Critical Care of Exotic Pet Species
A continuing education webinar presented by Angela Lennox, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice, Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), DECZM (Small Mammals).
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 8 pm EST (New York) (UTC -5); What time is this in my time zone?
The principles of emergency care and stabilization are the same in exotic pets as those established in human and more traditional pet medicine. Life support measures include airway and cardiac support, control of hemorrhage, correction of underlying fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, and restoration of normothermia.
A common scenario for all exotic pets is chronic disease presenting as an acute onset of illness. Many exotic companion mammals, birds and some reptiles fall into the category of prey species, with inherent instincts to hide illness until unable to do so. Therefore, any animal presented in acute crisis must be carefully evaluated for long-term, chronic, underlying illness. Common underlying factors in diseases affecting these species are malnutrition and improper husbandry, especially in those with difficult husbandry requirements, for example, sugar gliders, or unusual types of reptiles.
The Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society (VECCS) is an outstanding source for up-to-date cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines. The RECOVER (Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation) Initiative provides up-to-date source of evidence based approaches for CPR in animals. While not specifically addressing exotic mammals, many principles are useful and can be adapted for exotic pet practice.
Outline of webinar available via registration page.
Angela Lennox has practiced exclusively exotic animal medicine since 1991 and she is the owner of the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis. Angela is board certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in both avian and exotic companion mammal medicine, and through the European College of Zoological Medicine in Small Mammal Medicine. Dr. Lennox is an Adjunct Professor at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Clinical Sciences and she teaches various exotic animal medicine topics to both veterinary and veterinary technician students