Recognizing Health Issues in Exotic Pets

Recognizing Health Issues in Exotic Pets

If you own an exotic pet, you may find that it is often difficult to recognize signs of illness. Exotic pets include snakes, mice, rabbits, birds, and many others. You must make sure your exotic pet receives the necessary nutrition, temperature, and housing to keep him or her healthy. The majority of problems vets see in exotic pets are related to improper care. At Desert East Animal Hospital in El Paso, we specialize in exotic pet care.

Common Rabbit Diseases

If you own a rabbit, diseases to be aware of include:

• Gastrointestinal Stasis: A rabbit’s gastrointestinal motility will slow down when they eat less. This can be a result of dental issues, illness, stress, or even dehydration.
• Overgrown Teeth: Rabbits will always have growing teeth that will need to be constantly filed down to prevent overgrowth. Rabbits also need material to chew on.

Common Bird Diseases

Birds are also at risk for a variety of diseases and health conditions. Pay attention to signs that can point to a medical condition such as:

• Parrot Fever: This is a highly contagious disease that can infect all birds within the parrot family. Watch out for lethargy, eye infections, watery droppings, difficulty breathing, and inflammation.
• Obesity: Pet birds are at high risk for weight gain that may lead to obesity. Be sure to slowly introduce a diet that is strictly pellet-based to help your bird maintain a healthy weight. A bird’s diet should consist of 40% pellets, 50% fruits and veggies, and 10% nuts.
• Feather Disease and Psittacine Beak: This is also referred to as “bird AIDS.” While it can affect birds of any age, it is more commonly seen in younger birds.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian for Exotic Pet Care in El Paso

If you are looking for exotic pet care in El Paso, the veterinary professionals at Desert East Animal Hospital are ready to assist you. Call us today at (915) 855-4100 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.