THE EXOTIC PET PRACTICE

CONTENTS

Preface xiAngela M. Lennox

Ten Things I Wish I’d Learned at University 393Robert J.T. Doneley

It is commonly said that a new graduate learns more in his/herfirst year after graduation than in the previous 5 years. Universitiestoday are placed in an unenviable position. Faced with an explo-sion of knowledge in all fields of veterinary medicine, they haveto prepare undergraduates for a career in private practice, govern-ment employment, academia, and other related employment paths.It is not possible, in the time available, to teach students all aspectsof veterinary science. This article presents ten things the author andother exotic practitioners wish we had been taught at universityabout exotic medicine.

Equipping the Exotic Mammal Practice 405Peter G. Fisher

Many tools used in small animal practice can be adapted for usewith exotic mammals. For those veterinarians with a strong interestin exotic mammals, specific equipment and supply needs need tobe taken under consideration. Initial investment need not be greatto get started with special species, and as the practice develops,more specialized equipment can be added. Starting with equip-ment that aids in patient husbandry, diagnostic sampling, and rou-tine hospital medical and surgical care is very helpful in creatingconfidence and expertise with these species. As the practice case-load grows more sophisticated, equipment can be added, allowingfor better diagnostic workups, medical treatment, and surgicalcare. The right equipment for the right job makes for a more re-warding and efficient exotic mammal practice.

VOLUME 8 Æ NUMBER 3 Æ SEPTEMBER 2005 v

Equipping the Avian Practice 427Larry Nemetz

The interest in avian medicine grows every year, and the degree ofsuccessful diagnosis and treatment in our avian patient has in-creased tremendously. For a veterinarian interested in avian prac-tice there are many decisions to be made before one just acceptsa patient. What level and diversity does a practitioner wish to ex-plore (only exotics, poultry, ratites, Columbiforms, raptors, and soon)? Which equipment will be necessary to perform that level ofpractice? Needs must be catered to the species seen and the indivi-dual interest of the practitioner. This article will attempt to explainthe equipment necessary to perform quality avian medicine.

Equipping the Reptile Practice 437Teresa A. Bradley Bays

Reptile medicine and surgery has advanced so much in the last 15years, and clients are becoming increasingly aware of the needs oftheir reptile pets. As such, it is important for veterinary practi-tioners to advance their education in reptile medicine if they intendto add reptiles as patients to their clinics. Equally important is torealize one’s limitations and to not only know when it is time torefer but to find out which practices near them are the best pre-pared for referral of these unique pets.

The Mobile Exotic Animal Pet Practice 463Todd Driggers

Mobile practice is an exciting, interesting, and profitable means todeliver high-quality veterinary care to exotic animal-owning cli-ents. The advantages and disadvantages should be consideredcarefully when considering this type of practice.

Promoting the Exotic Pet Practice 469Don J. Harris

The marketing and promotion of an exotic pet veterinary practiceallows the use of strategies that are not necessarily available inother veterinary disciplines. The advantage that an exotics practiceenjoys is that it is able to capitalize not only on the unique nature ofthe species being attended but also on the specialized features ofthe hospital itself that make it specifically appropriate in caringfor exotic pets. Before marketing, however, comes the responsibilitythat the practice live up to the claims made in promotional materi-als. A practice cannot ethically be presented as an ‘‘exotics’’ prac-tice if it is nothing more than a dog and cat facility that iswilling to attend to exotic pets. It is the competence of the veteri-nary staff and the appropriateness of the facility that determinesthe suitability of the practice for exotics management.

vi CONTENTS

Increasing Efficiency and Profitability of the Exotic PetPractice 475Rose Ann M. Fiskett

Recent surveys indicate the percentage of households owning ex-otic pets has increased dramatically. Practitioners interested inthe development of an exotic animal practice can take advantageof the increased popularity of these pets and apply proven meth-ods that have benefited traditional companion animal practices.This article examines exotic animal practice in light of thesechanges and tries to determine ways to increase efficiency andprofitability as they relate to this unique practice situation.

Barriers to Exotic Animal Medicine 487Jorg Mayer and Janet Martin

Exotic animal medicine is one of the fastest growing disciplines inveterinary medicine. The standard of medicine practiced on exoticanimals has not attained the level of traditional companion animalpractice. This article examines some barriers to exotic animal med-icine practice and shows that many of these barriers are not trueobstacles and that it is possible to elevate the level of medicine inexotic animal practice to the same level enjoyed by traditionalpet animal medicine.

Legal Implications of the Exotic Pet Practice 497Adolf K. Maas III

Exotic animal practice is like any other veterinary practice in that itdeals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of animal dis-eases. The species dealt with are different from those found in a tra-ditional companion, food animal, or equine practice, as are many ofthe handling techniques and pharmaceuticals. With the variation inspecies comes additional regulations, ranging in scope from animaltransport and acquisition, to legalities and regulations of possess-ing or treating particular species, to the medical treatment options.This article provides an overview of available legislation that ispertinent to exotic animal practice and a summary of current ac-cepted guidelines for which there is no official statute.

Safety Issues in the Exotic Pet Practice 515Cathy A. Johnson-Delaney

Small animal practitioners are well versed in the potential zoonosesfrom dogs and cats. Although these account for the vast majority ofdocumented cases of zoonotic disease in humans, there are docu-mented as well as potential zoonotic diseases that the nontradi-tional companion animal is capable of transmitting. This article isa compilation of potential disease risks to veterinarians, staff, andowners of nontraditional companion animals. In addition, the arti-cle may serve as a training tool for veterinary practices.

CONTENTS vii

Educating the Exotic Animal Technician 525Kellie A. Vander Veen and Michelle S. Schulte

Veterinarians who are incorporating exotic animals into their prac-tice must ensure their technicians are properly educated to workwith these animals. Most doctors are responsible for providing thiseducation themselves. To assist in that task, this article provides in-formation, references, and insight to enhance their means of teach-ing others about working with exotic animals.

Exotic Animal Corporate Practice 531Thomas M. Edling

It is truly amazing the wide range of options that training in veter-inary medicine affords those who choose that course for their life’swork. For many, selecting veterinary medicine is a natural progres-sion of growing up with a deep love for animals. For others, thequest for scientific knowledge and excellence probably drives thepassion. For still others it might be as simple as reading booksauthored by James Herriot. No matter what the path, we all havedifferent backgrounds and reasons for joining this wonderful pro-fession. For the majority of veterinarians, I believe there is an un-derlying enthusiasm to make a difference in the lives of animalsand the communities we serve. This passion to make a differenceand ‘‘change the world’’ as we know it is what drove me towardmy current position and is what I know is in the heart and soulof other veterinarians serving the corporate world. I do not knowof many other positions in the field of veterinary medicine wheremaking constructive changes can affect such a tremendous numberof animals and pet owners. These changes not only affect the healthand welfare of animals and pet owners but can actually reform theway society views animals.

Cumulative Index 2005 549

viii CONTENTS