The Exotic Pet Vet Blog
You plan an exotic, or perhaps not so exotic, getaway for you and your family. Tickets are booked, hotel plans are made, then you are stuck with the question – what do I do with my beloved exotic pet? Some owners bring in a pet sitter who will come twice a day to visit, feed and clean their pet in their home. While there are benefits to having someone come to your house when you’re away, a lot can happen to your pet during the hours the sitter is not there. Another option is to bring your pet to the…
Ich Fish Disease: What Causes It and How to Treat It
Ich fish disease is a contagious parasitic infection that dusts a fish’s skin, fins, and gills with tiny white dots, much like grains of salt. A microscopic parasite called Ichthyophthirius…
What Fish Can Live with Bettas?
What fish can live with bettas? Peaceful, small species that stay out of a betta’s way, such as Corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, and ember tetras, tend to make the best…
Dropsy in Fish: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Dropsy in fish is a condition in which fluid collects inside the body, swelling the belly and often lifting the scales outward into a pinecone shape. It is not a…
Why Special Species Require Specialized Veterinary Care
In human medicine, special medical problems typically require specialized medical care. For example, if you have a broken bone, you see an orthopedist who specializes in the care of broken…
Tips for Winterizing Your Reptile
By Dr. Laurie Hess When cold weather comes, especially in areas that experience significant climate changes as the seasons change, there are some steps all reptile owners should take to…
Did You Know That Turtles Shed?
People are sometimes surprised by this question but, like other reptiles, turtles DO shed! While snakes regularly shed their entire skin in one piece, and lizards shed in large pieces,…
Do Ferrets Need Vaccines?
Few of the exotic pet species that we see at The Veterinary Center require vaccinations, but ferrets are one of them. Ferrets are susceptible to rabies and canine distemper virus—two…
Lead Toxicity in Exotic Pets
Have You Heard About Lead Toxicity? Exposure to lead and other heavy metals can affect multiple body systems in humans and non-human animals. Signs of exposure can include lack of…
Importance of Hydration in Westchester County, NY
With summer temperatures approaching, water is especially essential to your pet’s health. Hydration is needed to regulate internal body temperatures, waste filtration, and processing nutrients through your pet’s body. Regardless…
Why Calcium is Important for Your Reptile in Westchester, NY
Providing a complete and balanced diet is essential when you are keeping any pet. When it comes to reptiles, a complete and balanced diet is crucial to their health, as…