maywood Veterinary Clinic we see a variety of exotic animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, ferrets, birds and reptiles. Some common reasons for an exotic visit are:
Wellness Exams
All exotics should be checked annually or semi-annually. A typical wellness exam on an exotic patient would include:
- Body Weight
- This will tell us if the animal is in overall good condition. Underweight animals usually reflect either a disease process or parasites.
- Auscultation (listening with a stethoscope)
- By listening to the heart and lungs the doctor can assess the respiratory and circulatory systems.
- Abdominal Palpation
- The doctor will feel the abdomen and note any abnormalities.
- Exam of Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat
- Ophthalmoscopes and otoscopes will be utilized to check for any types of respiratory illness and/or ear infections.
- Stool Exam
- Stool sample should be checked annually for parasites.
Parasite Testing
Many reptiles are wild caught and are often full of intestinal parasites
Respiratory Illness
Birds have air sacs in addition to lungs and are very susceptible to respiratory infections
Digestive Disturbances
Many young hamsters get a condition called "wet tail" which results in diarrhea and dehydration
Skin Conditions
Guinea pigs often get mites or fungal infections
Endocrine Problems
Ferrets often have adrenal disease
Vitamin Deficiencies
Guinea pigs cannot produce their own Vitamin C, so may need supplemental injections
Nail Trims
Many rabbits get very long nails that can get caught in their cage and bleed. The nails should be kept short.
Aspects of a physical exam will usually differ depending on the species and the reason for the visit. This is just a bird's eye view of what to expect when we examine your exotic pet.