Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics Blog
Diary of a blue and gold macaw – notes on Hurricane Sandy, by Sarah Inglis, LVT
About two and a half weeks ago, our human mom started acting very concerned. She spoke of a big ” hurricane” coming. I wasn’t concerned initially, because I had no idea what a hurricane was. But, as we watched pictures of this hurricane on the news, I and the other 3 birds in my flock…
Tips for keeping your exotic pet safe during a power outage
Power outages are never fun, but here are a few tips to help keep your bird or other exotic pet safe: 1. Provide heat! Many birds and reptiles, in particular, need to be kept fairly warm to stay healthy. Most birds (especially the larger parrots) can tolerate temperatures as low as the 50s, but once…
Gastrointestinal stasis – what you need to know. By Laurie Hess, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian) and Pauline Scherer, LVT
What is perhaps one of the most important medical conditions you should know about if you own a rabbit or a guinea pig? It is gastrointestinal (GI) stasis! What is GI stasis? GI stasis is a potentially deadly condition that occurs when a rabbit (or less often, a guinea pig) stops eating, and the normal…
Do exotic pets undergo aging changes?
Of course they do! Just like people, dogs, and cats, exotic pets’ bodies undergo a series of changes as they get older; exotic pets of all species – birds, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, pot-bellied pigs, and others – all experience aging changes. These changes may be true medical issues, or they may…
Does my ferret really need a dental cleaning?
Did you know that ferrets can get dental disease just like your cat, your dog, or you? We humans don’t always go to see our dentist twice a year, as we should, but when we get a cavity, we get there. Why? Because it is very uncomfortable; it hurts to chew, and sometimes, it even…
The top ten reasons it’s great to be an exotic pet
Exotic pets are great, no matter how you slice it. But here are a few very specific reasons you might not have thought of as to why being an exotic pet is really great: 1. You can poop/pee/vomit on the floor, and everyone still thinks you’re cute. 2. If you refuse to eat your regular…
I’m an exotic animal hospital receptionist: What stuff do I see? by Angela Cerone
Well, as a career veterinary hospital receptionist, I thought I had seen everything. I have spent years working behind the front desk at dog and cat hospitals and was sure I had heard it all…until I arrived at the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics. As a receptionist at an exotic animal hospital, I see…
Warm weather tips for exotic pets
Summertime – time to go outside in the sunshine, enjoy the fresh air, picnic with friends, and enjoy our pets. All sounds wonderful, until a pet becomes ill or injured. How can we prevent summertime mishaps with our pets? Here are a few tips: 1. If you have a rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla or other…
What to do before bringing your new ferret home, by Serena Fiorella, Licensed Veterinary Technician
You’ve done your research and decided that a ferret is right for you. What do you do now? Before bringing you new companion home, you must ferret proof your house! Here are a few things you should know about ferret proofing. Personally, I don’t let my ferrets have free run of the house, because there…
Are You a Pet Person?
In general, I think it is fair to say that there are two camps of people when it comes to animals – those who are true “pet people,” and those who are not. What is a “pet person”? While pet people may be described in many ways, here are a few essentials: A “pet person”…