Exotic Care

Exotic Animals

OVERVIEW

Here at All Creatures Veterinary Care, Dr. Fenton provides care for a variety of exotic pets. He treats furry little pocket pets including Mice, Rats and Guinea pigs. Reptiles such as Iguanas, Chameleons, Desert Tortoises and Snakes often make their way into exam rooms. Birds are also a common pet seen, ranging from small Parakeets to Parrots and Cockatoos. Dr. Fenton has treated Falcons, bighorn sheep, gazelles, and a zebra named “Fenton” residing at the Living Desert.

We always recommend that you gather as much information as you can about a potential new exotic pet before bringing them into your family. It is very important to provide the appropriate housing, nutrition and exercise as well as love and time to spend with your little critter. Children in the household should also be supervised when getting to know a new addition to avoid injuries due to improper handling. Parents should also be aware and consider that there are several zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from exotic pets to themselves and their children. Everyone should wash their hands prior to and after handling these pets to avoid transmission as much as possible.

Dr. Fenton feels that the most prevalent disease ailing exotics is poor animal husbandry. This means that the lack of knowledge by pet owners in nutritional needs and proper housing for their little friends can cause many important health issues that can be prevented.

REPTILES

Reptiles are considered to be ectothermic (cold-blooded). These creatures take on the temperature of their surroundings. In hot environments, cold-blooded animals can have blood that is much warmer than warm-blooded animals. Reptile’s muscle activity depends on chemical reactions which run quickly when hot an slowly when cold. They will lie perpendicular to the sun while basking to maximize the amount of sunlight falling on their skin to increase metabolism. Heat rocks and warming lights are essential aspects of their captive survival. Metabolic bone disease, caused by a deficiency of calcium in the diet, is an example of lack of knowledge in proper nutrition.

TURTLES

Desert Tortoises are endangered in the wild and are protected under Federal and State laws. It is illegal to buy or sell them or to take them from the wild. In California a permit is required to possess Desert Tortoises and their hatchlings. It is against the law to release them into the wild as they have a low survival rate, and may pass diseases into the wild population with devastating consequences.

Adult Tortoises may live 60-80 years or longer. If willing to take on that responsibility it is important to keep them outdoors in a large open area. Shelter from sun and cold is necessary with a place to burrow for hibernation. It is inhumane to tie them in any way in order to keep them localized.

Supplementing their diet of grass, dandelions, alfalfa and hibiscus flowers with vegetables including broccoli, squashes, chopped carrots, and romaine lettuce is recommended. Due to the Tortoises high calcium requirement you can sprinkle their food with calcium carbonate. Respiratory disease is responsible for the decimation of the wild population. If runny or bubbly nose or loss of appetite is noticed, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible to begin treatment.

If you have any questions regarding an exotic pet please call our office to make an appointment with Dr. Fenton.