Show Notes

Show #: 06-104

Show Description: “Exotic Pets”

Audio Files: ATVR-06-104.mp3, ATVR-06-104.wma

This week’s Ask The Vet Radio showcased information about the treatment, care and upkeep of Exotic pets. Dr. Tracy Dewhirst, along with two expert guests, discussed these topics in detail as well as took various pet questions from callers. 

Show Notes and Resources:

• Dr. Tracy Dewhirst fielded questions on pets domestic and exotic from both telephone and e-mail.

• Tommy Owens, Herpetologist from a large Zoo in San Diego, was able to answer calls and questions on the care of reptiles are household pets.  This Tennessee native recommends serious research before purchasing a reptile including looking into how long the animals will live and how big they will get.  Also research their diet.  Many reptiles do not show signs of dietary disorders before it is too late.  It is important to heat your cage sufficiently and to provide natural sunlight for UV rays.  Insufficient heat can cause health problems.  Some reptiles might eventually need a room sized enclosure in order to have normal environmental experiences.

• Mr. Owens took a call regarding identifying a snake found in a backyard pool.  It is best to sir on the side of caution and treat  all snakes as venomous.  Use a pole or stick to place it in a bag.  Then take the snake to the Knoxville Zoo for identification or use the Peterson’s Field Guide.

• For households with small children looking into reptiles for the home, Mr. Owens recommends a leopard gecko. An iguana would be too high maintenance.  Even though there is no such thing as a low maintenance reptile, a captive breed leopard gecko can work.  Anyone, especially children, should wash their hands thoroughly after handling reptilian pets. 

• Dr. Rick Hall called in to advise how careful you should be with children and reptiles.  He cautioned listeners not to wash cages, fixtures, litter boxes, or any animal accessories in the kitchen sink.  Take them outside and use a hose. 

• Dr. Cheryl Greenacre, Associate Professor of Avian & Zoological Medicine at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, told the listening audience the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) does not recommend reptiles for any house with children under the age of five.  The sugar glider, an animal mentioned earlier in the program, was revealed to be an Australian marsupial.  While cute, it is a high maintenance pet, and the pet world doesn’t really understand its dietary needs. She recommends a guinea pig for those wishing to have a pocket pet for children. 

• When injured wildlife is found, Dr. Greenacre, advises placing the animal in a cardboard box if you feel it is safe to pick it up.  It is an old wives tale that the human scent stays on baby birds.  They will be able to return to the wild and their mother.  Mother rabbits stay away from their den for most of the day to avoid attracting predators, so if found, the bunnies may not be abandoned. 

• Dr. Greenacre counseled on vaccines for ferrets.  They should have rabies shot, a distemper vaccine, and she suggests a heart worm preventative. 

• Being an expert in avian veterinarian medicine, Dr. Greenacre was able to warn bird owners on their use of Teflon cooking pans.  If burned, deadly fumes from the pan will kill the bird instantaneously.

  Check here for more avian information and preventive measures.     

  Also with bird care, Dr. Greenacre stated bird feather picking can be caused by 100s of different things.  After medical conditions have been eliminated, it is probably caused by behavioral issues.  There is not one miracle drug to help all birds.  Some birds do have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and the medication can help.  Consult an avian vet for what options are best for you.

• With more exotic questions you could contact Dr. Greenacre at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine  or  
  865-974-VETS (8387).