The diminutive size of reptiles, birds, and rodents can
sometimes be misleading. People often think they will make simple pets, kept in
cages or tanks, requiring little time and attention. Each species, however, has
specific needs, some quite complex, and the wrong diet and environment can lead
to a variety of health problems.
Preventative health care is important in all
the pets we see at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care, but is it even more essential in our exotic patients.
Reptiles have unique requirements for temperature, humidity, light, and diet.
Mistakes in their husbandry lead to fractured legs, seizures, infections, and
other internal disease. Bird owners often find well meaning advice on diet and
behavior is incorrect and lead to obesity and a biting, screaming pet. Rabbits
and rodents are often started on inappropriate diets, leading to obesity and
dental disease.
Owners are also often unaware of signs that indicate illness.
Exotic pets behave very differently than a dog or cat and tend to hide disease
until they are critically ill. A little research and preventative health care
go a long way in the care of your exotic pet. Unavoidable medical problems or
accidents may occur, but proper husbandry can prevent some of the most common
health problems we see in exotic pets. Your veterinarian will help educate and guide you in the proper care of your exotic pet so that they can live a healthy, happy life.
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