Exotic Pet Medicine Research Articles

Success rate and complication prevalence of peripheral catheterization of the cephalic, lateral saphenous and marginal ear veins in pet rabbits

BackgroundIntravenous catheter placement is a routine procedure in exotic pet medicine, yet the selection of the optimal venous site for catheterization in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) remains controversial. Recommendations differ between countries and authors, and lack evidence-based data. This prospective study aimed to document and compare the prevalence and types of complications secondary to peripheral venous catheterization in domestic rabbits as related to the vein catheterized. MethodsCatheterization events (n=151) were randomly attributed to three groups, named according to the venous site selected: cephalic (n=39), lateral saphenous (n=58) and marginal ear vein (n=54). Rabbits that needed a catheter for fluid therapy, surgery, or imaging, were included in the study. Catheters were placed by three veterinarians following a standardized method. Data regarding the patient, the type of catheter, and the treatment were recorded. Complications were evaluated every day after the catheter placement, at removal and after 15 days. ResultsMinor complications that were observed included catheters which were bent at the elbow or removed by the rabbit, and twisted or chewed tubing. Ear necrosis and signs of phlebitis were considered major complications. Catheter placement failure was significantly higher in the “cephalic” group (odds ratio = 4, 95% Confidence Interval = [16.67,1.04], p = 0.048), without differences between the operators. For the marginal ear vein, there was also a significant association between the failure rate and the length of the rabbit's ear (Wilcoxon effect size = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.14,0.64], p = 0.003). No major complication was observed in any groups. Minor complications occurred without significant differences between the groups. Conclusionsand clinical relevance: The results suggest that intravenous catheters in rabbits do not carry significant complications irrespective of the chosen site, but cephalic vein placement carries the highest risk of failure.

Sedative Effect of Ketamin-Midazolam Administered at Acupoint GV20 Compared to Intramuscular Route in Blue-Fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva): a Pilot Study.

The growth of exotic pet medicine is leading to fast developments in clinical investigations on birds. Acupuncture, specifically pharmacopuncture, offers safe chemical restraint options. To investigate pharmacopuncture at acupoint GV20 in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) using ketamine and midazolam. Sixteen healthy birds were distributed into four groups (C: intramuscular control; 1/2 C: 1/2 dose intramuscular control; 1/2 GV20: 1/2 dose at acupoint GV20; 1/5 GV20: 1/5 dose at acupoint GV20). Degree of sedation, latency, recuperation time, heart and respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured. Quantitative data were analyzed by a Student's t-test. The C, 1/2 C, and 1/2 GV20 groups showed the same degree of sedation. The 1/2 GV20 group showed longer latency times (6 ± 2.1) than the 1/2 C (2.5 ± 0.5) group. Sedation time did not differ between the C (28 ± 9.8), 1/2 C (30.5 ± 8.6), and 1/2 GV20 (41 ± 22.24) groups. The 1/2 GV20 group recuperated faster (13.7 ± 3.7) than the C group (64.2 ± 3.5). The C and 1/2 C groups showed tremors and slow and unstable recovery. Two animals in the C group showed mild hypothermia (38°C). The use of 1/2 GV20 was effective and safe to sedate blue-fronted Amazon parrots without side effects, providing easy, stable, and fast recovery. The use of 1/5 GV20 had a shorter sedation time. These findings show that the combination of acupuncture and drugs provides new possibilities for efficient anesthetic protocols with fewer side effects in birds.

A Survey Study of Veterinary Student Opinions and Knowledge about Pet Reptiles and Their Welfare.

Simple SummaryVery few studies have investigated veterinary perception of reptiles kept as pets. Using 5-point Likert scale questions, this study assessed opinions of veterinary students in Croatia about pet turtles, lizards and snakes, and their welfare, including student self-reported knowledge about pet reptiles. Most of the students’ responses were neutral from the very beginning to the end of their study, emphasising the need for introducing additional veterinary education on pet reptiles, with implications for the welfare of these pets, health and safety of humans and other animals, and environmental protection.Exotic pet medicine is rapidly evolving, with reptiles becoming increasingly popular pet animals. Yet, there are only a few literature reports on veterinary perception of reptiles kept as pets. The aim of the study was to assess opinions and knowledge of the Croatian veterinarians-to-be about pet reptiles and their welfare. The questionnaire survey was conducted in the academic year 2019–2020 and included students of all six years of the integrated undergraduate and graduate study at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb. First-year students were surveyed twice, before and after having attended the compulsory course on animal welfare. Questionnaire statements were 5-point Likert scale questions, requiring the students to express their opinions about turtles, lizards and snakes as pets, issues related to their welfare, risks they pose to the health and safety of humans, other animals and the environment, and their self-reported knowledge about pet reptiles. Although expressing higher opinions after having attended the course on animal welfare, first-year student responses remained neutral to most of the statements. Such a trend continued until the end of the study. Student responses revealed that they were uncertain about their knowledge of reptiles as pets, considering different educational areas observed. Study results emphasised the need of alterations in veterinary curriculum and additional student education in reptile medicine. The results obtained have broad implications involving not only the welfare of pet reptiles in clinical practice and elsewhere but also the health and safety of humans and other animals, as well as environmental protection.

Assessment of reported uterine lesions diagnosed histologically after ovariohysterectomy in 1,928 pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

To assess variations in age, breed, and clinical signs in rabbits with neoplastic or nonneoplastic uterine lesions and to investigate potential relationships between endometrial adenocarcinoma and age at ovariohysterectomy or breed in rabbits. 1,928 rabbits that underwent ovariohysterectomy for treatment or prevention of possible uterine disease. With an online questionnaire distributed to 441 veterinary hospital members of the Japanese Society of Exotic Pet Medicine, data were retrospectively collected regarding age, breed, and findings on physical and histologic examinations for pet rabbits that underwent ovariohysterectomy between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2018. Rabbits were grouped by reported age, breed, clinical signs, and uterine lesions, and results were assessed across groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential relationships between endometrial adenocarcinoma and breed or age at ovariohysterectomy in rabbits. The questionnaire response rate was 9.8% (43/441), with data reported for 1,928 rabbits (mixed breed, 600 [31.1%]; Netherland Dwarf, 520 [27.0%]; Holland Lop, 286 [14.8%]; or various other breeds, 522 [27.1%]). The most commonly reported neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions were endometrial adenocarcinoma (1,035/1,928 [53.7%]) and endometrial hyperplasia (842 [43.7%]), respectively, and the most commonly reported clinical sign was hematuria or serosanguineous vaginal discharge (1,020/1,928 [52.9%]). As age at ovariohysterectomy increased, so did the odds (OR, 1.826; 95% CI, 1.640 to 2.033) of uterine adenocarcinoma. Results supported ovariohysterectomy in rabbits before 2 years of age as a key preventative measure to mitigate uterine disease, particularly endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Comparison of blind intubation and a smartphone-based endoscope-assisted intubation in rabbits

ObjectiveTo compare between blind and smartphone-based endoscope-assisted techniques for endotracheal intubation in rabbits. Study designProspective clinical study. AnimalsA total of 34 rabbits. MethodsRabbits were assigned to four groups: intubation by a veterinary anesthesiologist (VA) or an exotic pet medicine specialist (EPS) using blind or endoscope-assisted techniques. Propofol dose, number of attempts until successful intubation, total time for intubation, duration of the successful attempt and occurrence of lingual cyanosis/laryngeal lesions were recorded. Data were analyzed by t test, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney U test or chi-square test. Pearson correlation for body weight was performed. ResultsThe success rate of blind intubation was 88.9% and 77.8% for VA and EPS, respectively. Propofol dose, total and median number of attempts, total time for intubation and duration of the successful attempt were 3.1 (0–6.2) mg kg–1, 19, 2 (1–5), 79 ± 65 and 30 ± 20 seconds for VA and 1.5 (0–4.5) mg kg–1, 24, 3 (1–5), 136 ± 92 and 38 ± 16 seconds for EPS. The success rate of endoscope-assisted intubation was 87.5% for both operators. Propofol dose, total and median number of attempts, total time for intubation and duration of the successful attempt were 2.5 (1.3–7.4) mg kg–1, 22, 3 (1–5), 170 (65–368) and 46 (22–150) seconds for VA and 3.2 (0–6) mg kg–1, 11, 1 (1–4), 56 (27–432) and 55 (26–79) seconds for EPS. VA performed blind intubation more quickly, propofol dose was lower and cyanosis was less frequent than in the endoscope-assisted group. Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth techniques were reliable for rabbit endotracheal intubation. Best results were achieved when the operator was experienced in the technique. The smartphone-based endoscope is a useful aid for rabbit intubation.

A Survey Study on Self-Evaluations of Small Pet Practitioners about Exotic Pets in Istanbul in 2016

DOI : 10.26650/actavet.2019.433657 Exotic pet animal ownership is on the rise all over the world. Regardless of being companion animals which are important subjects in veterinary medicine, they also play a role in the transmission of diseases to other animals and human beings. Therefore, veterinarians are expected to have the knowledge and good practice in exotic pet medicine. This survey was performed among small animal practitioners with the aim of identifying their self-evaluation of competency and knowledge about the exotic pet medicine in Istanbul. As a data collection tool, a three-part questionnaire developed by the researchers was used in the current study. The first part of the survey covered demographic variables of respondents; the second part consisted of 6 questions, which examine the self-evaluation of small animal practitioners on competency and knowledge about the exotic pet medicine practice. The third part consisted of 8 Likert type questions about the husbandry, transmission, prevention, diagnosis and therapy of the diseases for the four different exotic pets including fish, turtle, other reptiles and bird. The results showed that approximately 80% of the respondents consider that exotic pet disease is essential regarding veterinary medicine. Thirty-five percent of the veterinarian said that they were not sure about “what is an exotic pet disease” while, 53% of them responded that question, as they did not have any knowledge about the exotic pet diseases. For the 91.4% of the clinics investigated, the exotic animals as a patient were 1-10% or less than 1% of all the patients. It has shown that 42.4%, 32%, 16.9%, and 8.7% of the exotic pets’ species examined were birds, turtles, the other reptiles, and 8.7% fish, respectively. Ninety percent of the veterinarians consider that they did not get enough education about the exotic pet animal practice during their undergraduate study at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul. It has been determined that more than half of the participants (65%) were considered themselves as having adequate knowledge of the husbandry, transmission, prevention, diagnosis and therapy of the diseases of the birds. However, they did not have enough experience about turtle, other reptiles and fish. As a conclusion, the results indicated the importance of education, specialisation and practice on potential exotic pet species.

British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) Conference

The British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) held a 3-day conference in October. A wide variety of topics were covered, with sessions on avian influenza; mycobacteriosis; exotic pet welfare; wildlife health, including surveillance, rehabilitation and other topics; large zoo mammals, small zoo mammals, zoo birds; zoo amphibians and reptiles; exotic pet medicine, diagnostics, surgery and welfare; and zoo, wildlife and exotic pet nursing; plus a student careers session.

WITHDRAWN: Editorial - welfare Issues concerning exotic pet medicine

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2014.06.011. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn

Reference intervals: new guidelines for an essential resource

REGARDLESS of the species of animal that has been examined and the type of assay used, there is a point at which the interpretation of a result falls to the...

Clinical Technique: Digital Radiography in Exotic Pets—Important Practical Differences Compared with Traditional Radiography

The future of radiography will be digital. In exotic pet radiography, where some of the animals have a very low body weight and anatomic structures can be small, detail rendition plays an important feature in image quality. Veterinarians should be familiar with the technical principles, image quality criteria, and radiation exposure issues associated with the various types of digital systems currently available. This article discusses basic principles of digital radiography, technical solutions, and selected parameters characterizing detectors, processing, and monitors. An overview of reported experiences is given, and results from experimental clinical studies are reviewed to evaluate the current options and limitations in applying digital radiography to exotic pet medicine.

Anesthesia and Analgesia in Rabbits and Rodents

Rabbits and rodents are popular pets and are often presented to veterinarians for evaluation and medical treatment. Anesthesia in exotic pets is required for many diagnostic and surgical procedures and is associated with a higher perioperative risk in rabbits and rodents when compared with dogs and cats. Inhalation anesthetic agents are commonly used as the sole source of anesthesia in small rodents, whereas injectable agents in combination with inhalation anesthesia are often used for rabbits and larger rodents. Analgesia is an important component of exotic pet medicine. Although it may be difficult to recognize signs of pain in companion exotic mammals, adequate pain management should always be provided. Opioid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are the analgesic medications of choice, but others should be considered (e.g., local anesthetic agents). This article provides an update of the current literature regarding anesthesia and analgesia in rabbits and rodents.

Introduction: Clinical Updates on Problematic Diseases in Exotic Pet Medicine

Keeping up-to-date on the wide array of disease conditions that relate to avian and exotic pet medicine and surgery can be a daunting task. Not only do exotic animal practitioners have a vast number of species to account for in their “book” of knowledge, but they also have to remain aware of the ever-expanding field of clinical and applied research. Often, the easiest way to stay abreast of the latest information or research is to attend the Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference, the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians Conference, and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians Annual Conference, as well as to read the quarterly publications of each of the associations. Although this may seem to be the most effective way to catch up or stay current on avian/exotic veterinary medicine, it is not always possible to attend 3 conferences each year. With an understanding of this problem facing many avian/exotic practitioners, I have attempted to select several clinically relevant current topics from across the different exotic species we see in practice for this issue of the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. Drs. Elliot Jacobson and Li-Wen Chang have written an update on inclusion body disease, a disease reptile veterinarians have been battling for decades. This is one of those diseases where there is some research to support our understanding of it, but there is more left to be done. For those of us working with snakes, in particular boas and pythons, this review will be most helpful. Current information on clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, and client education is included in the discussion. Dr. Cathy Johnson-Delaney will help bring us up-to-date on a variety of diseases affecting pet ferrets. Here, too, there are a number of diseases where new information will be a valuable resource to the exotic animal veterinarian. With help from Drs. Susan Kelleher and Carolyn Cray, I was able to provide an overview of the current methodology used for serological testing of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits. A review of several

The Role of the Avian/Exotic Animal Technician

Venipuncture. Radiographs. Syringe feeding. Client education. All of the routine but essential procedures that we take for granted every day in our veterinary practices. These are typically the duties of veterinary technicians, the people without whom we veterinarians could not properly perform our jobs. Conscientious, motivated technicians are often hard to come by, and conscientious, motivated technicians who love avian and exotic pet medicine are even more difficult to find. Veterinarians often underestimate or even forget the importance of the technicians we depend so heavily on every day. It often takes years for a veterinarian and a technician to establish the right working rhythm in the hospital; I know that after 7 years of working with the same technician, I am finally able to anticipate her next step and she mine. But this relationship has only been achieved after investing endless hours educating and training her in the ever-evolving world of avian and exotic pet medicine, and my responsibility to train my technician is never complete. If I want her to stay abreast of the latest technology and techniques in exotic animal medicine, I must provide her with the tools to do so.In this vein, I have asked 4 veterinarians and 1 veterinary technician, all of whom work with birds and exotic pets, to comment on the role of the exotic animal technician in veterinary practice. The participants are M. Scott Echols, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian Practice), The Medical Center for Birds, Oakley, CA, USA; Peter Fisher, DVM, Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, Virginia Beach, VA, USA; Margaret Fordham, DVM, Mathew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Lorelei Tibbetts, LVT, The Center for Avian and Exotic Pet Care, New York, NY, USA; and Suzanne Topor, DVM, Livingston Animal and Avian Hospital, Lutz, FL, USA. In hearing about how they educate the avian and exotic animal technicians with whom they work, I hope that we will all reevaluate the roles that these technicians play in our practices and how short-term investments in these technicians can actually lead to long-term benefits to our practices.

Neoplasitic Diseases in Ferrets in Japan: A Questionnaire Study for 2000 to 2005

The objective of this study was to collect epidemiological data on neoplasms in pet ferrets in Japan. A questionnaire to collect information was made available to Japanese veterinary practitioners through the web site of the Japanese Society of Exotic Pet Medicine. Completed questionnaires were returned from 29 practices, and 945 neoplasms met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Neoplasms were found in every organ system except the respiratory system; the endocrine (418; 44.2%), integumentary (196; 20.7%) and hemolymphatic (184; 19.5%) systems were most commonly affected. The most common tumor types were pancreatic islet cell tumor (211: 22.3%), adrenal gland tumor (207; 21.9%) and lymphoma (152; 16.1%). The age of the affected ferrets ranged from less than 3 months to more than 7 years of age. Tumor incidence was highest in ferrets between 4 and 6 years of age. No sex predilection was found. These results were similar to those recently published in North America. Most Japanese pet ferrets are imported from North America, and their husbandry including diets is similar to that in North America, which may explain the similar tendencies in the incidence of neoplasms in this study and those of findings in North America.

Clinical Technique: Use of Capnography in Small Mammal Anesthesia

Abstract Anesthetic monitoring is becoming increasingly important in exotic pet medicine to improve quality of care and decrease morbidity and mortality. Capnography, an underused tool in veterinary medicine, provides direct information on the ventilatory status of the anesthetized patient, indirect information related to tissue perfusion and metabolism, and information on the functioning of the anesthetic machine. This article describes carbon dioxide physiology, principles of capnography, types of capnographs, basic interpretation of capnograms, potential applications of capnography, and precautions required when using this equipment with small patients.

Introduction: Dentistry of Exotic Companion Mammals

It has only been a few years since the publication of the Rabbit and Rodent Dentistry Handbook. When we were asked to update this subject for the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, we found it both gratifying and interesting to explore the advances and improvements that have occurred in that short period. On a practical level, the largest advances are in the areas of diagnostics and treatment. Increased availability of endoscopy and computed tomography greatly improves diagnosis and the ability to render a more accurate prognosis. With a better understanding of the character and extent of dental disease in an individual patient comes the ability to explore more accurate and, in some cases, advanced treatment options, especially in cases of periapical infection and abscess (e.g., endoscopic-guided placement of polymethyl methacrylate beads, hemi-mandibulectomy). Articles on endoscopy, standard radiology,

Rabbits—An Introduction

This issue of the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine is devoted to rabbits: a reflection of their importance in veterinary practice. Rabbits can make excellent family pets, and the last two decades has seen a significant change in the petowning public’s attitude towards them. Although many rabbits are still kept in solitary confinement in small hutches or cages, an increase in owner awareness has meant that larger numbers are now housed with companions and given the freedom to run/hop in a large enclosure or even the house. No longer are rabbits only considered pets for children. Many adults now choose to own a rabbit rather than a dog or cat. These owners expect a high standard of veterinary care for their pet rabbit. Hopefully, this issue of JEPM can help to achieve that standard. The invitation to edit this issue has given me the opportunity to select some important topics in rabbit medicine and surgery. Dental disease is a major health problem and was the subject of my Fellowship thesis. The findings of this thesis have been condensed into an article describing the progressive changes that take place in the teeth and skulls of rabbits affected by the progressive syndrome of acquired dental disease that is so common in rabbits kept as pets. The increasing popularity of rabbits as pets is a worldwide phenomenon and much valuable information can be found in journals that are written in languages other than English. I first encountered Frank Wagner’s work in 1998 in a German journal and was so impressed by his images that I had to find someone to translate the text. At that time Frank was working at the university at Hannover. He has since moved to Utrecht, where I finally tracked him down, and I was delighted when he agreed to contribute to this issue of JEPM and share his methodical approach to rabbit ophthalmology. Collecting blood and urine samples from rabbits are routine procedures in many veterinary practices, yet interpretation of the results can be difficult. A fasting sample is not possible because of caecotro-

Equipment for Exotic Mammal and Reptile Diagnostics and Surgery

The practice of veterinary medicine is facilitated by appropriate equipment, and exotic pet medicine is no exception. Exotic practitioners use standard or modified veterinary and human equipment, and now even enjoy the benefit of specialized products manufactured specifically for exotic pet practice.

Transfusion medicine in exotic pets

The decision to transfuse a patient should always be based on the packed cell volume and clinical status of the patient. This article discusses indications for transfusion and blood substitutes in exotic animal patients. The administration of blood products requires careful donor selection, knowledge of blood groups, cross-matching, and use of anticoagulants. Collection sites, volume, and administration techniques are given for different species of animals including birds, rabbits, and ferrets. Blood-transfusion therapy is not without risk. The frequency with which transfusion reactions occur in exotic pets is unknown. The most common transfusion reactions seen in small animals, along with suggested treatment, are discussed. The availability of blood products is limited in exotic pet medicine; therefore, the use of blood substitutes (Oxyglobin®) has the advantage of long storage potential, no need for cross-matching, and no potential for disease transmission. General principles of blood substitutes and administration techniques will be discussed.

Practice-based research

Aspects of bird research in private veterinary practice are used to illustrate opportunities for and conceptual, legal, ethical, and practical obstacles to practice based research in avian and exotic pet medicine.