Spay and Neuter for Exotic Pets? Is this really important?

We all know the benefits of spay and neuter for dogs and cats, and most people are very comfortable with the idea. Is there any need to spay and neuter exotic pets? The answer is actually quite complicated, and depends entirely on the type of pet. Spay and neuter is always beneficial when owners want to keep a male and female together, but not end up with lots of “extra” pets. However, there are some other important reasons why some exotic pets benefit from spay and neuter.

Take the following quiz, and test your exotic pet reproductive knowledge!

Which of the following exotic pets has an unusually high risk of uterine cancer if she is not spayed (up to 70%, depending on breed)?

1. Ferret
2. Rat
3. Rabbit

Which exotic pet will probably never experience all-too-common mammary tumors if she is spayed early?

1. Rat
2. Guinea pig
3. Sugar Glider

Which exotic pet really smells TERRIBLE if he is not neutered?

1. Rabbits and rats
2. Ferrets and guinea pigs
3. Ferrets and sugar gliders

Answers:

1. The rabbit! Surveys show an incidence of up to 80% once rabbits reach the age of 5 or 6. Many will not die of the cancer, but can experience symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and weight loss. In some cases, cancer can spread to the lungs or other organs. Spaying is a simple option to help prevent, and even treat uterine cancer in the rabbit.  

2. Some strains of rats have a very high incidence of mammary tumors, which can become very large, sometimes larger than the rat! Mammary tumors are influenced by estrogen, and can be prevented by removing the ovaries (it’s not even necessary to remove the entire uterus)!

3. Male ferrets and sugar gliders that are not neutered have a very strong odor, which most people find objectionable. Male sugar gliders can be neutered; however we recommend implantable “birth control” for male ferrets instead of neutering.

Quiz Time!

in 2016, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) published their statistics on animal ownership in the US. Here’s a short quiz about the most popular exotic species!  

What’s the most popular pet bird species in the US?

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What’s the most popular exotic mammal species in the US?

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What’s the most popular pet reptile species in the US?

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What’s the most commonly kept of ALL the exotic species in the US?

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None of the above! It’s actually the pet fish. Did you know we treat pet fish as well?

Check out the case study of Spike, the betta fish here!

It’s Mid Summer, and the Lightning Bugs are Out!

Do you know which common exotic pet can die from eating just ONE of them? Most exotic pets do not eat bugs.  However, a number of our most popular reptile pets consume insects as a regular part of their diet.  American bullfrogs have been know to eat lightning bugs, and seem to suffer no harm from doing so. However, the Bearded Dragon, which is not native to the US, appears extremely sensitive to the enzymes that produce the light.  Nearly every year we have at least one death in pet bearded dragons that have been fed fireflies, or found them on their own while outdoors.

Lighting bugs and other “bioluminescent” insects have an enzyme called luciferase, which combines with luciferin to produce a chemical reaction and light. It’s not clear exactly what is toxic, and which reptiles can eat them without illness. For this reason, our recommendation is to never feed them to pet lizards.  Stick with mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers, most moths and flies. Avoid anything that stings as well.

For more than you ever want to know about fireflies and the chemical reactions that cause bioluminescence, go here:  onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/iub.134/pfd, or look up Luciferase on Wikipedia.

Foraging Balls for Everybody!!!

OK, we thought we were doing great, recommending every rabbit have a foraging ball for their pellets in order to make it a little more difficult to find and eat them, (see our videos on foraging).  We use foraging balls designed and marketed for cats for pet rabbits.  But did you know there are companies that make foraging balls for nearly every size animal, including horses and even some zoo animals? Take a look at these critters enjoying their foraging balls!

Are You Emphasizing Enrichment for Exotic Pets?

Zoo keepers and other experts are convinced enrichment benefits nearly every captive animal, birds, exotic mammals and even reptiles.  AEAC staff introduces and reinforces foraging and enrichment as part of every wellness examination.

Here are some resources for you and your clients:

 

• Our colleague and reptile expert Dr. Doug Mader wrote this excellent article on enrichment for reptiles.

 

• Oxbow Animal Health has produced some client resources for enrichment for exotic pet herbivores.

 

• For movies on the basics of foraging for parrots, smaller birds such as cockatiels and finches and rabbits, click here! 

Grand Opening Tour of the Avian and Exotic Animal Inn!

Come see the Midwest's only boarding facility dedicated exclusively to exotic pets like bird, exotic mammals and reptiles!  We will be opening up the Inn for an inaugural Open House on Saturday July 15th from 3-5 PM. Our Inn Keepers will give tours, answer questions, offer refreshments and a chance to win a night of free boarding and other prizes!

Enrichment is for Everybody!

Now that it's summer and the days are getting longer, take some time to be sure your exotic pet (bird, mammal or reptile) has plenty to do. Enrichment is when we offer our pets things to play with, gnaw or chew and provide food as "foraging"-this is where food is hidden in interesting puzzles or in ways where it takes some effort to find it.

If you haven't seen our videos on foraging for rabbits, parrots, and small birds such as cockatiels and finches, go here.

 

What about reptiles?  Some experts believe that reptiles benefit from a changing, interesting environment as well.  Our colleague and reptile expert Dr. Doug Mader wrote this article that might be of interest: http://www.cliniciansbrief.com/sites/default/files/attachments/Environmental%20Enrichment%20for%20Reptiles.pdf

 

If you've designed an interesting enrichment and foraging set up for your exotic pet, email us your photos and we will post them.

 

Wishing you and your exotic pet a safe and stimulating summer!

 

It's Time Again for the Annual Ferret 500 Show and Exposition!

It's Time Again for the Annual Ferret 500 Show and Exposition!!! Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic is sponsoring this wonderful event, and we'd love to see you there. 

 

Join us on Saturday June 3, 2017 - Open to the Public 10:00 am until 5:30 pm.

 

A ferret show is a lot of fun for participants and observers alike. You can learn about interesting ferret coat colors, watch the ferret costume contest, find out the difference between jills and hobs, talk with ferret enthusiasts from around the United States (and even England!!!), shop for fabulous ferret items and other supplies from the vendors. 

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Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic will present "Ask the Vet" from 11 AM to noon, and 1-2, with a presentation on Updates in Ferret Diseases and Surgeries from 12pm-1pm.

 

For more information, go here: http://www.theferret500.com

 

Admission/ Donation will be charged at the door for non-exhibitors.

- $5.00 for adults

- $2.00 for children 7 to 15 yrs.

- Under 7 free with paid adult.

 

If you have never seen a ferret show, this is THE place to be!

 

Traveling with Your Exotic Companion?

How do you find a good qualified exotic veterinarian when an injury or illness strikes while on the road with your pet? This question comes up from time to time, and we've heard stories of our clients finding great places to care for their pets, and other stories where care couldn't be found, or wasn't ideal. If you are planning travel, give us a call and we will make recommendations based on where you're going.  We know lots of great exotic vets all over the United States and even in a lot of other countries too!

Another great resources is the Vet Finder link on the website of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Choose a location and a specialty (avian, exotic companion mammal or reptile) on the site.

Other options are the "Find a Vet" search tools on the websites of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians.

Can Cats and Birds Be Friends?

The short answer is no! We have seen a number of videos lately showing cats interacting with birds, usually in a friendly way. In some pictures and videos the bird rides on the cat's back and the two even groom each other.  It's always possible prey and predator species can form a bond and exist peacefully together, but we tend to see what happens when contact is a bit more aggressive, even if unintentional. Cats naturally have bacteria in their mouths that they can spread to feet and claws when grooming.  These bacteria can be particularly dangerous if they enter the body through breaks in the bird’s skin, or through what even seems to be a tiny bite or scratch. For this reason, we recommend birds and cats look, but don’t touch!  Be aware we know of several cases where cats reached through the bars of cages and grabbed birds inside!

If you suspect your bird has been exposed to a cat bite or scratch, call the clinic right away. Rapid wound care, including antibiotics, are extremely important to prevent a potentially fatal systemic infection that can develop in as little as 24-48 hours.

It is Spring, and Romance Is In the Air, For Parrots

Increasing light cycles can lead to elevated reproductive hormone levels in some pet birds, especially birds receiving unintended stimuli from well-intentioned owners.  Reproductive activity in pet birds can be temporary and of little serious consequence; however, in many cases chronic stimulation in female birds often leads to disease of the reproductive tract, which can be severe, and in some cases life-threatening.

Client education is key to prevention. See the following link to view a client educational video that gives a general overview of this topic:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ7FPB4vIcQ

 Some birds benefit from GnRH agonists such as leuprolide or deslorelin in addition to behavioral modification.  Email us for more information on this important topic.

Euthanasia of Exotic Pets: What Are the Options?

Human euthanasia of exotics pets can be challenging, especially in smaller patients, and when owners wish to be present. Methods typically used in traditional pet species, in particular the use of IV euthanasia agents in the conscious pet, are often too stressful for exotics. The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition contains a wealth of useful information on the entire process,  While guidelines have existed since 1963, the 2013 version greatly expanded specific species recommendations, including those for exotic pet species such as birds, reptiles, small mammals, fish and even crustaceans and fertile eggs:

www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf

Our preference uses two steps: the first is simple IM injection of anesthetic agents. Once the pet is completely anesthetized (which may require additional doses), euthanasia solution can be delivered IV, IO, IP, intracardiac or into kidney or liver. It should be noted AVMA guidelines does not recommend the use of inhalant agents alone to induce anesthesia (this technique is stressful and should be strictly avoided for any purpose); euthanasia solution also must not be delivered any route other than IV or possibly IP in the conscious patient.

Questions on stress free euthanasia for exotic pets?  Email or call, and we can help.

A Big Thank You to Our Friends at Animal Care Services!

We would like to take this time to thank a group of hard working individuals who work all year round behind the scenes: our local Marion County Animal Care Services!  While we think of Animal Control’s job as handling calls related to stray or mistreated dogs and cats, Control officers are continually bringing us sick or injured wildlife reported by the public, and sometimes even pet exotics that have been turned loose or are being neglected. These guys work really hard to make sure everything possible is done for the critters in their care and definitely don't deserve the bad reputation that comes with the name "Animal Control"! Wildlife season is upon us, and we expect to see a lot more of our friends very soon.

So a big THANK YOU for all you do!

The Debate on Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats: Why Does AEAC Care?

For years there has been ongoing debate on what the veterinary medical community should recommend to owners in regard to indoor vs. free roaming pet cats. It's been shown that free ranging cats have shorter lifespans, and are more prone to accidents, predators, parasites and infectious diseases.    In addition, evidence now shows that outdoor cats have already made a significant negative impact on native wildlife populations, in particular wild birds, some of whose numbers are declining and may be threatened eventually.  Every year concerned citizens come to our door with injured birds and mammals their cats have caught outdoors, or even brought inside as "presents".  Most of these do not survive. For this reason, AEAC supports the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) position on out door cats which is available here: https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Free-Roaming-Owned-Cats.aspx

For many years, the Association of Avian Veterinarians has recommended keeping cats indoors, primarily due to the impact on native birds.  The position statement can be found here: : http://www.aav.org/default.asp?page=feralcats

Spring is Almost Here, And That Means Easter….and Maybe Easter Bunnies?

At the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, we love pet rabbits.  We love people who love pet rabbits. However, in the weeks after Easter, our local rescue partners see an upswing in the number of rabbits relinquished by well-meaning people who bought Easter Bunnies on impulse without a lot of thought about what goes into caring for a pet who can live for 10 years or more. The House Rabbit Society has a wonderful article on the Easter Bunny Problem you can read here:http://rabbit.org/easter-and-rabbits-do-not-mix/

If you are considering a pet rabbit at Easter, or any time of the year, we would love to talk about it!  The Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic offers free “Pre-Purchase Consults” where you and your family and learn the ins and outs of rabbit (or any exotic pet) ownership BEFORE you purchase.  Call 317-879-8633 to schedule.

We Offer Pre-Purchase Consultations!

Have you ever though about coming to see the veterinarian BEFORE you buy an unusual exotic pet?  This is an excellent way to be sure you understand exactly what’s involved in day-to-day care, and learn strategies to avoid and minimize illness. The internet and pet stores are great places to start for information, but not everything you read or hear may be accurate or up-to-date.  We also encourage the entire family to attend, including children who may be part of your new pet’s care.  We’ll be sure everyone’s on the same page, and provide written care instructions.

Give us a call and schedule a pre-purchase consult now…best of all, they are FREE!

Heroic Pet Bearded Dragon "Donor" Donates Blood

Blood transfusions have been used for many sick exotic pets who need red blood cells due to severe anemia.

Highlights from NAVC 2017

Dr. Swisher attended the exotics session at the North American Veterinary Conference in February, 2017.  Here are some highlights from the Exotic Companion Mammal (ECM) sessions:     a)  Endocrinology:  Some endocrine diseases have long been recognized in ECM, including adrenal disease and insulinoma in ferrets, cystic ovaries in guinea pigs, pituitary adenomas in rats, and diabetes mellitus in hamsters and degus.   However, in recent years, there has been increasing recognition of other, less common endocrine diseases, including hyperthyroidism in guinea pigs and rabbits, Cushing's disease in hamsters, adrenal disease in rabbits, and disorders of the pancreas (DM or insulinoma) in many species.       b)  Idiopathic hematuria in guinea pigs:  While hematuria in guinea pigs is typically attributed to urinary tract infection or urolithiasis, there is increasing evidence that guinea pigs may also develop sterile cystitis of unknown etiology.  This emphasizes the importance of performing appropriate diagnostics, including urinalysis, urine culture, and imaging.  Note that previous studies have demonstrated that almost all free catch samples from guinea pigs are contaminated with bacteria, so this is not an appropriate technique for diagnosis of UTI.  Some guinea pigs with sterile cystitis may respond to NSAID therapy and husbandry changes to increase water consumption.

Liver Lobe Torsion in Rabbits

A 3-year-old female rabbit presented for vague signs (decreased appetite and stool, less active), and physical examination findings (mild abdominal discomfort upon palpation) consistent with Rabbit Gastrointestinal Syndrome (RGIS). What is your next diagnostic or treatment step? Many underlying disease conditions can cause this clinical presentation, some mild, and some potentially catastrophic, e.g. GI foreign body obstruction.

For this reason, rabbits presenting with RGIS should ideally undergo a diagnostic work up, including abdominal radiographs and a biochemistry panel. Dr Jennifer Graham’s excellent article (below) found that the overwhelming majority of rabbits with liver lobe torsion had a similar presentation, but showed an elevation in liver enzymes; in each case, diagnosis was confirmed by use of hepatic ultrasound with Doppler assessment. Rapid surgical intervention and liver lobectomy was curative.

Read more here.

Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 23(3); 2014.                                                                              

Liver Lobe Torsion in Rabbits: 16 Cases (2007 to 2012)                                                                

Jennifer E. Graham,DVM, Dip. ABVP (Avian; Exotic Companion Mammal), Dip. ACZM; Connie J. Orcutt,DVM, Dip. ABVP (Avian; Exotic Companion Mammal); Sue A. Casale,DVM, Dip. ACVS; Patty J. Ewing,DVM, MS, Dip. ACVP; Jessica Basseches,DVM, Dip. ACVR

Meloxicam in Rabbits

Anesthetic and analgesic pharmacokinetic studies are continually helping us to revise our dosages and protocols for exotic species. A recent example is Meloxicam use in rabbits; while earlier formularies suggest a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg PO, a 2013 pharmacokinetic study suggested clinically useful dosages are likely much higher. See the following article for more information: Am J Vet Res. 2013 Apr;74(4):636-41                                                                 Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in rabbits after oral administration of single and multiple doses.                                                                                                                                             Fredholm DV1, Carpenter JW, KuKanich B, Kohles M.

Our current dosage recommendation for short-term use of Meloxicam in well-hydrated, normovolemic rabbits without evidence of renal dysfunction is 0.8-1.0 mg/kg PO. The authors of the study conclude:

"Plasma concentrations of meloxicam for rabbits in the present study were proportionally higher than those previously reported for rabbits receiving 0.2 mg of meloxicam/kg and were similar to those determined for animals of other species that received clinically effective doses. A dose of 1 mg/kg may be necessary to achieve clinically effective circulating concentrations of meloxicam in rabbits, although further studies are needed."