Exotic Pets are not unusual.

Unusual Pet? Not any more

More and more people are taking to lizards, snakes, chickens, frogs and spiders to be their life companions, instead of the traditional dog and cat (and rabbit).

And, there are special vets out there who look after these special ones.  I would love to say I am one of them, but I know enough about the medicine of these more unusual guys, to know I don't know enough.  But that doesn't stop me being part of the Unusual and Exotic Pets special interest group of the AVA and reading about them.

Here are some things you may or may not know about the more unusual pet.

Chickens: Do these guys do need worming? They do, but there is a health issue for us which is "withholding periods "(this means the days you can't eat the eggs or meat if you medicate the chickens with anything).  Information differs on how often to worm but it ranges from twice a year medication to twice a year testing for parasites.  I would suggest a combination of the two, as you need to know your chicken's parasite loading, as well as whether your worming medication is actually working.  And what worming to use?  Well, obviously the one that works, is safe, and easy to give.  In many cases, that is Panacur.

Spiders: The benefit here is you can pick your pet from your own backyard. The Golden Orb makes a fantastic web (as I found out when it snuck into my school bag when I was in Yr 9 - a great way to get out of English as I was sent to the Science Staff Room - even Mr Snyder (the science teacher) was too scared to get it out of my bag - It was put into a jar and I released it when I got home. I did  find an interesting site about pet spiders. Go here.

Fish: Many of the fish diseases need prescription medications to treat. Even if you don't have a traditional pet (dog or cat), maintaining a relationship with your local vet can  help with access to these antibiotics or other medications to help treat your sick fish (and sooner rather than later).  I subscribe to the busy musings of the fishvet (although I don't own fish) just to learn by osmosis!

Frogs: The most common injury of a wild frog is a broken leg from cat attack. They mostly die from  bacteria from us handling them rather than from the attack itself. Wear gloves, handle gently, and release quickly.

Do you know the frogs in your own backyard?  

 Snakes & Lizards:  Well these have almost become mainstream, with the Herpetological societies, and in Wollongong, we have at least two vets who are knowledgeable on these guys (I am not one of them... I like snakes & lizards, but only to pat the safe ones.)

Turtles: Turtles need to be submerged in water to feed. Long necked turtles are mostly carnivorous, whereas short necked ones vary from herbivorous to carnivorous. We see wild turtles with fractured shells, which can be repaired, assuming no internal injuries (often using dental compounds to repair).

 PS Be aware that many of these exotic pets may be protected species, and you may need a licence to keep them. For example, to keep snakes, lizards and turtles, you need a licence from the Office of Environment and Heritage.

PPS Some Exotic Pets also need to have annual vet checks, but also need regular parasite screens and blood tests - they are more likely to hide illness compared to the domestic dog or cat. A great site for exotic pet information is here.

About Russell Vale Animal Clinic

 
As always, your pet's paws are always in my heart ... our animalclinic family, and in March, that became official, with Dog and Cat retiring, and our logo becoming officially "Paws", as I affectionately call it.  If you want to know the history of Dog and Cat, and our changing logos over the years, then visit the bellambivets blog.

We are proud members of the Australian Veterinary Association, with continuous membership since 1987 (yes, that long... I started as a student, and never left). 

We try to provide up-to-date diagnostics and treatment options for your pet's medical condition, and hence, we may ask for time to research all options before presenting them to you (similar to you researching what you think your pet has using Dr Google but we speak with specialists or consult VIN (Veterinary Information Network)).

  Till next month.... 

We also recommend all rabbit housing is

Photography shoot invite...it will come

 Well, the March photo shoot did not happen, so now I am back to finding a new photographer, and new dates.

This photo shoot is to grab professional photos of our animalclinic family pets for use on our website, facebook, and of course, the family album.

A BIG thank you to those who have already said "YES.... we are there" when the news went out in our earlier newsletters. 

AND... do you have a gorgeous photo  of your pet, and want it in our family album online, then send me  a jpeg copy, and we will get it online.

Want to check out our family album? We have photos of Jake, Feebie, Minnie and would love more.

Go here!

Just for Fun - 

I am turning 40 in September!

Pandora says...
" You may not have seen me about much... this is because of a little kitten that was abandoned at the vets!  It has run of the waiting room, which is annoying me! She has even taken to my favourite spot... Dr Liz's chair"

 

"Here is the "interloper" Minnie", says Pandora.

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Word of Mouth is the best way!