Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics Blog

Preventing Cancer In Rabbits

How to Prevent Cancer In Rabbits? Do you have an unspayed (not neutered) female rabbit?  Did you know that studies have shown that 70-80% of unspayed female rabbits develop uterine cancer after the age of three years? Did you also know that this rabbit cancer is completely preventable by spaying (removing the rabbit’s ovaries and…

Ferrets – New Treatment With Adrenal Gland Disease

New Discoveries on How to Treat Ferrets with Adrenal Gland Disease Adrenal disease affects thousands of ferrets annually in the U.S. and may be the most common condition diagnosed in ferrets by veterinarians. This disease is caused by the development of cancer in one or both adrenal glands which results in the body’s overproduction of…

Prevent fatal viral infections in your ferret

What conditions are we referring to? Distemper and rabies viruses! Both of these diseases are ultimately fatal in ferrets, causing horrible neurological signs, and fortunately, they are completely preventable with simple vaccinations. You haven’t given these vaccinations to your ferret for risk of reaction, you say? Or, your ferret got these vaccines years ago, so…

Exotic Pet Wellness Exams Should Occur Annually

If you are an Exotic Pet owner in NY an annual check-up is an essential part of trying to prevent illness from occurring. Just like cats and dogs (and even people), birds and exotic pets should have yearly examinations to try to keep them healthy and to catch any signs of illness early, when treatment…

May is National Allergy Month

Terrific Allergy Free Exotic Pets Achoo! What to do? You want a pet, but you’re allergic. So, what can you do? Get an exotic pet, of course! If you’re allergic, don’t despair. There are still terrific pets available that are allergy friendly. Here are just a few: 1. Reptiles: If you’re allergic to fur and…

Rodents: more than just vermin

When I tell people I treat rodents, often their initial reaction is, “You treat what?!” I know that at this point, they’re thinking about pesky vermin that get into the trash in your garage or that run through the subway. Somehow, the word “rodent” has a very negative connotation. What most people fail to realize…

It’s OK To Lay But Bad To Bind: Egg Binding in Birds and Reptiles

It’s that time of year again. Hormones are raging, and animals everywhere are getting ready to mate. Spring time is a time of birth – flowers are sprouting new buds, mammals are courting each other, and birds and reptiles are getting ready to lay eggs. All of this happens as usual in nature, where food…

More great reptiles!

I went over some common reptiles that make great pets. This week, I’d like to continue that discussion in part two of my reptile blog. Below are two more great options for anyone looking to add a reptile to their family. 1. Red eared slider turtle –  These are hardy turtles that spend some time…

Slithery, scaly, shiny creatures – what are they? Reptiles, of course!

Some people love them. Others fear them. Regardless, most of us would agree that they are at least very interesting to look at. Reptiles: they can make fascinating pets if you are a reptile fan. Whether they hop, climb, or crawl, have legs or not, there’s a reptile for everyone who is intrigued by these…

Taking exotic pets outdoors: precautions & cautions

It’s spring! Time to bring your pets outside to get fresh air and sunshine – But wait! Things to remember before bringing your exotic pet outdoors: – Furry mammals, like rabbits and ferrets, are susceptible to flea and tick infection, just like cats and dogs. So, if you plan on taking your bunny or ferret…