Congratulations to Dr. Lewis!

Last month we celebrated an important graduation at AEAC: Dr. Taylor Lewis completed her hours of clinical practice (2 year’s worth) for her residency requirements for the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)! She is now one step closer to being a board-certified Exotic Mammal Specialist. Next comes the case reports, and an all day test!   

The Hogwarts-style celebration is not a residency requirement, but we thought it was more fun that way. Dr. Lewis will stay another year with us while she prepares.   

Want to learn more about exotic medicine specialties?  Click here: https://abvp.com or www.aczm.org

Dr. Lewis is given the potion “Draught of Peace.”

Our new veterinary resident, Dr. Moy, is given “ER Be Gone,” to help prevent after hours pet emergencies.

The Beauty of Donating Blood: another success story!

Last night, Lennie the ferret needed emergency surgery for a suspected bleeding mass and severe anemia.  He needed more blood before even having a chance of surviving surgery. Luckily for us, Willie the ferret was a guest at the Avian and Exotic Inn at that very moment-and Willie's family happily consented to the transfusion.

Lennie had a 4 inch diameter mass involving about 6 inches of intestine. The mass and affected intestines were removed, and normal intestine sutured back together.  Lennie did very well and Willie's blood help keep his blood pressures stable during surgery.

Willie, the donor

Lennie, the recipient

Fun Fact: did you know ferrets have no known blood types?  Any ferret can donate to any other ferret!  Another benefit of being a ferret!

Six little ducklings visit the AEAC Salon!

Today a Good Samaritan brought in six little ducklings who had fallen into a storm drain! There was no momma duck to be found. When held closely, the staff noted a burning sensation in their eyes-while there was no odor, there was some substance on the ducklings causing the burning sensation and reddening of the ducklings’ skin.

The ducklings immediately had multiple baths, complete with a nice blow dry in between. We are not sure what the substance was, but hopefully each duck will be fine!

The Trouble with Hedgehogs?

We love hedgehogs as pets.  However, like ANY pet, there is always the potential for transmission of disease from the pet to owners.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 27 cases of Salmonella in the United States linked to pet hedgehogs. Six states have reported cases since 2018, including Indiana.

Does this mean we should we stop keeping hedgehogs as pets? If your doctor thinks you should because to your own personal health issues, that might be the best option.

However, CDC has some tips to keep you and your family safe:

1. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching, feeding, or caring for your hedgehog (or any exotic pet) or cleaning its habitat.

2. Avoid snuggling and kissing pets, as this can spread diseases to your face and mouth.

3. Avoid playing with hedgehogs or exotic pets in your kitchen or where food is prepared.

Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella in their feces even while showing no signs of illness. For this reason, it's best to be safe; wash carefully after handling hedgehogs and any pet!

More information about salmonella can be found here.

Very special visitors from St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf

We were thrilled to once again host our friends, the children from St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf. We gave them a tour of our clinic and they met lots of fun exotic pets. Dr. Lennox demonstrated a physical exam on John, the guinea pig.

AEAC's technician Sarah Dehn took some exotic critters on the road to visit kids participating in PAWS.

The Speedway Jr. High School PAWS Club stands for Plugs for Animal Welfare and Service.  Students learn about area rescue groups, adopting pets, and proper pet care.  They also learn how animals help people and we can help animals in need. 

Various guest speakers attend the meetings, along with trained, people-friendly animals.  Students have an opportunity to interact with the different animals and learn how to help animals live a better life.

On Tuesday Sarah visited the PAWS Club and brought with her rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, and parakeets, and a ball python. The students loved meeting the animals! They practiced giving the critters full examinations. We love encouraging young students to learn about S.TE.M. careers!

Look what the wind blew in!

These two red tail hawk nestlings were blown out of their tree, nest and all, by the heavy storm that came through Sunday. The bird on the right was standing and vocalizing, but his/her friend on the left was quiet, and the reason soon became clear-a fractured humerus.

Fortunately, radiographs showed the fracture was simple and relatively easy to repair. On Tuesday morning, Dr. Lewis and Amanda came in before hours to prepare for surgery. With the assistance of the rest of the team, the fracture was pinned and nestlings went with our licensed wildlife rehabilitator on Wednesday. We expect a full recovery!

Storms with strong winds can be deadly for creatures nesting in trees. If you encounter a young bird without adult feathers out of the nest, it's OK to return the bird to the nest if the baby seems uninjured and the nest is within reach. If you find the entire nest and babies, the nest can be placed on a piece of wood or in a large basket and securely fastened to the nearest likely tree. Mom will be happy to continue caring for her young ones!

More questions on wildlife and what to do if you encounter them?  Go here. 

Stay tuned for updates on our little wind blown hawks.

Join us at the Ferret 500!

Ferret Fans, mark your calendar for the return of the Ferret 500 annual ferret fun show in Indianapolis!

Saturday, June 8, 2019
Open to the public from 9:30 am-6:00 pm

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 info, check out the Ferret 500 website here.

The Sad Reality of an “Easter “ Bunny

Story by Dawn Sailer

Easter is a very challenging time of the year for companion rabbit lovers and animal welfare advocates (https://rabbit.org/easter-and-rabbits-do-not-mix/).  Each year the market is flooded with cute, fuzzy baby “Easter” bunnies.  And each year when the rabbits hit sexual maturity approximately 2-3 months later, disillusioned rabbit owners surrender their rabbits to animal shelters.  

Rabbits are the third most commonly surrendered animal to US shelters (https://rabbit.org/rabbits-in-shelters-findings/).  Each year, rescue groups (https://rabbit.org/independent-rabbit-rescue/) work tirelessly to save “the Easter Dump” rabbits. 

If you see a cute baby “Easter” bunny, please consult the “Make Mine Chocolate” website (http://makeminechocolate.org/mission) to see if a rabbit is the right pet for you.  If a rabbit is a good fit for your family, please obtain a rabbit from a shelter or rescue organization (same url as above).

Calling all expert foragers!

We are in the process of making an advanced foraging video for birds.  If your bird is an expert forager, send us videos showing him or her at work!  We want to see boxes, cups, commercial foraging toys and anything else you’ve invented, and a movie of your clever bird using it.

If you aren’t sure what foraging is, you and your bird should give it a try and send us the results!

Here are two of our beginner foraging videos:

For cockatiels, budgies, finches and canaries, watch here.

For all larger birds, watch here.

Tips for optimal filming: 

• Be sure the background is free of clutter and anything you don’t want the public to see. 

• Be sure there is plenty of light.

• Shoot your video holding the camera horizontally. 

• Try your best to hold the camera or phone still!

• Avoid showing brand names or logos.

• Don’t worry about audio - we will remove all sound from your video.

Please email your foraging clips to our videographer Katie – katie@katielennox.net.

Lights, camera and foraging ACTION!

Spring is Almost Here!

Believe it or not, spring is a common time for exotic pet care "whoopsies"-here are the most common that may result in an emergency trip to the vet:

1. Turning off the heat as the day time temperatures rise, only to forget to turn it back on in the evening, when it's still really chilly at night.

   • Without an independent heat source, our heat-loving species like reptiles, sugar gliders, and African Hedgehogs may get cold enough to go into torpor (a temporary state of decreased activity and lethargy-some pets may actually appear to be unconscious or not even alive!)

   • While torpor is a normal way some species in the wild respond to cold rainy environments, it's not recommended at all for our pets.   Prevent inadvertent chilling by having a constant heat source independent of central heating for all heat loving species.

2. Taking pets that are not acclimated to warm weather out into the spring sunshine.  Some pets are more sensitive to overheating, for example chinchillas and guinea pigs. Also be extra careful with pets that are overweight and not in good general health.  It's always better to gradually adapt pets to warmer temperatures over a few weeks.

3. Forgetting how hot the car can get, even in early spring when the sun is out.  We remember one unfortunate guinea pig who didn't survive a trip to the vet in a non air-conditioned car when it was only 70 degrees out.  This pet had respiratory disease, which made him particularly vulnerable to overheating.

If you have any questions on ideal ways to maintain temperature, and safely manage outdoor weather, we are here to help.

We wish you and your pets a wonderful spring!

World Spay Day

According to the Human Society, February 27th is officially World Spay Day. (Check out more about the campaign and ways you can help HERE.) 

 

Did you  know spaying  and neutering can be an important part of your exotic pets health as well?

 

For example, female rabbits have a high risk of uterine cancer if not spayed.  Some male exotic pets get along better when neutered.  Even reptiles can benefit: many female chameleons and bearded dragons suffer from reproductive disease which can be deadly. Spayed guinea pigs are free from debilitating ovarian cysts which are common as they age.

 

While spaying and neutering exotics is now considered routine, there is always some risk.

 

Here is what we do to keep stress and surgical risk as low as possible: 

 

-Part of the pre-surgical medication includes drugs to reduce fear and anxiety

-We offer preanesthetic blood work to check for signs of infection, anemia, and to check organ function

-When practical, we place an IV (or IO) catheter to give fluids during surgery, and allow quick administration of emergency drugs, in rare cases where CPR is necessary.

-Every patient receives at least 3 kinds of medication for discomfort, including a local block of the surgical site.  Many take additional medication home in case it's needed.

-We focus on surgical approaches that reduce post-op pain and speed recovery, for example, a flank or side approach for spay instead of a larger abdominal incision.

-Our team includes a dedicated recovery nurse monitoring the patient immediately after surgery, up until the patient is ready to go home

-We encourage patients to bring some of the comforts of home along, including familiar bedding, toys and treats-in some cases, a bonded cage mate can come along, too!

 

Sara's letter from Vet School

Hi there! My name is Sara (and this is my hamster, Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All). The last time I wrote, I was just starting my undergrad career at Purdue University with a major of Animal Sciences. Today, I am a second year student in the vet school here at Purdue. I can’t believe it has been almost 6 years since I first wrote “So you think you want to be a vet?”      As I reflect on my journey to vet school, I want to take a moment to thank all those who taught me invaluable lessons about hard work and discipline. Many thanks to the veterinarians who allowed me to spend time in their clinics and to my coworkers who helped me transform from a clueless high schooler to a slightly less clueless (but always confused) vet student! ?

     The journey has not been an easy one, and vet school certainly isn’t a walk in the park, but they say that if you love what you do then it isn’t work. Ever since I was little my mom used to say, “you should wake up every day and love your job.” That isn’t to say that there will never be difficult days or times when you don’t love your job, but I encourage you to find a career that is rewarding, if not always enjoyable. Don’t discount your abilities and the good you could bring to the world, even if it’s just in the lives of those you work with!

     To those wanting to go to vet school, I won’t lie. Vet school is hard. I’m always tired, never feel entirely ready for exams, and constantly wonder how I’m ever going to remember it all. But then I have an exciting moment when I hear someone in the medical profession talk about a topic and it’s suddenly not gibberish to me anymore.

     It also helps to keep things in perspective. I try my best in school but at the end of the day I know that there is so much more to life and I know that I will be okay even if I get a C on a test (not speaking from experience or anything…).

     Yes, I’m a vet student but I’m also Sara. I love playing instruments, drinking tea, and watching movies with my sisters. I am terrible at board games and pretty much anything competitive, but I love having game nights with my roommates and friends. My newest addictions are animal crackers, Agatha Christie novels, and “The Great British Bake Off.”

     Work hard on your journey to vet school but don’t forget to enjoy it along the way. When I was younger I used to think that I will have succeeded in life once I got to vet school, almost as if my life wouldn’t truly begin until I got there. That is dangerous and false thinking. Your life is happening now. Don’t forget to appreciate the amazing people and things you already have! Your career will just be a bonus on top of that.

     As always, my best to you and your endeavors. Good luck, and remember:

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Winter Emergency Planning Tips

Thankfully we are through the polar vortex and heavy snow of last week! Unfortunately, it looks like temperatures will soon be dropping again, though. If you don't have one in place, now is the time to be sure your bad weather/power outage plan is ready! Many exotics pets do not tolerate temperature decreases well, especially tropical reptiles and small birds such as finches (especially the Gouldian finch). So, before the next cold snap, be sure you have the following:

• A backup source of heat, such as a generator or wood-burning heat source, with proper ventilation to protect pets from fumes
• An alternative backup location (boarding facility/hotel/friends' homes) that will temporarily house your pets if you have to leave the house
• A labeled, safe and secure carrier for each and every pet for transport
• A travel container with pet foods, bowls and medications
• Portable chemical heaters (for camping, hunting or cold weather sporting events) that can be placed close enough to provide warmth, but protected from chewing and puncturing.

Call us for advice and emergencies, should the need arise.

We wish you a safe and warm winter season!  We will update you with what to do when the weather is too HOT in about 6 months!

Traveling tips for cold weather!

While it’s best to travel with exotic pets when the weather is nice, lots of our patients still have to come to see us when it’s not so great!  A few precautions can help make cold weather travel safer and more comfortable. 1. Warm up the car first.

2. Use a travel warmer under the cage or under a blanket in the cage. These can be chemical warmers you can find at stores selling outdoor equipment, or something as simple as a sock filled with rice heated in the microwave, or a microwaved potato!  With chemical warmers, be sure the pet can’t find it and chew it up during the trip.  We will be happy to re-microwave your rice or potato for you for the trip home.

3. Cover the cage with a warm blanket for the short walk from the house-car and car-clinic.

4. Don’t forget to buckle up-you and your pet!  We highly recommend pets travel in a secure carrier that is secured with a seat belt. This will help protect the pet and passengers in case of an accident.

Case Study: Moondance the Pig

The internet is absolutely overflowing with cute pictures and videos of odd couple animals who get along well and really seem to enjoy each other's company. While this can be adorable, it can be really dangerous as well, especially for our exotics! Many would be considered prey species for traditional pets, like dogs and cats, and this can make interactions between the two risky. While some combinations appear to tolerate each other well, others can be deadly. We regularly treat cat and dog bite injuries to rabbits, rodents, birds and even reptiles. Moondance's case shows some of the worst of what can happen. In this instance, it was an unfortunate accident that the pig and dog were together and was never intended. Luckily for Moondance, his owners were able to intervene quickly! Unfortunately, injuries to his head were so severe that he ended up losing his right ear.

While injuries can happen when any pets get together, it’s especially risky when predators such as dogs, cats (and even ferrets) meet prey species. Even the behavior of pets that appeared to get along in the past can change very quickly. Always exercise care, and when you are not sure, be there to supervise!

Update #3 on Red Ryder

Quick recap: Miss Red was found outside with BB gun wounds and was taken in by the good folks at Indiana House Rabbit Society. We were able to safely remove two of the BBs, but the other two were in dangerous areas and we needed more information before attempting to remove them. Red Ryder was taken for an ultrasound.

WARNING- the surgical image below may be disturbing to some. This image shows the BB (gold in color)  being removed from Ryder's shoulder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 4th BB is located in her neck, near the carotid artery and the trachea; that one will stay there unless there is evidence it's beginning to cause a problem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Red Ryder is doing great after her latest surgery. In fact, she’s actually doing better. She’s more active, her appetite is better, and she’s chewing up all her toys. She tried a green bean (treat) for the first time today and was so unimpressed that she gave me a dirty look and turned her butt to it. She doesn’t act like she was dumped outside and shot at. Ryder is completely comfortable being in a home setting, around all sorts of other animals, including big dogs and cats. She’s friendly and doesn’t get frightened by things going on around her." - Sarah Dehn, current foster mom

 

The Indiana House Rabbit Society has a Go Fund Me page set up for Red Ryder's medical care, and for the medical needs of any other foster bunnies the IHR is currently caring for. You can donate here.

The Avian Exotic Inn had special guests last week: Daisy Scouts!!!!

 

 

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

And for our final story of 2018, we present the tale of a bunny with a rough start to life.  This story might be hard to read, and even make you angry, but it has a hopeful ending.

 

This little rabbit was found outdoors a few days ago and turned into the clinic on behalf of our friends at the Indiana House Rabbit Society.  The Good Samaritans who found her saw some interesting wounds that looked suspicious. A quick radiograph of the patient resting in a standing position showed this: a total of 5 round shot pieces (you can easily see 4 of them, and the fourth right over her nose).

 

Other than that, our bunny appeared in good weight, was calm and very sweet tempered. House Rabbit has decided to call her "Red Ryder" for the BB gun featured in "A Christmas Story". We love her name, despite the circumstances; it shows she is strong and will survive! (Sometimes you need a little humor to help get through the tragedy). She'll be spayed next week, and her wounds cared for; after that, she's ready for adoption through Indiana House Rabbit Society!

 

We wish you a wonderful, safe, and healthy 2019.

The End of Another Year-for Wildlife!

It’s been another busy wildlife season…actually we are not sure we’ve ever had a slow wildlife season.  We are thankful for our licensed wildlife partners who take the injured birds, mammals and reptiles we’ve treated and nurse them back to health for eventual release.  Every year we ask the Hatton’s at “For the Birds of Indiana” how many birds they listed on their formal reports to the Department of Natural Resources-this year it was 606.  They also would like to mention another 170 birds who are unreported-these are likely pigeons and starlings who are not federally protected and aren’t recorded.   That’s a total of 776 mouths to feed! For more information on For the Birds of Indiana, go here:  http://home.mindspring.com/~chris.hatton/

There is no federal funds to support licensed wildlife rehabilitators; many rely on donations and private funds.  

Thank you to all who took time out of their busy schedule to bring injured and orphaned wildlife to us for help, our licensed rehabilitators, and our donors.