Promoting the exotic pet practice.

The marketing and promotion of an exotic pet veterinary practice allows the use of strategies that are not necessarily available in other veterinary disciplines. The advantage that an exotics practice enjoys is that it is able to capitalize not only on the unique nature of the species being attended but also on the specialized features of the hospital itself that make it specifically appropriate in caring for exotic pets. Before marketing, however, comes the responsibility that the practice live up to the claims made in promotional materials. A practice cannot ethically be presented as an "exotics" practice if it is nothing more than a dog and cat facility that is willing to attend to exotic pets. It is the competence of the veterinary staff and the appropriateness of the facility that determines the suitability of the practice for exotics management.     

Safety issues in the exotic pet practice.

Small animal practitioners are well versed in the potential zoonoses from dogs and cats. Although these account for the vast majority of documented cases of zoonotic disease in humans, there are documented as well as potential zoonotic diseases that the nontraditional companion animal is capable of transmitting. This article is a compilation of potential disease risks to veterinarians, staff, and owners of nontraditional companion animals. In addition, the article may serve as a training tool for veterinary practices.     

Legal implications of the exotic pet practice.

The ever-growing complexity of veterinary laws compounds the problem for the exotic pet practice. Issues of possession, treatment, vaccination, and ethics shape the legal landscape for the veterinarian, and as new problems develop, new legislation will be created. Only by learning and understanding the current laws and regulations of the jurisdiction can a practitioner hope to keep abreast of the changes and additions as they occur and to minimize the risk of liability.     

Increasing efficiency and profitability of the exotic pet practice.

Recent surveys indicate the percentage of households owning exotic pets has increased dramatically. Practitioners interested in the development of an exotic animal practice can take advantage of the increased popularity of these pets and apply proven meth-ods that have benefited traditional companion animal practices.This article examines exotic animal practice in light of these changes and tries to determine ways to increase efficiency and profitability as they relate to this unique practice situation.     

Orthopedic radiography in exotic animal practice.

Radiographic examination of exotic animal species provides significant diagnostic information to the practitioner so long as attention is paid to positioning and radiographic detail and if variations in normal radiographic anatomy are contemplated. Fracture of pneumatic bones (humerus or femur) in avian patients often results in subcutaneous emphysema, much like an open fracture. If fracture alignment is anatomical, there is generally little callous formation visible in avian and reptile patients; however, if malunion occurs, then certainly callous can be visualized. Aggressive or excessive periosteal proliferation in exotic species often predicts osteomyelitis. Practitioners can increase their diagnostic capabilities and thereby decrease any preconceived anxiety by applying the same general interpretive concepts used in the radiography of more routine small animal patients and by evaluating the resultant radiographs in a systematic manner. With the exception of certain anatomical differences and alterations in response to injury, exotic animal species suffer the same types of orthopedic disease do dogs and cats.     

Economic considerations of establishing an exotic pet practice

Written by a veterinarian involved in a private practice at a small animal hospital in Pennsylvania, this article describes a number of the exotic pet cases presented at the hospital and treated as part of the hospital's normal routine. Economic considerations of actively pursuing laboratory animal pets as patients are addressed as well.     

An overview of restraint and blood collection techniques in exotic pet practice

As more data about blood test results become available, blood sampling becomes increasingly important as a diagnostic tool. The increased availability of biochemistry analyzers that sample small volumes of blood has made it possible to get diagnostic profiles and hematology results from pets that have only small volumes of blood to contribute. This article describes techniques for restraint, phlebotomy, and sample preparation of several of the more popular exotic animals in the pet trade. The species covered include birds, lizards, chelonians, snakes, frogs, salamanders, fish, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and giant spiders (tarantulas).     

Overnutrition: an epidemic problem in pet animal practice?

This review demonstrates that manufactured pet foods contain more than adequate levels of all the essential nutrients needed by normal dogs and cats. Under normal circumstances, therefore, it is completely unnecessary to supplement the rations of these animals with protein, energy, fatty acids, vitamins, or minerals. We have tried to show that, in addition to being unnecessary, supplementation of the rations of normal animals may be quite dangerous, leading to serious--indeed, sometimes fatal--clinical consequences. Pet food manufacturers have responded to newer information regarding increased requirements for specific nutrients such as taurine and potassium. Thus, supplements of these nutrients, as well, are unnecessary in the absence of specific clinical indications. As practitioners, we should be wary of beneficial effects claimed for nutritional supplements. Anecdotal comments, in particular, should be discounted completely. Objective data, including statistical evaluation demonstrating efficacy, should be demanded before accepting claims for such products. Finally, the use of nutritional supplements should be restricted to those cases in which specific clinical problems dictate their use.     

Barriers to exotic animal medicine.

The obstacles discussed in this article can be overcome as training and continuing education in this field become more readily available, making work with these fascinating species a part of the repertoire of the small animal clinician. The scientific literature concerning these species is growing rapidly, and medical standards are improving steadily.     

Educating the exotic animal technician.

The thorough education of a skilled exotic animal technician is an ongoing process. Providing the educational tools is only the beginning. Building on the initial educational groundwork is required to excel. Veterinary technicians interested in exotic animal medicine must lobby to promote awareness of the demand for exotic pet care; be able to accept, adapt, and apply new data frequently; and receive constant support and encouragement from the exotic animal veterinarian.     

Small animal practice: billing, third-party payment options, and pet health insurance.

Rising veterinary costs can keep some people from accepting necessary medical care for their pets. This article discusses viable alternative financing options. Each alternative comes with its own pros and cons. Practice owners will want to study the offerings carefully to find the best match for their practice and clients.     

Current therapies in exotic animal oncology.

The majority of information on oncology therapies has been reported in humans, canine, and feline patients, and laboratory animals with experimentally induced tumors. A variety of treatments,including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and others have been used with exotic animals. There are many species of exotic pets, and anatomic differences, as well as husbandry and nutritional requirements, must be taken into account to provide optimal care. By providing a broad overview of therapies and considerations for treatment, this article is intended to provide the practitioner with an overview of approach and options when addressing oncology cases in exotic animals.     

Equipping the exotic mammal practice.

Many tools used in small animal practice can be adapted for use with exotic mammals. For those veterinarians with a strong interest in exotic mammals, specific equipment and supply needs need to be taken under consideration. Initial investment need not be great to get started with special species, and as the practice develops more specialized equipment can be added. Starting with equipment that aids in patient husbandry, diagnostic sampling, and routine hospital medical and surgical care is very helpful in creating confidence and expertise with these species. As the practice case load grows more sophisticated, equipment can be added, allowing for better diagnostic workups, medical treatment, and surgical care. The right equipment for the right job makes for a more rewarding and efficient exotic mammal practice. The author describes equipment and products (Table 1) he routinely uses in his private practice, and has provided a list of available sources. Readers should keep in mind that this list is not all-inclusive, and that in many instances products discussed can be found from multiple veterinary distributors or vendors. The author does not promote or recommend one supplier or manufacturer over another.     

Postoperative management of the exotic animal patient.

Careful postoperative management is crucial for the success of any orthopedic surgical repair. The special needs of the exotic animal must be met during the immediate postoperative period and during hospitalization. Many exotic animals require a quiet, stress-free environment and careful attention to housing parameters, such as perching, temperature, and visual security. To provide adequate pain relief in these patients, analgesia should be given before, during, and after surgery. The drugs most often used for pain relief are NSAIDs and opioid analgesics. After surgery, monitor the healing process carefully with regular examinations and radiographs while remaining vigilant for potential problems such as osteomyelitis or nonunion. Physical therapy prevents the development of fracture disease, which includes joint or ligament contracture and bone or muscle mass loss. Because physical therapy affords the patient full use of the affected limb, it is considered a helpful practice in all patients. Physical therapy, however, is critical for free-ranging exotic animals that will be released back into the wild, such as birds of prey.