Exotic pets need annual checkups, too

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), April, 2003

Pet owners have lots of love for their animals, no matter if they have scales, fur, beaks, or pouches. Frequently, though, people who own nontraditional pets, including exotics, don't plan for regular wellness visits as do cat and dog owners, cautions Lori Corriveau, a veterinarian at the Wellness Clinic in Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Ind.

"We often see nontraditional pet owners wait until their pet is sick before they ever bring it to a veterinarian. People in the veterinary profession want pet owners to know that we care for more than just cats and dogs. Often, pet owners are not aware that this kind of care is out there for their snakes, hamsters, or parakeets." Nontraditional pets, which are anything other than a cat or dog, can include rodents such as mice, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, gerbils, or degus, as well as birds and reptiles. Other popular nontraditional pets are rabbits, ferrets, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, pot-bellied pigs, and frogs.

Some people may not take the animal to see the veterinarian because it is easier to replace a $5 hamster than pay for a chronic or life-threatening condition, Corriveau indicates. In contrast, she has seen the owners of a beloved pet rat invest more than $1,000 for its care. Regular wellness visits can prevent greater health problems and, over the long term, keep medical costs down. "Many nontraditional pets, especially small mammals, are prey species. These animals often don't exhibit signs of an illness to prevent displaying their weaknesses. It may be too late when they show their symptoms. Any exotic animal exhibiting signs of illness should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible."

Wellness visits can help a variety of animals. For example, if a guinea pig is brought in regularly, the veterinarian can analyze its diet to determine if the animal is being fed adequate amounts of vitamin C. Guinea pigs are prone to scurvy, which can be fatal. Some guinea pig pellets may not contain enough vitamin C, and pet owners can be instructed on how to handle food properly so it is not damaged by moisture or sunlight.

"Iguana owners often feed their reptiles a diet only of crickets," Corriveau notes. "However, iguanas really are herbivores, and they need leafy green vegetables as a staple of their diet." Reptiles kept indoors don't get enough ultraviolet light, which is essential for their calcium utilization and the prevention of a condition called metabolic bone disease.

Corriveau explains that many parakeet owners rarely bring these smaller tropical birds in for visits, but the trip can help prevent intestinal parasites and liver disease as well as ensure normal gastrointestinal bacteria levels and proper beak and feather growth. During regular veterinary visits, owners also can learn about hygiene and other care issues, such as if a pet requires any vaccinations.

Potential nontraditional pet owners can benefit from a visit with a veterinarian before a new one is selected, where husbandry and care issues that are special to nontraditional pets can be reviewed, as well as the difference between pets and wildlife. Moreover, research can expose pet owners to zoonotic issues--animal diseases that are contagious to humans.