Exotic Animal Medicine

Article

Nominations are now open for the 2026 T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year. The T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year Award is given annually, or at the Selection Committee’s discretion, to an outstanding practitioner that has advanced the quality of health care for companion and/or free-ranging birds. This Award is given annually, or at the committee’s discretion, to a veterinarian that is currently active in the field of avian medicine, either in clinical practice or academia. Important criteria for this award include clinical excellence, innovation, promotion of the profession, significant contributions to the knowledge base, as well as caring and compassion to their patients and clients.

Quiz

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.

Thank you for attending this RACE-approved webinar “The Collapsed Ferret: More Than Insulinoma” presented by Dr. Cathy Johnson-Delaney.

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This live, RACE-approved webinar by Dr. Don Harris has been postponed. Please stay tuned for a new date and time.

Sponsored by the Lafeber Company Student Program and hosted by LafeberVet, Rebecca Duerr, DVM, MPVM, PhD presented a virtual dinner presentation on oiled wild bird care for the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine Exotics Club.

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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.

Article Video Webinar

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.

Andrea Henrik is an avian veterinarian in Hradec Králové of the Czech Republic. Andrea earned her Medicinae Veterinariae Doctor from the Veterinary University of Brno in 2024. She completed a 1-year internship at the Medical Center for Birds under the mentorship of Brian Speer, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian) as well as an 8-week externship at the exotic animal clinic at Justus Liebig University Giessen. MVDr. Henrik is the founder of Avilore, a Czech brand which specializes in the production and retail of high-quality food, treats, and supplies for parrots.

Introduction

Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) presented this distance-learning Lunch and Learn for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Exotics Club as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program.

Recording

The Lafeber Company Student Program supports the growth of zoological medicine in veterinary medical schools by sponsoring speakers and other educational events.

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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.

Quiz

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.

Article Video Webinar

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.

Quiz

The Therapeutic Techniques in Reptile Patients 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.

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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.

Jade Kingsley is an exotics and wildlife veterinarian based in Sydney, Australia. She is the founder of Urban Exotics Vet, where she consults in primary accession and referral cases in exotic animal medicine. Dr Kingsley graduated from the University of Sydney in 2012 and completed internships in zoological and wildlife medicine at multiple institutions internationally during her veterinary training. Following graduation, she worked in emergency and wildlife hospitals across Australia. In 2018, she attained Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Avian Health (MANZCVS – Avian Health). She has since worked exclusively in exotic animal practice, including at Sydney Exotics and Rabbit Vets in Sydney…

Article

Euthanasia, or providing “a good death,” is an essential, yet often challenging, part of veterinary practice. Euthanasia presents unique difficulties in avian patients, and while many recommendations exist, strong personal opinions also shape clinical practice. View the results of this confidential survey.

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MVDr Andrea Henrik presented this distance-learning event for the Atlantic Veterinary College Zoological and Laboratory Animal Medicine Club. This Lunch & Learn presentation was co-hosted by the Lafeber Company Student Program and the Association of Avian Veterinarians Student Committee.

Quiz

The Clinical Medicine in Bearded Dragons 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.

Article Video Webinar

Douglas Mader, MS, DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline Practice), DABVP (Reptile/Amphibian Practice), DECZM (Herpetology) presented this live, interactive webinar. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take and pass the brief post-test to earn 1 continuing education credit. Effective therapeutic management of reptile patients requires strict attention to the Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ). Warming patients to their POTZ ensures predictable pharmacologic responses, as reptiles at ideal temperatures demonstrate significantly improved drug absorption and metabolism compared with hypothermic individuals. Hydration status and appropriate route selection also influence therapeutic success in reptile medicine. Various routes of drug and fluid administration are explored, from subcutaneous and intracoelomic to intramuscular, intravenous, and intraosseous routes of injection.

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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.

Article Video Webinar

Grayson Doss, DVM, DACZM will present this live, interactive webinar, RACE-approved for 1 credit hour. Bearded dragons (Pogona spp.) are among the most common and charismatic reptile patients seen in practice today. This presentation provides a practical review for veterinary professionals, covering essential topics from anatomy, behavior, and husbandry to key clinical techniques, such as physical examination, venipuncture, radiography, sedation, and fluid therapy. Common medical concerns—including constipation, periodontal disease, follicular stasis, and Nannizziopsis guarroi infection—will also be discussed.

Eighteen exceptional avian veterinarians from all around the world were nominated for the 2025 T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year Award. The independent Selection Committee narrowed this list to five finalists and the 2025 Avian Practitioner of the Year, Dr. Julia Ponder, was announced during the Plenary Session of the 46th Annual Conference of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

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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.

Article

Euthanasia may be considered an essential part of veterinary practice, however the incredible diversity of class Aves creates special challenges for veterinary health professionals seeking to provide a death free of distress or pain. This review article first explores personnel and owner considerations, before beginning a discussion on the use pre-visit anxiolytics and general anesthesia. Important euthanasia agents as well as common routes of administration are explored in detail, before concluding with a brief discussion of field euthanasia techniques and confirmation of death.

Quiz

The Brumation in Turtles and Tortoises 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.

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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.

Article Video Webinar

Brumation is a natural state of dormancy that occurs in response to colder temperatures. View the RACE-approved recording of the webinar presented by Dr. Joanna Hedley. This presentation examines the factors that influence brumation and outlines key considerations when preparing to brumate a chelonian in a controlled environment, including a comprehensive health check and preparatory steps, such as withdrawal of food as well as reduction of environmental temperature and photoperiod. Various techniques are discussed, including outdoor housing, traditional box methods, and refrigerator or chiller methods. Effective monitoring as well as rewarming protocols are also covered.

Article Video Webinar

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).

Grayson Doss is a Clinical Associate Professor of Zoological Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Doss is a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine. Grayson earned a Bachelor of Science in 2008 and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2013 from Louisiana State University. He completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and a residency in zoological medicine and surgery from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Zoo, and the International Crane Foundation in 2017…

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The Clinical Approach to Fish 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.

Form-Questionnaire

When managing fish patients, it is essential to consider not only the fish themselves but the entire aquarium system, including the water, air, filtration components, and other life forms within the environment. A thorough history should include a detailed assessment of the system, with particular emphasis on the life support components and water quality parameters.

Todd Cecil is the owner of Western Aquatic Animal Veterinary Service with over 30 years of aquatic animal veterinary experience. Dr. Cecil is one of only 20 fish specialists in the world certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He is also a certified aquatic veterinarian (CertAqV), credentialed by the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. His experience includes over 25 years with aquaculture species, fresh and salt water aquaria and pond species (koi and goldfish)…

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The Respiratory Disease in Chelonians 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.

Article Video Webinar

View this webinar recording presented by Claire Vergneau-Grosset, DMV, IPSAV, CES, DACZM, RACE-approved for 1 credit hour. Freshwater fish are the most common pets in North America, with over 139 million kept in U.S. households. Historically, fish medicine has focused on population-based care—a model still relevant in aquaculture and research settings. However, a more individualized approach is gaining ground. Dr. Grosset covers key aspects of companion fish care. Topics include history taking, water quality assessment, physical exams under anesthesia, and comparative diagnostic methods such as clinical pathology and imaging. This session also reviews core principles of medical and surgical treatment.

Claire Vergneau-Grosset has worked as an Associate Professor in Zoological Medicine at Université de Montréal Faculté de médecine vétérinaire in Canada since 2019. She has also been affiliated with the Aquarium du Québec since 20159. Claire graduated from the École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort in France in 2008. She completed an internship in veterinary clinical sciences (IPSAV) in zoological medicine at the Université de Montréal in 2009 followed by a residency in Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine…

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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.

Mike Corcoran is a board-certified specialist in reptile and amphibian practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and a certified aquatic veterinarian. Dr. Corcoran currently works as an exotic animal medicine consultant in California. He mentors reptile and amphibian medicine residents at both the Arizona and Colorado Exotic Animal Hospitals, consults for Moichor Diagnostic Services, and assists in planning the Exotics 365 annual conference. Dr. Corcoran’s past clinical experiences have included small animal emergency medicine and exotic animal-exclusive practice and he is also a Past President of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians.

Article Webinar

View this RACE-approved webinar recording presented by Mike Corcoran, DVM, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice), CertAqV, then complete a brief quiz to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. Respiratory disease in chelonians represents special challenges. This presentation explores how the unique anatomical and physiological adaptations of shelled reptiles significantly impact clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging. Key pathogens, including Mycoplasma, herpesvirus, and ranavirus, are also explored.

Quiz

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.

Article Video Webinar

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.

Quiz

The Pet Poultry Basics 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.

Sarah Ozawa completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Tennessee and then a residency in zoological companion animal medicine at the University of California at Davis. Sarah became board certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine in 2020. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and her research interests include small mammal therapeutics and cardiovascular disease.

Article Video Webinar

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.

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The Intersection of Medical and Behavioral Issues in Avian Health 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.

Quiz

The Avian Nutrition: Practical Applications 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.

Dr. Doug Mader is a triple board-certified veterinary specialist and has been a veterinarian for over three decades. He is an internationally recognized speaker, has written three best-selling medical textbooks and numerous book chapters and scientific publications, and has had long standing pet columns in the Long Beach Press Telegram, Reptiles magazine, and the Key West Citizen. Doug has also authored the award-winning memoir, The Vet at Noah’s Ark. Dr. Mader is the recipient of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Award, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award, and the Fred L. Frye Lifetime Achievement Award for Veterinary Medicine, and is a seven-time winner of…

Dr. Lisa Harrenstien founded Avian and Exotic Veterinary Care in Portland, Oregon in 2016. Dr. Harrenstien has over 30 years of experience as a veterinarian, including employment in private small animal/exotics practice, university exotics practice, postdoctoral training in zoological pathology, consultant work related to avian and exotic species, and zoo practice. Dr. Harrenstien was an associate veterinarian at the Oregon Zoo for 13 years, and she is a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine through the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). Dr. Harrenstien was the first veterinarian in Oregon to achieve this specialist ranking…

Dr. Katie Dowling is an associate veterinarian at Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in Grapevine, Texas. Dr. Dowling graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. As a veterinary medical student, she worked with the Nashville Zoo, Vancouver Aquarium, Toledo Zoo, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and the Wildlife Center of Virginia to gain more experience working with exotic species. After veterinary school, Dr. Dowling completed a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, prior to starting an internship position with Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital. Dr. Dowling then went on to complete a residency at Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital…

Dr. Kyra Berg is an associate veterinarian at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. A Boston University undergraduate degree helped her achieve her lifelong dream of attending veterinary school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduation, Kyra completed a 13-month internship in emergency and critical care medicine for cats, dogs, and exotics. Dr. Berg then went on to complete a 13-month zoological medicine specialty internship at Louisiana State University, followed by a 3-year zoological companion animal medicine and surgery residency at the University of California at Davis. Kyra became a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine in 2022…

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