Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining a healthy….
Contributor: Christal Pollock, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)
Unsafe Foods For Birds
Better safe than sorry. Veterinary health professionals rely on a wide range of information because it is generally considered best to err on the side of caution. This client educational handout divides potential danger foods into three categories.
Training Basic Skills
Many parrots instinctively strive for a position of dominance within their flock (your household). Many of the behavioral problems that can arise from such a situation, may be prevented when…
Toxic Plants
Toxic plants reported in small animals include aloe vera, Amanita mushrooms, Amaryllis sp…
Teaching Bathing Skills
Many companion parrot species originate from tropical environments with high humidity in which they bathe often. Even parrots from arid environments enjoy and benefit from bathing. Bathing stimulates preening and is essential for normal feather health. In fact, inadequate bathing and low humidity have often been linked to feather picking. Use this client education handout to explore bird bathing methods as well as Do’s and Don’t’s to encourage the pet bird to bathe or shower.
Syringe Feeding Small Herbivores: Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas
This client education handout reviews the basics of this essential technique, from the indications for syringe feeding and the equipment needed to potential complications as well as step-by-step instructions.
Sugar Glider, Care of the
Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea.
Signs of Illness in Your Bird
It is a natural instinct for parrots to hide signs of illness. In the wild, this skill serves them well, and in fact, may save their lives…
Savannah Monitor, Care of the Pet
The Savannah monitor is native to the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa.
Responsible Reptile & Amphibian Ownership: Know the Facts On Salmonellosis
“Simply having a reptile in the household increases the risk of Salmonella spp. infection”. Learn who is most at risk and what you can do to minimize your family’s risk of contracting disease.
Rat, Care of the Pet
Rats are clean, friendly, playful, and quiet, and of all the “pocket pets” they are considered uniquely responsive to their owners.
Psittacosis in Birds & Humans
Psittacosis is an infectious disease of birds and people caused by Chlamydia psittaci. This client education handout discusses types of birds commonly associated with human psittacosis, persons at risk as well as details of psittacosis in humans and birds and measures to prevent disease.
Prepare Your Home For Your New Baby Bird
This client education handout provides a checklist for the new bird owner that can be used to smooth the transition for a new baby bird in its new home.
Prairie Dogs
The free-ranging black-tailed prairie dog is a social rodent that lives in “towns”.
Plants and Branches for your Bird
Few studies have been conducted to determine which houseplants are toxic to birds, so all plants that contain known toxic chemicals have been excluded from the Safe Plant List
Parrot Toys & Toy Safety
Parrots are extremely intelligent creatures; and toys are one of the most important items we can purchase for our birds. Many avian behaviorists recommend four types of toys for pet birds. Download a PDF of this client education handout, or modify the DOCX version to best meet the needs of your veterinary hospital.
Orphaned Wildlife: Mammals
Cottontail rabbits hide their nests in plain view in the middle of a lawn, in brush piles, or long grass…
Orphaned Wildlife: Baby Birds Short Version
This 2-page document provides guidance on what to do when one finds a baby bird.
Orphaned Wildlife: Baby Birds
This 4-page manuscript provides guidance on what to do when one finds a baby bird.
Normal Parrot Behavior
Pet bird behavior is complex, and it is crucial that bird owners have a realistic understanding of what to expect from their pets…
Mouse, Care of the Pet
Mice are good-natured, inquisitive creatures that make great, inexpensive, low-maintenance pets.
Medicating Your Bird
Keeping your pet healthy is everyone’s goal. However if your bird becomes ill, effective treatment will require that medications are given at the right dose and frequency for the…
Litter Training the House Rabbit
Rabbits naturally choose one or a few places (usually corners) to deposit their urine and most of their fecal balls.
Lead Poisoning in Birds
Lead poisonings in birds most commonly occurs from ingestion of substances containing lead. Lead can be found in many household items.
Insulinoma in the Ferret
This Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians client education handout provides a comprehensive overview of insulinoma, an abnormal growth of the pancreas that secretes excess amounts of insulin. Unfortunately, insulinoma is an extremely common disease of middle-aged to older ferrets in some nations. Client education is crucial for owners of affected ferrets. Teach owners to recognize signs of hypoglycemia and to prevent hypoglycemic episodes from occurring. Owners must also recognize situations that can precipitate a hypoglycemic crisis and take measures to minimize stressors whenever possible. Additional preventive measures are also explored.
Household Dangers
There are a host of potential household dangers that may confront our winged companions.
Holiday Hazards
When including feathered friends during the holiday season, bird owners must keep their pets safe. This client education handout explores potential holiday hazards for pet birds during the holiday season, from plants and cleaning agents to foods and stressors.
Hedgehogs
The African pygmy hedgehog, also known as the 4-toed or white-bellied hedgehog, originates from central Africa.
Care of the Pet Guinea Pig
Native to South America, the guinea pig is a lively, lovable rodent that requires relatively easy care. This client education handout reviews housing and diet recommendations as well as the basics of safe handling, enrichment, and grooming. Download the PDF version to distribute to veterinary clients or modify the Word document for your hospital’s needs.
Green Iguana, Care of the
The green or common iguana (Iguana iguana) is a tree-dwelling reptile native to the tropical and subtropical regions of central and South America and parts of Mexico. The iguana is a solitary creature
Forgaging Behavior in Companion Parrots: Behavioral & Environmental Enrichment
In the wild, parrots exhibit four main behaviors: social interaction, grooming, foraging, and sleeping. The vast majority of their days are spent foraging or searching for food.
Care of the Pet Ferret
Ferrets are playful, friendly animals that can make excellent pets for the right person. This client education handout reviews basic care of the pet ferret. Topics covered include natural history, diet, housing, behavior and handling, grooming, as well as proper preventive care.
Feeding Your Pet Bird a Healthy Diet
In their native habitat, some parrots like cockatiels, budgerigar parakeets, as well as many
cockatoos and macaws are seed-eaters. These birds are able to balance their diet because of the
large numbers of seeds eaten (over 60 types). Companion birds are often weaned onto all-seed
diets, but the number and type of seeds offered in captivity is insufficient to offer a balanced
nutrition. Commercial seed mixes lack the normal complement of nutrients including vitamins A,
D3, E and K, certain amino acids (the building blocks of protein), calcium, and other minerals.
Over time, seed diets lead to vitamin A deficiency, poor feather quality, and…
Feather Destructive Behavior
This client education handout presents a brief overview of feather destructive behavior, which represents a range of actions from excessive preening to feather plucking or feather picking to self-mutilation.
Corticosteroids
Dispense this client educational handout to owners of ferrets suffering from insulinoma or lymphoma and other patients on steroids.
Converting Your Bird to a Healthy Diet
Conversion to a healthy diet will improve the well-being of your pet bird. This client education handout first describes the evaluation by an avian veterinarian that your pet bird should undergo before beginning a dietary conversion. Several common techniques for converting the bird’s diet are then discussed. Download the PDF version of this client education handout, or modify the DOCX version for your veterinary hospital.
Chronic Egg Laying
This client education handout answers questions for the concerned pet bird owner: What is chronic egg laying? What species are most likely to suffer from chronic egg laying? Why are some birds more likely to be chronic egg layers, and what measures can be taken to minimize egg laying in the hen? What can your avian veterinarian do to help?
Chinchillas
The long-tailed chinchilla is native to the mountains and foothills of the Andes Mountains in South America. These rodents are known for their large ears and soft, luxurious fur. Chinchillas make charming pets, but they are naturally skittish and are not considered a good choice for small children because of their delicate bones and their hyperactive natures. Most pet chinchillas live 6-10 years.
This client education handout reviews basic husbandry recommendations, including diet, housing, dust bathing, exercise, as well as handling and behavior.
Cats Indoors
Every year, cats kill hundreds of millions of birds in the United States alone. Download the American Bird Conservancy PDF brochure that advises clients on the best way to protect birds and cats.
Caging the Companion Parrot
The ideal bird cage should be spacious and clean, with multiple perches and stimulating toys. Specific cage requirements will vary with the species and the amount of time your…
Blue-Tongued Skink, Care of the
The blue-tongued skink is a stocky, cylindrical lizard with small legs and a large head, known for its deep, vivid blue tongue…
Biting in Companion Birds
The parrot beak is not inherently a weapon. Instead it is a sensory organ used to touch and explore the world. Much of the exploration parrots do with their beak is not biting, however this exploration can get a little rough, or even…
Behavioral Modification Techniques in the Companion Parrot
There are a number of medical reasons for feather picking and a complete diagnostic evaluation of your bird’s health status is always recommended. The following techniques may be helpful, however, whether the underlying cause of the feather picking is behavioral or medical.
Bearded Dragons, Care of the Australian
Bearded dragons are omnivores that accept a wide variety of foods. Variety is the key to good nutrition and foods offered should include…
Bats and Rabies
A public health guide on bats and rabies by Bat Conservation International.
Avian Reproductive Behavior
This client education handout reviews some basic principles of reproductive behavior in the companion bird. When is puberty seen in popular pet birds? How do breeding pairs behave in the wild, and what does broody behavior look like in in the pet bird? What environmental cues promote avian reproductive behavior and what can be done to minimize reproductive behaviors in the pet bird?
Avian Polyomavirus
Avian polyomavirus is one of the most important viral diseases seen in the companion parrot. Avian polyomavirus or APV can cause serious financial losses for aviaries and pet stores as well as considerable heartache for owners. Use this client handout to review susceptible species, clinical disease, and of course prevention.
Avian Influenza
Use this client education handout to answer the following questions: What is bird flu? What are the signs of disease in birds? What are the signs of avian influenza in humans? And why are some strains of bird flu cause for international concern?
Avian influenza or “bird flu” is a group of viral infections that occur naturally among birds. Some wild birds like waterfowl can carry influenza viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. Infected birds shed flu virus in saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Other birds may be easily infected when they come into direct contact with secretions from infected birds or…
Avian Bornavirus Infection
This Association of Avian Veterinarians client education handout discusses avian bornavirus, which was experimentally confirmed to be the cause of proventricular dilatation disease or PDD in 2008. Avian bornavirus (ABV) infection is one of the most frustrating diseases encountered in avian medicine today. Since its initial recognition in the United States, ABV has been reported worldwide and infection poses a significant threat to the captive breeding of endangered psittacine (parrot) species. At least eight different psittacine bornaviruses have been identified in captive parrot populations worldwide, and researchers around the world are working on learning more about ABV infection.
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis can develop in any bird, but companion birds most frequently diagnosed with aspergillosis include…
Are You the Right Pet For Me? House Rabbits
What you need to know before adopting a house rabbit.
Are Rabbits Right For Me?
This handy guide details the key facts you need to consider before committing yourself to a pet rabbit. Visit the Make Mine Chocolate website and download their “Are Rabbits Right For Me?” PDF handout. Link posted with permission.
Adrenal Disease in the Ferret
Adrenocortical disease is a common endocrine disorder in middle-aged to older ferrets. This Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians client education handout answers several questions for the ferret owner: What is the adrenal gland? What causes adrenocortical disease? What are the clinical signs of adrenal disease? How can adrenal disease be diagnosed and treated? And finally, why should I treat adrenal disease and what can be done to prevent this medical condition?
Exotic ICU: Nursing Care for Reptiles
Due to their unique anatomy, physiology, and behavior, critically ill reptiles pose special challenges. Fortunately there are a host of tips and tricks that can increase clinical success in an intensive care setting… This Exotic ICU article is part of a series exploring nursing care of special species.
Online Resources: Herptile Medicine
A collection of online resources related to reptile and amphibian medicine. This list of links come from a variety of professional organizations and conservation websites.
Presenting problem: Aural Abscess in Turtles
The turtle ear is a simple structure that sits caudoventral to the eye covered by a large scale called the tympanic scute. As in many reptiles, the external ear is absent in chelonians. The tympanic membrane sits flush against the skin just underneath the tympanic scute. There is one ossicle, the columella, which crosses the large tympanic cavity to insert medially on the oval window of the cochlea. A narrow Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the oropharynx.
Aural abscesses are well-encapsulated, caseous plugs that slowly develop until it fills the tympanic cavity. The cause of aural abscessation is not completely understood…
Nutritional Strategy: Nectarivory in Birds 10 Facts You Should Know
Although nectar is considered a nutritional reward for pollination, it is probably the most nutrient-dilute food consumed by birds. Nectar meets less than 15% of essential amino acid requirements and is particularly low in methionine. In fact nutrients other than sugars, such as protein, vitamins, trace minerals, and lipids are present in nectar at levels considered inadequate for growth, reproduction, or even maintenance activity…
Fast Facts on Family Corvidae
Just in time for Halloween, get fun facts on the much maligned, much misunderstood, but always interesting family Corvidae.
The Wild Side of Dental Care
Veterinarians that provide care in zoological parks or private wildlife collections frequently encounter unique dental challenges. LafeberVet’s 2014 Dental Health Month article describes the wild side of dental care, exploring dental anatomy and dental disease in a variety of mammals, from hippos and hyenas to bats and babirusas…
Flamingo Fast Facts
Flamingos belong to order Phoenicopteriformes and family Phoenicopteridae. There are six different kinds of flamingos. The greater or American flamingo has the widest distribution, however the Chilean flamingo is the most numerous and widespread of the South American species. Explore LafeberVet’s collection of fascinating flamingo facts.
Behavior Essentials: The European Rabbit
Domesticated since the early 16th century, the companion rabbit retains many of the behavioral characteristics of its wild ancestor. A video recording summary of key points, or the more detailed article, explores some of these shared characteristics as well as rabbit behavior that influences clinical practice and animal welfare. This content is part of a RACE-approved teaching module on rabbit basics.
2014 T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year
The T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year is nominated by their peers and selected by an independent Committee of AAV members.
Recommended References for Herptile Practice
Looking for a list of education resources on herptile medicine? Review this list of books and journals.
Christal Pollock, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)
Dr. Christal Pollock is a Veterinary Consultant for Lafeber Company. Dr. Pollock completed an internship in small animal medicine and a residency at the University of Tennessee in avian and zoological medicine before working as a clinical instructor in the zoological medicine service at Kansas State University…
Rabbit Reproduction Basics
The prolific nature of the rabbit has linked them with fertility and the cycle of life and death since ancient times. In fact the idea of the Easter bunny probably arose from the medieval belief that rabbits, as a creator of life, ushered in the dawn. Rabbit Reproduction Basics reviews key vocabulary terms, important anatomy and physiology, as well as other important related concepts such as sexual behavior and common pathologic conditions.
Catheters in Reptiles
Fluid therapy is an important part of supportive care, and there are several routes available for fluid support in the reptile. Subcutaneous and/or oral fluids are appropriate for mild to moderate dehydration, while intracoelomic, intravenous, or intraosseous fluids are administered to critically ill reptiles or to patients with moderate to severe dehydration.
Presenting problem: Stomatitis in Reptiles
Stomatitis, also known as “mouth rot”, ulcerative stomatitis, necrotic stomatitis, and/or periodontal disease is a common problem in snakes and lizards. Stomatitis is less common in chelonians and crocodilians, and often presents as a stomatitis-rhinitis complex in tortoises. This presenting problem article explores the pertinent anatomy involved, key points of urgent care, as well as tips for case management.
Honoring Kevin Wright; What You Can Do
Dr. Kevin Michael Wright passed away at the age of 50 after a brief illness on Friday, September 27, 2013. The Kevin Wright Memorial Fund…
Administration of Medication in Reptiles
Reptile owners are routinely instructed on oral or intramuscular drug administration techniques for outpatient care. In many instances and in many species, parenteral injections are preferred over the oral route. Injectable medications can be delivered intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intracoelomically, intravenously, or…
Esophagostomy Tube Placement in the Ferret
Esophagostomy tube placement is an excellent choice for nutritional support of the debilitated small mammal patient requiring long-term feeding or for individuals that have suffered major orofacial trauma. Use this video clip or text with still images to review this important technique in the ferret.
World Lion Day Facts
World Lion Day is August 10 and LafeberVet celebrated on Twitter in 2014. Explore our collection of “Felidae-friendly” facts expanded for this post.
Yearly Checkup: Promote Exotic Pet Annual Exams
Too many exotic pets miss their yearly checkups. This video clip promotes the importance of preventive health care for special species. Copy and paste the embed code for this video clip to your own hospital webpage. This free resource can be posted to most websites and most web browsers.
Epidural Anesthesia in Small Mammals
Are you using epidurals in your practice? The epidural is a neuroaxial technique that provides preemptive analgesia by injecting drug into the epidural space surrounding the spine. Epidurals can be used for abdominal surgery, perineal surgery, and orthopedic procedures involving the pelvic limb or spine. Some opioids can also travel cranially to provide supplemental analgesia for chest and thoracic limb procedures. Epidurals serve as an adjunct to systemic analgesia, and epidural analgesia also reduces the amount of anesthetic drug needed. Epidurals can also shorten recovery time.
Laboratory Assessment of the Bleeding Exotic Animal Patient
Hemorrhage in the critical patient can occur from a number of reasons. Before a blood sample is collected, carefully weigh the risk to the exotic animal patient against the clinical value of the test results. What will you do with this information? How will it affect your clinical plan? EDTA is the most commonly used anticoagulant in small mammals; lithium heparin is commonly used in birds and reptiles. Whenever possible, make a blood film immediately after venipuncture using fresh blood free of anticoagulant. Most adult small mammal hematocrits range from…
Intravenous Catheter Placement in Small Mammals
Intravenous catheters are commonly placed in ferrets and rabbits to administer fluids and medications, induce anesthesia, and for delivery of analgesic drugs during and after surgery. Intravenous catheters are also placed with growing frequency in chinchillas, guinea pigs and other small exotic companion mammals. Use this video clip or text with still images to review patient selection, potential complications, equipment needed and step-by-step instructions for this technique, as well as daily fluid requirements, catheter maintenance, and patient monitoring.
Understanding the Illegal Parrot Trade
While there are more parrots than ever before in captivity, there are fewer parrots in the wild now than at any time in recorded history. In fact, psittacine birds are the most threatened group of bird species in the world today. The situation is particularly dire in the neotropics where at least 46 out of 145 species are at risk of global extinction. Although the cause of declining parrot populations worldwide is complex, the most important factors include habitat loss, culling, and capture of individuals for the pet trade…
Presenting problem: Crop Burn in Birds
Crop burns are commonly caused by thermal injury in young birds and, in rare instances, by ingestion of caustic chemicals in adult birds. Crop burn is generally caused by feeding formula that is too hot (>110ºF or 43.3ºC) or less commonly, contact with a heat lamp or heating pad. Damage typically occurs in the gravity dependent right ventral region of the crop where the weight of the food bolus presses heated material against the skin. This increased thermal exposure can lead to necrosis of the crop wall and skin forming a fistula that can leak food.
Blood Collection in Ferrets
All but the weakest ferrets can be challenging to restrain for blood collection. Consider sedation or general anesthesia, particularly if the handler or phlebotomist is relatively inexperienced; however remember that anesthesia can affect ferret hematology.
Use this video clip or article with still images to review equipment needed, and potential venipuncture sites including the jugular vein, cranial vena cava, lateral saphenous vein, and cephalic vein.
Veterinary Answers Case Study: 5-Year-Old Cockatoo With Open-Mouth Breathing and Poor Grip
This case study is based on a report prepared by Veterinary Answers Consultant, Gwen Flinchum, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (Avian). A 5-year old female umbrella cockatoo is presented for lethargy, open-mouthed breathing, and difficulty gripping of 2-3 days duration.
Rabbit Physical Examination Form
Form donated by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Download Rabbit Physical Exam Form.
Avian Neurologic Exam Form 2
Created by LafeberVet – Download Neurologic Exam Form 2 PDF
Ferret Physical Examination Form
History and physical examination forms donated by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Download Ferret Physical Exam Form PDF.
Oral Examination in Rabbits and Rodents
Evaluation of the oral cavity is considered an essential part of the complete physical examination in small exotic companion mammals, both symptomatic and clinically normal individuals alike. Use this video clip or article with still images to review equipment needed as well chemical and manual restraint techniques for extraoral and intraoral exams.
Waterfowl Housing Checklist
Waterfowl that require hospitalization may come from a variety of settings, however the basic approach to waterfowl patients remains the same. When hospitalizing any waterfowl patient, there are a number of basic facts to keep in mind…
Backyard Poultry Primer
Backyard or hobby flocks consist of meat and game birds; or ornamental or show birds. This review article, co-authored by poultry veterinarian, Teresa Morishita, offers tips on the basic clinical approach to backyard poultry as well as differential diagnosis lists for common clinical problems. Conditions commonly encountered in backyard chickens and turkeys often include endoparasites, like Eimeria spp., pasteurellosis or fowl cholera, mycoplasmosis, staphylococcosis, and colibacillosis. Diseases important for public health concerns, such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease, are also discussed.
Grooming Companion Birds: A Review
Grooming in the bird can refer to clipping wing feathers, trimming nails, and smoothing and/or trimming the beak. Grooming can be performed by the veterinarian or an astute, skilled veterinary technician, however before the procedure begins one must always ask should the bird be groomed and should the bird be groomed at my practice?
Nutritional Assessment Form
Developed by LafeberVet to evaluate dietary history and much more – Download this client questionnaire.
10 Tips for a Great Baby Bird Visit
For most veterinarians, chicks are seen only sporadically in clinical practice–which can shake your confidence. Use LafeberVet’s NEW Ten Tips for Evaluating Chicks in the Exam Room as a clinical aide to start your pediatric visit off right.
Basic Information Sheet: Parakeet
“Parakeet” is a broad term for a small parrot with a long tail. There are many parakeet species, however the most popular pet parakeet is the budgerigar parakeet or “budgie”. Free-ranging “budgies” live in large flocks in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, open grassland, and dry scrub throughout non-coastal Australia and Tasmania. Another popular species is Bourke’s parakeet, which is from the southern and eastern regions of Australia.
Basic Information Sheet: Macaw
Macaws are found in a variety of habitats throughout large areas of the Amazon Basin, such as gallery forests and mangrove swamps. Most macaws are listed on Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I, however the blue and gold, green-winged, Hahn’s, noble, red-bellied, severe and yellow-collared macaws are listed on CITES Appendix II. Appendix I species are threatened with extinction globally, and commercial trade is prohibited and importation/exportation for scientific research requires special permits. Appendix II species are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may become so unless their trade is strictly regulated.