Exotic Pet Healthcare
Exotic pets are kept in increasing numbers in Britain and have special needs when it comes to healthcare. Birds, reptiles and small mammals can be very different to common pets such as dogs and cats and it is important to find the right place for their veterinary care. At our practice we have staff with a special interest in exotic pets and experience in keeping them healthy and treating them when they are ill. All pets, whether cats or chameleons, parrots or Pekinese, should have an annual health check. This ensures that they are in the best of health and are not showing any signs of disease. Symptoms in exotic pets can be very subtle - often a lizard or bird that starts looking ill today has actually been unwell for several weeks or sometimes longer, but has been hiding its illness. An annual health check is also an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns you have about your pet with a vet.
Common Symptoms of Illness
Birds
- 'Fluffed up' appearance
- Not as active as normal
- Reduced appetite
- Regurgitation or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- White part of stools turns yellow or green
- Tail bobs more than usual when breathing
- Weight loss (if the bird is weighed regularly)
- Feather plucking
- Usually standing on one leg
Reptiles
- Reduced or absent appetite
- Regurgitation or vomiting (snakes)
- Not as active as usual
- Darker colouration (chameleons and bearded dragons)
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Problems shedding
- Eyes closed
- Weight loss
- 'Hunched' posture
- Discoloured skin
If any of these signs are seen the animal should be seen by a vet.
Signs of Medical Emergency
Birds
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding
- Falling off the perch/ seizures
- Sitting on the bottom of the cage
Reptiles
- Regurgitation or vomiting (except snakes)
- Difficulty breathing
If these signs are seen the animal needs to be seen by a vet IMMEDIATELY.
The proper care and conditions are essential for exotic pet health. Improper diet, temperature, humidity and substrate can cause grave health problems to exotic pets. It is important to check with reliable sources that you are keeping your pets in the correct environment for their needs. If you are unsure about the needs of your pet please contact us, as prevention of these diseases is much better than cure.
01903 234866
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