Test Your Knowledge: The Collapsed Ferret
The Collapsing Ferret webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
Test Your Knowledge: Foraging and Enrichment
The Foraging and Enrichment webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
The Collapsing Ferret: More Than Insulinoma
View this webinar recording presented by Cathy Johnson-Delaney, RACE-approved for 2 credit hours. Clinicians are often presented with older ferrets exhibiting ataxia, intermittent collapse, exercise intolerance, changes in appetite, and/or muscle mass loss. This virtual master class explored the differential diagnoses for the collapsing ferret. Case reports illustrating other common reasons for the collapsing geriatric ferret were also discussed.
Test Your Knowledge: Sunburned! UVB Lighting for Captive Exotic Species
The “Sunburned! An Evidence-Based Update on UVB Lighting for Captive Exotic Species” webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
Test Your Knowledge: Palliative and Pain Management Strategies for Exotic Animals
The Palliative and Pain Management Strategies for Exotic Animals webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
Sunburned! An Evidence-Based Update on UVB Lighting for Captive Exotic Species
Lighting is a critical component of animal husbandry, particularly for exotic animal species. View the webinar recording by Mark Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD, DECZM (Herpetology), RACE approved for 1 credit hour. This presentation first reviews the role of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in vitamin D₃ synthesis, before summarizing experimental studies evaluating UVB exposure in reptiles, birds, and mammals. Additional topics include potential adverse effects associated with UVB light and practical clinical recommendations, such as methods for accurate measurement of UVB output as well as proper bulb selection and placement.
Caring Beyond Cure: Palliative and Pain Management Strategies for Exotic Animals
Jade Kingsley, BVSc, MANZCVS (Avian Health) presented this interactive, RACE-approved webinar exploring the veterinarian’s role in delivering compassionate, structured palliative care for exotic companion animals. As advances in husbandry and veterinary care extend lifespan, chronic and degenerative diseases are increasingly common, making effective pain recognition and management essential. This presentation will focus on early identification of chronic pain, species-specific assessment tools, and multimodal analgesia techniques while addressing unique physiologic considerations of exotic species. Dr. Kingsley also discussed client communication, hospice planning, ethical decision-making, and practical medical, environmental, and nutritional strategies to improve quality of life in aging and chronically ill exotic animals.
Test Your Knowledge: Guinea Pig Medicine
The Refresher in Guinea Pig Medicine webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
A Refresher on Guinea Pig Medicine
View this RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Grayson Doss, DVM, DACZM. Guinea pigs are social, herbivorous rodents that are both a popular pet and laboratory animal throughout the world. This presentation reviews the basics of captive husbandry and clinical anatomy, as well as clinical techniques, including restraint, physical examination, venipuncture, radiography, and antibiotic therapy. Two common conditions, hypovitaminosis C and urolithiasis, are also explored.
Post-Test: Hedgehog Anesthesia & Surgery
The Hedgehog Anesthesia and Surgery webinar recording was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
Hedgehog Anesthesia and Surgery
Grayson Doss, DVM, DACZM presented this distance-learning event for the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Non-Traditional Species Club as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. This RACE-approved webinar recording reviews current best practices for anesthesia, analgesia, and surgical management in pet African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).
Post-Test: Hazardous Habitats
The “Hazardous Habitats: Protecting Zoological Companion Animals from Everyday Toxins” webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
Test Your Knowledge: AMR in Exotic Animal Medicine
The AMR in Exotic Animal Medicine webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
Hazardous Habitats: Protecting Zoological Companion Animals from Everyday Toxins
View this RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Sarah Ozawa, DVM, DACZM, then complete and pass a brief quiz to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. Zoological companion animals (ZCA) are frequently exposed to potential toxins both inside and outside the home. This webinar explores common and unique toxins affecting birds, exotic companion mammals and reptiles, providing insights into diagnosis and treatment where applicable.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Exotic Animal Medicine
The use of antimicrobial drugs has revolutionized medicine, making a wide range of infections readily treatable. However, any use of antimicrobials also contributes to the emergence and spread of resistance. Today, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as the most significant global public health threat. View this RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Neil Forbes, BVetMed DECZM FRCVS. This presentation addresses the unique challenges encountered in exotic animal medicine and discusses responsible antimicrobial prescribing practices. Effective infection control and biosecurity strategies are also explored.
Board Certification Panel Discussion
The Lafeber Company Student Program hosted this distance-learning event for the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Avian & Exotic Medicine Club in October 2024. Panelists first presented summaries on board certification through the American College of Zoological Medicine, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, and the European College of Zoological Medicine before answering questions submitted by veterinary medical students. View a recording of the live event or read the transcript.
Test Your Knowledge: Exotic Companion Mammal Enrichment
The Exotic Companion Mammal Enrichment webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.
Test Your Knowledge: Critical Care of Exotic Pet Species
The “Critical Care of Exotic Pet Species” webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate
Exotic Companion Mammal Enrichment
Dr. Teresa Bradley Bays presented this live, interactive webinar. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take the brief quiz to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. Enrichment is critical to enhance the quality of life of our companion small mammals. Safe toys, distractions, and healthy food treats that simulate species-specific natural behavior can reduce boredom and destructive behaviors, increase exercise, and provide mental stimulation. The five main areas of enrichment are explored: social, physical, nutritional, sensory, and occupational. Examples of each category are also be discussed, including resources and ideas that are readily available to the practitioner or pet owner.
Critical Care of Exotic Pet Species
The principles of emergency care and stabilization are the same in exotic pets as those established in human and more traditional pet medicine. Presented by Angela Lennox, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice, Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), DECZM (Small Mammals), this RACE-approved webinar recording first reviews life support measures, including airway and cardiac support, control of hemorrhage, correction of underlying fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, and restoration of normothermia…
Giraffe Fast Facts
World Giraffe Day was initiated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in 2014 to celebrate the world’s tallest animal on the longest day of the year. Celebrate World Giraffe Day LafeberVet-style with fast facts on this special species. Topics covered will include taxonomy, the range and conservation status of giraffes in the wild as well as basic husbandry and common diseases of captive animals. The anatomy and physiology of the giraffe is too unique to adequately cover in this brief review, however, some interesting facts will be shared with an emphasis on the cardiovascular system.
Wildlife Intake and Surrender Form
This wildlife intake and surrender form was generously shared by faculty advisor, Dr. G. Lewbart, and the North Carolina State Turtle Rescue Team, a volunteer organization run by veterinary medical students at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Download the Word version of this form and modify the sections highlighted in yellow to best meet your facility’s needs.
2024 March Mammal Madness Raffle
Complete and pass a brief March Mammal Madness Quiz to enter our inaugural LafeberVet Mammal Madness Raffle. All individuals that pass the quiz will be automatically entered into the raffle.
Enterocolitis in Hamsters
Diarrhea is the most common problem in pet hamsters. In a survey of two large American commercial breeding facilities, approximately 3% of shipped hamsters develop diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by enterocolitis can occur in hamsters of any age or breed and is commonly known as “wet-tail”. Clinical signs in weanlings usually include diarrhea, anorexia, ruffled hair, dehydration, weight loss, and death. The mortality rate is often highest in…
Lymphoma in the Ferret: An Overview of Diagnosis and Treatment
Lymphoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in the domestic ferret. Hemolymphatic tumors are the third most common neoplasm described in ferrets, with lymphoma representing from 8.6% to 19.3% of ferret neoplasms in retrospective studies. Ferrets of any age or sex can be affected, with lymphoma described in patients as young as 2 months. A recent retrospective found 5 years as the median age of diagnosis in ferrets treated for lymphoma, and was the same for small, intermediate, and large cell lymphomas…
Adrenocortical Disease in Ferrets
Hyperadrenocorticism is a common and complex clinical condition in the pet ferret. This disease occurs most frequently in ferrets three years or older but has been reported in animals as young as one year of age. Presumptive diagnosis of adrenal disease in the ferret is based on history, clinical signs, imaging diagnostics, and steroid hormone analysis. Medical therapy using deslorelin implants, though not curative, is recommended. Ferrets may remain asymptomatic for a median of 1-1.5 years. Adrenalectomy may be indicated in case non-responsiveness to medical treatment, although adrenalectomy of the right adrenal gland is difficult.
Post-Test: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease and Vaccination
. . .
To continue you need to be a LafeberVet.com member. (Français), (Español)
Pour continuer, vous devez être un membre LafeberVet.com
Username or Email
Password
Remember me
Lost your password?
Pour les vétérinaires. Par les vétérinaires.
Le site Lafervet.com est conçu pour une utilisation par les vétérinaires. Il est ouvert aux vétérinaires diplômés, aux techniciens vétérinaires diplômés, aux […]
Fast Facts on Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a highly infectious fatal viral hepatitis affecting lagomorphs, including the European rabbit. There are three major pathogenic RHDV genotypes: classical RHDV (RHDV1), RHDVa, which is closely related to RHDV1, and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2). RHDV2 has now become the dominant subtype in endemic countries, and sporadic cases have been confirmed in North America. Use “Fast Facts” to review the basics of this condition, from etiologic agent, pathogenesis, and clinical signs to diagnosis, prevention, and control.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus
The objective of this resource is to educate pet rabbit owners about rabbit hemorrhagic disease. The reader will review the distinction between rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 1 and type 2, as well as the basics of disease transmission, signs of disease, diagnosis, prevention and control. Download the PDF version of this client education handout, or modify the DOCX version for your veterinary hospital.
Exotic Small Mammal Anesthesia
Exotic small mammals can be challenging to safely induce, maintain and recover from general anesthesia. View the recording of this RACE-approved webinar, which explores clinical anesthesia in exotic companion mammals from patient assessment and anesthetic induction to monitoring and recovery. This recording discusses the importance of proper physical examinations, the pharmacology of common anesthetic drugs or fluids, including the use of constant rate infusions and locoregional anesthesia techniques, intravenous and intraosseous catheterization, intubation techniques, and how to choose monitoring equipment in common companion exotic small mammal species.
Test Your Knowledge: Exotic Small Mammal Anesthesia
. . .
To continue you need to be a LafeberVet.com member. (Français), (Español)
Pour continuer, vous devez être un membre LafeberVet.com
Username or Email
Password
Remember me
Lost your password?
Pour les vétérinaires. Par les vétérinaires.
Le site Lafervet.com est conçu pour une utilisation par les vétérinaires. Il est ouvert aux vétérinaires diplômés, aux techniciens vétérinaires diplômés, aux […]
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease and Vaccination
This RACE-approved webinar recording by Dr. Amanda Jones reviews the history, pathobiology, and transmission of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. Dr. Jones also reviews vaccines available in Europe and North America. The target audience for this presentation was primarily North American veterinary health professionals, but useful information is provided for anyone interested in this disease.
Care of Senior or Geriatric Domestic Rabbits
The objective of this educational resource is to empower owners on how best to care for their senior or geriatric rabbits. The reader will learn how to ensure common geriatric conditions do not become a welfare concern for their pet. The goal is not to “cure” but rather manage geriatric diseases, such as cataracts, arthritis, and even cognitive decline.
Senior Pet Questionnaire
Quality-of-life questionnaires are an excellent tool for the veterinary team. This questionnaire can be completed in the waiting room or during consultation with a veterinary nurse. Use of a comprehensive history form paired with this quality-of-life questionnaire can greatly assist in beginning difficult conversations with owners of senior pets and managing geriatric patients. Many age-related […]
Rabbit History Form
An in-depth clinical history can assist in providing the information needed for a successful treatment plan. Use this questionnaire to obtain a complete and thorough clinical history of your rabbit patient. If the pet rabbit is older, pair this form with the senior rabbit questionnaire, which is intended to evaluate quality of life. These forms can be completed in the waiting room or during consultation with a veterinary nurse.
GI Stasis in Rabbits Quiz
. . .
To continue you need to be a LafeberVet.com member. (Français), (Español)
Pour continuer, vous devez être un membre LafeberVet.com
Username or Email
Password
Remember me
Lost your password?
Pour les vétérinaires. Par les vétérinaires.
Le site Lafervet.com est conçu pour une utilisation par les vétérinaires. Il est ouvert aux vétérinaires diplômés, aux techniciens vétérinaires diplômés, aux […]
Dental Health in Rabbits
This guide to keeping your rabbit’s teeth healthy was awarded first place in the 2022 inaugural Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians Veterinary Technicians Client Education Materials Contest, sponsored by Lafeber Company. This client education handout explores the basics of rabbit dental anatomy, before focusing on what owners can do to look after their rabbit’s teeth. Some common dental conditions are also discussed as well as the signs of dental disease in the rabbit.
Chinchilla Nutrition
This client education handout explores the recommendations for a healthy chinchilla diet, including hay, hay-based pellets, produce and greens, and water. The type and amount of treats to offer is also discussed. This client educational material was awarded first place in the 2022 Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) Veterinary Technology Student Client Education Materials Contest, sponsored by Lafeber Company…
2022 AEMV Veterinary Technology Contest
Lafeber Company was proud to sponsor the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) Veterinary Technology Client Education Materials Contest. Credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists, veterinary nurses, as well as students in this field were encouraged to submit a two-page, English-language educational handout (1500 words or less) about a companion exotic mammal health and wellness topic.
2022 AEMV Veterinary Medical Student Case Report Contest
Lafeber Company was proud to sponsor the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) Veterinary Medical Student Case Report Contest. Veterinary students from all over the world were encouraged to write a 2-page case report (1500 words or less) about an exotic companion mammal seen at their college of veterinary medicine or during a clinical experience. And the winners are…
Test Your Knowledge: To Cut or Not to Cut?
. . .
To continue you need to be a LafeberVet.com member. (Français), (Español)
Pour continuer, vous devez être un membre LafeberVet.com
Username or Email
Password
Remember me
Lost your password?
Pour les vétérinaires. Par les vétérinaires.
Le site Lafervet.com est conçu pour une utilisation par les vétérinaires. Il est ouvert aux vétérinaires diplômés, aux techniciens vétérinaires diplômés, aux […]
Test Your Knowledge: Rabbit Nutrition
Test Your Knowledge: View the RACE-approved webinar recording on “Rabbit Nutrition and Critical Care Feeding” by Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), then take the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.
Decision Making in Rabbit Gastrointestinal Syndrome
View this RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Joanne Sheen BVM&S CertZooMed DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice): “To Cut or Not to Cut… Decision Making in Rabbit Gastrointestinal Syndrome”. This seminar reviews rabbit gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology as well as the baseline diagnostic workup in RGIS. Treatment is dependent on the underlying etiology. Fluid therapy and analgesia are considered cornerstones in the management of gastrointestinal disease in rabbits, but other specific treatments such as active warming, intestinal promotility agents, antimicrobials, and nutritional support may also be warranted. Surgery may be indicated for some conditions, such as intestinal obstruction, liver lobe torsion, and appendicitis…
Rabbit Nutrition and Critical Care Feeding
Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT,VTS (Nutrition) presented this distance-learning event for the veterinary medical students at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.
Zoonoses Associated with Exotic Pets Quiz
. . .
To continue you need to be a LafeberVet.com member. (Français), (Español)
Pour continuer, vous devez être un membre LafeberVet.com
Username or Email
Password
Remember me
Lost your password?
Pour les vétérinaires. Par les vétérinaires.
Le site Lafervet.com est conçu pour une utilisation par les vétérinaires. Il est ouvert aux vétérinaires diplômés, aux techniciens vétérinaires diplômés, aux […]
The Raccoon Roundworm
The raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis is widespread in raccoons in North America, however this parasite has also been introduced to Europe and Asia. Use this client education handout to increase awareness of this zoonotic pathogen in caretakers of young children, home owners living in areas where raccoons might be present, as well as workers exposed to raccoons or their feces during the course of their day. This handout provides simple tips that can be used to curb infection caused by the raccoon roundworm, emphasizing avoidance and prevention of exposure to infective eggs.
Zoonotic concern: Baylisascaris procyonis
This zoonotic concern article reviews Baylisascaris procyonis or the raccoon roundworm. Baylisascaris procyonis exhibits a typical ascarid life cycle with adult female worms in the raccoon intestine depositing eggs that are shed in the raccoon feces. Humans can serve as paratenic or accidental hosts of B. procyonis, however more than 150 species of free-ranging and captive wildlife, zoo animals, and domestic animals have also been afflicted. When infective eggs are ingested by paratenic hosts, Baylisascaris larvae can migrate through the brain, eye, and other organs, causing serious health issues. Who is most at risk? What strategies can be implemented to prevent exposure to infective roundworm eggs?
AEMV Veterinary Medical Student Case Report Contest
Lafeber Company is proud to sponsor the 5th Annual Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians Student Case Report Contest. Veterinary medical students everywhere are eligible to submit a 2-page, English-language case report about an exotic companion mammal case seen at your college of veterinary medicine OR during an experience in a clinical setting. Submissions must be received by Friday, April 1, 2022.
AEMV Veterinary Technology Client Education Materials Contest
Lafeber Company is proud to sponsor the 2nd annual Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians Veterinary Technician and Technician Student Client Education Materials Contest. Veterinary technicians and veterinary technology students are invited to submit a 2-page, English-language client education handout about an exotic companion mammal health and wellness topic.
Zoonoses Associated with Exotic Pets
Zoonoses are diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans, and some estimate that 75% of emerging human infectious diseases are zoonotic. Many of these zoonoses come from non-domestic animals. This RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Marcy Souza, DVM, MPH MPPA, DABVP (Avian), DACVPM provided an overview of common zoonoses associated with non-domestic or exotic pets, including but not limited to salmonellosis, influenza, chlamydiosis, monkeypox, rabies, and various parasitic diseases. Recent outbreaks of zoonoses in exotic pets and people are also highlighted. Dr. Souza also discusses the potential role of non-domestic species in the emergence and/or transmission of novel pathogens in the future.