How do veterinarians improve skills and learn the newest and latest on pet care after graduating from school? By accumulating CE, or continuing education hours. Most states require veterinarians to obtain a certain amount of CE. In Indiana, veterinarians are required to obtain 40 hours every two years.How do exotic veterinarians find CE about our special species? Fortunately, there are now many conferences with lectures on medicine and surgery of birds, reptile, rabbits, ferrets, rodents and much, much more. The largest veterinary conference in the US is the North American Veterinary Conference, in Orlando every January. This conference hosted 6000 veterinarians this year, and provided exotic animal lectures all day for the entire 5-day conference. If you are interested, the entire scientific program can be viewed at: www.navc.com/session. More info on our doctors’ CE schedules can be found under the “news” link.
We want your pet on our Facebook page!
We’re beginning a collection of pictures of our favorite rabbits, ferrets, birds, reptiles, guinea pigs, rats and other friends on our Facebook page. Please send us yours! If you have a favorite image of one of our patients, please send it to us at exoticvetclinic@gmail.com. Don’t forget your pet’s name and a little caption to go with it.
Thus ends the Year of the Rabbit
Did you know that 2011 was the Year of The Rabbit according to the Asian astrological calendar? In fact, when we arrived in Tokyo for an exotic pet conference, our hosts gave us several gifts featuring rabbits (perfect for exotic animal veterinarians, especially since many of our lectures were about rabbit medicine and surgery!). When we shopped in the markets, there were rabbit figures, paintings and etchings everywhere.
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One of our hosts, Kazuyo Sone explains: “We have eto; it’s like an oriental zodiac, which was originally Chinese. We use the junishi system, which has twelve animal signs, each indicating a year within a 12-year cycle. The 12 animals in turn are: mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and wild boar.” Kazu went on to explain the mythology behind the signs: “In the old days, Japanese god told many animals, ‘I will choose 12 animals for junishi in order of arrival.’ An ox is so slow at walking that he left very early. At that a mouse jumped on the head of the ox, jumped off the ox’s head in front of the god. So, mouse became the first animal of junishi. A cat had forgotten the date of god’s selection, so he asked the mouse. The mouse told the cat the wrong date purposely! The cat was not chosen a member of the 12 animals. The cat still runs after the mouse! At the day of god’s selection, a wild boar arrived at god’s place first, but the boar went past, because he ran full speed and could not stop. He had to turn back. So, the wild boar was the last animal.”
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Kazuyo says that exotic pet ownership tends to increase in the specific exotic’s year. Of course the year of the rabbit means more pet rabbits." In the year of the rooster, people want to keep finches, budgerigars, cockatiels and so on. In the year of the snake, snake toys sell well, but in Japan, pet snakes are still not very popular."
According to junishi, we now welcome the year of the DRAGON! We are guessing (hoping) this means an increase in ownership of one of our favorites, the BEARDED dragon!
Who are all these visitors?
When you visit the clinic, more than likely you will meet one or more veterinary visitors, either veterinary students here as part of their education, or veterinarians here to share their experiences and learn a little from us. Find out more about our visitors on the “Visiting Veterinarians” link.
We have found these kinds of exchanges beneficial for everyone, and it’s fun to learn how our colleagues are practicing exotic animal medicine around the world. For example, pet rabbits are illegal in parts of Australia, and Sugar gliders are forbidden in Belgium. Some parts of Europe would not even consider a rat as a pet. But for the most part, the interest in pet birds, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles and lots of other exotic pets is rising dramatically in most parts of the world, and the level of medical care is improving as well.
When you are here, say hello and ask our visitors a bit about their experiences!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the staff of the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic!
We wish you and your exotic creatures health and happiness in the coming year.
Happy Halloween from the staff at AEAC!
It’s Great to Sedate!
What’s the buzz about sedation? Sedation is a terrific alternative to general anesthesia for procedures that aren’t safe to do in some wide awake patients. Examples include radiographs, sample collection and minor wound care. Some pets struggle and experience stress when restrained for procedures. General anesthesia has been used occasionally for this purpose; however, sedation may be a much better alternative. What’s the difference between sedation and general anesthesia?
With general anesthesia, a combination of drugs is used at high enough levels to produce complete unconsciousness. This is absolutely required for a potentially painful surgical procedure. The types of drugs and dosages used to produce complete unconsciousness have more potential side effects than drugs used for sedation. An animal under general anesthesia must be monitored by an experienced veterinary anesthetist continuously until recovery.
With sedation, the pet is not completely asleep, and drugs used for sedation are generally safer. Typically, sedation provides relaxation, any reduction of anxiety and any discomfort. Also, much lower dosages can be used. A sedated animal does not require the same kind of continuous monitoring.
How is the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic using sedation for exotic pets? General anesthesia is still needed for surgeries such as spays, neuters and other more extensive surgeries, but for simply taking radiographs or other minor procedures, it’s just not necessary.
Our clinic has been using sedation in birds and exotic animals for several years, and we’re convinced it is a safe and effective alternative. In some very special cases, we have offered sedation for pet birds that experience extreme stress during handling for routine physical examination and grooming, and we are very pleased with the results. For more information, see Dr. Lennox’s lecture notes from the Conference of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
Contact us if you have any questions on why we say: “It’s Great to Sedate!”
Thinking about getting a new pet?
There are several things to consider before taking a new animal into your home. Each species has very specific requirements and some may not get along well in the same house. Check out our care handouts on each species for more information. We also recommend asking someone who has owned one before! Keep in mind what kind of cage and dietary requirements, common medical conditions, as well as average life spans. Some species, like large parrots and tortoises can outlive their owners! We always recommend checking out rescues before purchasing animals from pet stores. Most are full of wonderful, perfectly adoptable pets just looking for a second chance. Many are already spayed or neutered and have received yearly exams as well! Here’s a list of some of great, local exotic pet rescues:
EARPS: (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice): http://www.earps.org/EARPS,_Inc/Home.html
House Rabbit Society: (rabbits): http://www.indianahrs.org/
Healthi Pet Network: (parrots): http://healthipet.webs.com/
Critter’s Chance: (rabbits, ferrets, farm animals) http://www.acritterschance.com/
Five Point’s Ferret Refuge: (ferrets) http://fivepointsferretrefuge.webs.com/
(All pets pictured on this page are currently available for adoption through EARPs.)
AEAC Welcomes Dr. Bricker!
The Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic is pleased to welcome Dr. Nelson Bricker to our staff. Nelson graduated from Purdue University in May and is completing a one-year shared internship with us and the Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital. While a student, Dr. Bricker spent time here developing an already active interest in exotic animals, in particular reptiles and amphibians. You can read more information about Dr. Bricker on our staff page.
It's Finally Summer!
With the warm weather comes both opportunity and caution for our exotic pets. For bird and reptile owners, we can take advantage of the benefits of natural exposure to UV light. Consider some time outdoors with access to direct sunlight (not filtered through glass or plastic). Studies show benefits can be gained from just a few hours of exposure. Use caution to prevent overheating by providing an area with shade, and provide plenty of fresh water. Other dangers come from predators, for example dogs, cats and even hawks. All enclosures should be secure on all sides. Exotic mammals may enjoy a supervised trip outdoors, but be cautious with those pets not naturally acclimated to warm weather, for example guinea pigs and chinchillas. All mammals should adjust to the warm weather by gradually increasing the amount of time outdoors. Watch for signs of overheating, including increased respiratory rate and panting.
A Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year
Start the new year right with a wellness check up for your special exotic friend. Wellness checks include a complete physical examination, measurement of weight, grooming and review of diet and behavior. We will share any new insights into exotic pet medicine we've learned over the last year.
Dr. Lennox teaches in Tokyo
Japan 2010. We traveled to Japan to teach lectures and laboratories in exotic companion medicine. The highlight was a wet lab where participants learned techniques in rabbit and rodent dentistry. We spent our free time negotiating the Tokyo subway and trying out some interesting food. We also learned the Handbook of Rabbit and Rodent Dentistry will be translated into Japanese.
