Exotics Services

For any pet, diet can be confusing. For an exotic pet it can be really confusing! Malnutrition and dietary deficiencies can be huge in exotic patients, this is not because of a lack of love or attempts to do what is best for them but because there is a massive amount of misinformation circulating about nutritional needs of many exotic pets. If your pet is eating an inappropriate diet, it could result in serious and even fatal medical problems. On the other hand, the right diet can enhance your pet’s health and extend their life. We can make recommendations to additional nutritional supplements, as well as their basic nutritional needs.

Are you considering a new exotic family member or have already got one? Husbandry for this new family member might not be something you are familiar with; it includes all the different measures that we take to keep them healthy. This includes diet, lighting, temperature, humidity, cage type and size, cage substrate, cage furniture, toys, and exercise. We can help you decided which exotic pet might be the best for you and/or prepare for the arrival of your new addition.

Do your exotic animals need an annual exam? Yes! Even though many exotic pets do not require annual vaccination. We see that we can find exotic pets that live longer and have a healthier life when they have annual exams and not just seeing the vet when ill.  The exam allows us to fully examine your pet, but also allows us to discuss proper husbandry (your pets habitat, and many exotic pets are very dependent on their habitats), address any behavior concerns and make recommendations for species appropriate preventative healthcare. Many of our exotic pets are prey species and, as such, instinctively hide illness until they are too ill to display normal behaviors. At this point, our exotic pet is often seriously compromised. An annual exam helps to maintain a baseline and catch problems before they are seriously compromised. During the annual exam, all patients will receive a thorough physical exam. For feathered family members, we usually recommend routine blood panels and fecal examinations. This aids in early diagnosis of any abnormalities. All carnivorous and insectivorous reptiles should have intestinal parasite check and routine bloodwork is recommended for the majority of lizard species. Small mammals need to have special attention paid to their teeth.  We also have a chance to discuss any concerns or questions. Especially about husbandry and nutrition in an unbiased setting is critical to support your pet’s health and longevity.

We can perform blood and/or urine tests if necessary to check their kidneys, liver, pancreas, and endocrine system. Based on your pet’s condition, we may recommend further diagnostic testing. Most laboratory work is done through routine wellness exams but can also be needed for emergencies or un-scheduled visits.