Here We Go Again!

Looks like we are bracing for more snow and the weather guys are predicting a rough February.

We already have one of our special  owners boarding her bird friends at the clinic due to the shortage of propane. This reminds us to ask: do you have a contingency plan for your exotic pets in case of an emergency?  The emergency could be weather related, fire, carbon monoxide or other danger in your home, personal illness and inability to care for the pets, or even a zombie attack (not likely!)

We recommend our owners have at least the following: a back up source of warmth should the power go out in cold weather, a source of bottled water, an emergency baby sitting site, and enough easily accessible carriers for each and every pet should you have to leave the premises immediately.

If you have any questions on preparing an emergency plan, call us.  We will be glad to help formulate a plan, and hope you NEVER need to use it!

To Clip or Not to Clip (wings, that is)…..That is the Question!

Bird owners have a choice when it comes to clipping wings.  Many choose to clip to prevent flight and avoid collision injuries and accidental escapes outdoors.  Others choose to take precautions and allow flight in the home in a protected, safe area. There are advantages and disadvantages to either approach:

Wing clip

Birds are obviously safer from collisions and escape. However, these birds are denied the fun of flying, and terrific exercise and enrichment benefits. Some birds are just better pets when they can’t fly wherever they want. It may be difficult to completely bird-proof the home from dangers such as the hot stove, toilets, large glass windows or ceiling fans. Birds confined to one area make less mess!

Free flight

The free-flighted bird gets to take advantage of a natural behavior that’s good for the body and for the mind as well.  Owners can carefully create a safe flying space free of dangers.  However, accidental escapes happen, and the free-flighted bird that gets out may keep flying and never come back (we’ve seen that happen personally and it’s very disappointing). Free flighted birds may be leaner and have less risk of some of the diseases that come with inactivity, including heart disease.

Owners should choose carefully based on what’s reasonable for them and their situation. We can help you discuss the options and decide what’s right for your bird!

Where is our Ferret Distemper Vaccine?

Many of our ferret owners have heard that the Meriel company has currently stopped producing the only licensed ferret distemper vaccine, Purevax.  The company states the vaccine will become available again, but gives us no clear idea of when that might be, or why production was stopped in the first place.  The advantage of Purevax distemper vaccine is that it has been tested both for safety and efficacy in ferrets, and is made of only a portion of the distemper virus, meaning it can't possibly actually produce distemper disease in vaccinated animals.

A recent distemper titer study in ferrets showed that adult ferrets who have received their entire vaccine series may actually be immune to distemper for several years, which is good news for them!  However, we now have scores of younger ferrets without protection, which puts them at risk.

Our clinic has decided to offer an alternative vaccine for owners of unvaccinated or higher risk ferrets.  Nobivac Puppy DPv is not labeled for ferrets, and as a "modified live" vaccine there is always the slight outside chance the vaccine might cause disease. However, communications with the vaccine researchers show that it has been given to many ferrets without any signs of disease. A number of other veterinarians, ferret producers and shelters have given this vaccine to ferrets without apparent ill effects as well.

If you have a high risk ferret (going to shows, exposed to shelter or rescue puppies) or a younger ferret that has not been vaccinated for distemper, please give us a call and we'll discuss the pros and cons of this vaccine alternative.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Our Holiday hours will be: Thanksgiving:

Wednesday 11/27: 8am-12pm

Thursday 11/28: Closed

Friday 11/29: Closed

Christmas:

Tuesday 12/24: 8am-12pm

Wednesday 12/25: Closed

Thursday 12/26: Closed

New Years:

Wednesday 1/1: Closed

We are, of course, always available for emergencies. Please call the clinic for the emergency number or click here.

Happy Holidays!

We Offer Pre-Purchase Consultations!

Have you ever thought 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!

Wildlife Report 2013

As the temperatures drop, the visiting birds head to warmer climates, the mammals hibernate or really slow down in activity, and all our native Indiana wildlife says a temporary goodbye to “new baby season”.  This means a lot less work for our busy wildlife rehabiliators and clinic staff until next spring.

So how many wild animals actually passed through our doors this spring/summer? We lost count.  However, we asked Liz Hatton of “For the Birds Of Indiana” a federally licensed wild bird rehabilitation center (see their website: http://home.mindspring.com/~chris.hatton/)

While full statistics are not in, their facility cared for 507 federally protected birds, and 175 non-protected birds (pigeons and some other non-native birds) this spring and summer!  At the end of the year, Liz will provide us with statistics on how many survived to be released back into the wild, and some other interesting data.

How can you help us and our wildlife rehabilitators?  Save us those worn but still good towels, and consider a donation of heating pads, bleach, laundry detergent, or Science Diet small kibble size puppy food so our rehabilitators and staff will be ready for next spring. Or call and we’ll find out what our team needs most at the moment.

In the meantime, we expect to see the usual number of injured hawks and owls, as they tend to stay busy (and get into trouble) all year long!

One of the most interesting wildlife cases was these 3 poor sparrows who ended up in a sticky trap.  Their wings were stuck to the trap, and covered with glue.  We gave each bird a sedative to reduce the stress of handling and prevent them from struggling. Once freed, each bird was washed carefully.  All made a complete recovery and were released back outside.

Halloween Costume Contest

It's that time of year again! For the past several Halloweens, some of our owners have sent us photos of their pets in costumes. This time, we decided to make a contest out of it!

We asked everyone, via Facebook, to send us pictures of their exotic pets in costume and the staff voted for their favorites. The votes are in! First place goes to Marshmallow the guinea pig as a wizard, and second place goes to Stewie the Lion Head rabbit as a lion. They will both be receiving some Oxbow goodies! Hopefully this will become an AEAC tradition. Congrats!!

Congrats Dr Lennox!!!

Dr. Lennox has just been named the 2013 winner of the Oxbow Exotic Mammal Health Award! According to John Miller, President and Founder of Oxbow Animal Health, this award "celebrated the work of one while honoring a collective-animal health professionals the world over, working tirelessly to advance animal health and wellbeing. We are proud to recognize this year's winner, and all those who lead, teach, learn, innovate, and advocate in the name of animals." Dr. Lennox is especially proud to receive this recognition as it is nominated by other professionals in the exotic mammal field. The award itself is entitled "The Quest". According to Oxbow, the sculpture was designed to represent the journey taken by the animal health professional. At the heart of The Quest is a structure resembling the serpent-encircled staff of Asclepius, the Greek God of healing and the international symbol of medicine. The upward spiral also represents the quest of the veterinary professionals as they seek to fulfill the tenets of the Veterinarian's Oath. Framing the spiral are three interlocking spheres, each on symbolizing an important facet of the professional quest: to promote animal health, to advance medical knowledge, and to benefit society. We are proudly displaying The Quest in our new reception room so come check both out!

Harrison's Food Now Available

Thanks to the new expanded retail space, we now have Harrison's Bird Foods Products!  We firmly believe that preventative care, especially optimal diet and wellness check ups are among the most important things we can do to protect our birds' health.  And we love what Harrison's has done to develop healthy, organic bird foods for our patients.

From the Harrison's company website:

Harrison’s Bird Foods is a family of certified organic, formulated diets that were created by avian veterinarians and top avian nutritionists with the health of your bird in mind. Our formulas require little or no supplementation.

Dr. Greg Harrison, the main developer of Harrison’s Bird Foods, is a certified avian specialist with 34 years experience in bird care. He has transformed his practice into an avian wellness clinic that incorporates preventive medicine through proper nutrition with Harrison’s Bird Foods.

For more information, go here; www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/

Sawadee ka!

This is the traditional Thai greeting, and we heard it many times during our trip to visit and teach veterinary courses in Bangkok, Thailand in May. Dr. Lennox taught an intubation and rabbit dentistry lab at the Mahidol Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Bangkok, and then a half day of lectures at the conference for the Veterinary Practitioner Association of Thailand (VPAT) (see http://www.vrvc2013.com for more information on the conference).

So what's different about exotic animal ownership and veterinary medicine in Thailand?  Not as much as you would think, except due to hot weather conditions, heat stroke is very common, much more common that at our practice.

Our host Dr. Chaowaphan kindly showed us some incredible sites, including an elephant camp and many beautiful temples, and then gave us tours of two veterinary clinics, his Vet4Animal Hospital, and Kwankum Animal Hospital.  In Thailand, ownership of exotic pets is increasing, and there are now 20 veterinarians who practice only exotic animal medicine and surgery.

The most common exotic mammal is the rabbit (same as in the US), and the most common parrot is the sun conure.  The most common reptile pet is the ball python (again similar to our practice).

He listed the more common diseases he treats in exotic pets, and it turns out the list is very similar to what we see at Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic.

We really enjoyed our visit, and were impressed with the level of knowledge and enthusiasm of our Thai colleagues.  It's great to share experiences.  As it turns out, Dr. Chaowaphan and his colleague Dr. Bee may be returning the visit this fall! 

Welcome, Dr. Lee

Our staff would like to welcome another doctor! Dr. Amber Lee is here to complete a two year ABVP Avian Residency.Dr Amber Lee has had a passion for all things exotic ever since she was a child and has kept and bred cockatiels for over 15 years. After graduating from The University of Melbourne, Australia, she spent some time in a small animal practice before completing an specialty internship at VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center, here in Indianapolis. Dr Lee is very excited to start her residency in Avian Medicine and Surgery with Dr Lennox as her supervisor.

We Are Under Construction!

We've broken ground for our new expansion at the clinic! Construction crews have been hard at work and we already have the foundations in for our new waiting room complete. The storm last night turned the big hole into a swimming pool, but hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can continue with the project! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more photos and updates!

Welcome, Dr. Goldstein!

Our staff would like to welcome  new exotic animal veterinary intern Dr. Heather Goldstein! Dr. Goldstein is a 2013 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  She spent the majority of her clinical year at various zoos around the country and is excited to continue working with exotic animals.  She grew up in St. Louis, MO and is happy to be spending this year in the Midwest.  Heather enjoys reading, traveling, and snuggling with her two cats, Lando and Wedge.  She also just got married in June and loves spending time with her husband, David.

Goodbye, Dr. Woods

At the end of this week, Dr. Woods will successfully complete her year long internship in exotic animal medicine at Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic. She will go on to a second internship at Oklahoma State University.

We will miss her enthusiasm and dedication, and wish her good luck!

From Dr. Woods:

Here I am at the end of what I can definitely call the best year of my career! Even though I have not been practicing medicine for very long, I know that I could not have asked for a better mentor to learn from, staff to work with, and city to live in. I never imagined how much I would learn at this amazing clinic, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a single part of this experience! Thanks so much to my clients, my dear friends at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, and especially to Dr. Lennox for taking the time and energy to teach me so many valuable lessons throughout the past year. You have all been a major part of the person and the doctor I have become, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Sincerely,

Lindsey M. Woods, DVM

Adventures in Birmingham

The following story was written by Hannah, an American currently living in Edinburgh, Scotland. Hannah’s family hosted the Lennox family during their stay in the UK while Dr. Lennox was teaching. Hannah wants to be a veterinarian:  

From as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. Dr. Lennox gave me my first glimpse into a working clinic when I was11 (I absolutely loved it), and now at 16 she allowed me to accompany her to the BSAVA conference in Birmingham. I truly did not know what to expect. The congregation of thousands of vets and nurses from around the world came as a huge surprise. I had always just assumed that once you were out of college, that was it. Done. No more learning. Well, I was wrong. Everyone is eager to listen to the experts, take advice, try out new methods of treatment, and grab any new piece of data available. Even I was able to take away some useful advice despite my appalling lack of technical vocabulary.

The exhibition hall was something else. Just imagine a kids carnival, but filled with veterinary products instead of candy stalls and rides. Oh, and adults instead of children. Marketers had gone all out. There were colorful banners and posters to advertise their top quality products, attracting the vets with the help of candy bribes and toys (our favorite was the chameleon stress ball). And games! Who knew that adults would run around an exhibition trying to get as many stamps on their cards as possible in order to win an iPad? So kids, don’t think that adulthood is all work, they have their fun too.

The difference between us kids and those in a profession is that the adults seem to have a better balance between work and play. The exhibition hall was full of fun stuff, yes. However, I found that people actually managed to make business exchanges, whether it was informing people about the benefits of using a bunny t-shirt to prevent chewing stitches or learning about a new way to apply a drug.

I must admit that I was initially a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people taking part in the conference, but once I had gone to Dr. Lennox’s lectures and had a look around the exhibition hall myself, I was much more at ease. This experience has helped me to see yet another side of what it means to be a veterinarian, showing me that the veterinary community is something that I definitely want to be a part of. I have so much to thank Dr. Lennox for. She has helped me see that this is what I want to be, but now only I can carry myself over the final mile to make this dream a reality.

- Hannah

The weather outside is less frightening. . . It is actually warming up!

This means baby wildlife are not far behind.Please remember what to do when you encounter injured or orphaned wild animals outdoors. Most wild babies such as rabbits and birds are not actually in trouble, and are out learning to survive.

For example, young rabbits found outdoors with eyes open and ears up are actually ready to go and no longer need their mother’s help, regardless of how small they are. Young baby birds hopping about in the grass are actually out learning to fly and should be left alone.

Only intervene when wild animals are obviously sick or injured. See the “wildlife” link on the left side of our website for how to help.

. The Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic provides no charge care for injured and orphaned wildlife good Samaritans bring to our clinic. However, donations are welcome and greatly appreciated!

The Ferret 500 Returns!

Ferret Fans, mark your calendar for the return of the Ferret 500 annual ferret fun show in Indianapolis!  This year’s show will be June 1st 2013.  All proceeds will benefit Five Points Ferret Refuge. We had a lot of fun last year watching the shows, buying fun ferret toys and bedding and just being a part of the action.  Plan to join us!

If you are considering showing your pet ferret, don’t forget you need proof of vaccination for canine distemper virus.  We will be happy to help you get those vaccines up to date and provide the records you need.

For more information go to: http://www.theferret500.com

So You Think You Want to Be a Vet?

Hi, my name is Sara. I am high school student from St. Theodore Guerin High School. As I am considering becoming a veterinarian for my career, I have already begun preparing for it. Last summer I started working at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, and boy, have I learned a lot! There are many things you can do now (though years from vet school) that will be very beneficial to you later. Here are some things I’d like to share with you: There are many things veterinary schools are going to look for when you send in an application. Not only do you need good grades and standardized testing scores, colleges look for the number of experience hours you have in a veterinary clinic. How can you be a vet if you’ve never experienced working in one with real patients? The more hours you can collect, the better. Make sure to mark down every hour you do in a log you know will be safe. Personally, I go with the more old-fashioned route of a simple piece of paper, but do whatever works for you. Also, try to visit different types of clinics so you can get an idea of the different species of animals (ex: cats/dogs vs. exotics).

Look around for animal clinics near you and see if you can get a beginning job of just volunteer work. You will have to work your way up from the bottom of the totem pole, gaining much experience before you can get a job that pays. I sure know what this is like. Only last year I graduated from folding towels and cleaning dirty cages to more important work, such as hand-feeding patients and bringing clients into the exam room. Be willing to help in any way you can, even if it means cleaning some poopy cages. (It is actually a very important job, and the doctors greatly appreciate this being done for them so they can be free to do other medical procedures that you don’t have the training or education to do.)

As you prepare to enter high school, plan what classes you will take accordingly. To prepare yourself for the vigorous medical courses you will take for pre-vet in college, take all the Honors or high-level science classes your school has to offer. Math is also incredibly important, so if you do not have a solid handle on that, you may want to consider getting help from a tutor in that subject. If science is not your “thing”, then you either have to make it your thing or find a new career option. (Harsh as that sounds, you really need to be committed to this because it involves hard work and eight extra years of education.)

Finally, if other good veterinary opportunities come up, take them! The Purdue University Veterinary School offers an open house for their school every year in April. You can take a tour, watch demonstrations, and receive a lot of valuable information on careers in veterinary medicine. (If you are interested, look here.) It is also a great idea to shadow as many veterinarians as you can so you can be exposed to all the facets of veterinary work. If you are serious about this career choice, take the opportunity to start now learning now and take the first step. My best of luck to you!

Welcome Baby Agnes!

Last week we went to the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine to teach a course on basic avian handling and medicine to the second year students.  After dinner, we went with Purdue Exotics Club members to the home of one of the veterinary school professors, where we examined her outstanding collection of prehensile tailed skinks. The colony lives together in several family groups with parents and

young.  We were told female "AJ" was probably pregnant. The very next morning, her owner found this huge fully formed baby, who was named "Agnes".  It's interesting how enormous these youngsters are  at birth (we were told it's equivalent to a human mother delivering a 4-year-old child! Welcome "baby" Agnes!

Cats vs. Exotic Pets: Not An Even Match!

Did you know that the bacteria in the mouths and on the claws of pet cats can be particularly dangerous to anyone unlucky enough to be bitten or clawed?  Note: this includes humans as well as pets.

Even if the exotic pet wins the battle and the wounds are small, he may lose the war to a deadly bacterial infection in just a matter of days. There are even reports of pets without obvious wounds dying of bacterial infections, perhaps from bacteria entering tiny tears in the skin or mucus membranes.

Here's what to do if your exotic pet encounters the pet cat:

If your pet is in shock, bleeding or lethargic, call us immediately (see emergency care)

If your pet is stable, look for wounds and cleanse them carefully and thoroughly with antibacterial soap

Call us right away to schedule an appointment to start antibiotic therapy as quickly as possible.