Exotic Pet Blog

Ferrets are famous for their curiosity. They explore the world with their mouths, often chewing on rubber, foam, or fabric. Unfortunately, this behavior puts them at high risk for Gastrointestinal (GI) Obstruction , a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention. "R" a young 1-year-old male ferret from Long Island, NY , was rushed to Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic  after his owners noticed he appeared lethargic and was vomiting. Their

When most people think of "bird vets," they imagine parrots like Macaws or Cockatoos. However, the world of avian medicine is vast, and Softbills —such as Toucans and Aracaris—require a completely different set of medical and dietary protocols. Recently, "T," a stunning 1-year-old Curl-Crested Aracari from Long Island, NY , visited Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic  for a routine wellness examination. While "routine" might sound simple, for exotic species, a wellne

Rats are incredibly intelligent and affectionate pets, but they are unfortunately prone to tumors. One of the most devastating conditions in older rats is a Pituitary Macroadenoma —a tumor at the base of the brain. "W," a senior rat (2 years and 4 months old) from Manhattan, NY , presented to Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic  with alarming neurological signs. Given the broad range of conditions that can cause these neurologic signs, CT imaging allowed us to accura

Blue-Tongue Skinks are robust, friendly reptiles that make excellent pets. However, like all reptiles, they are prone to shedding issues (dysecdysis) if humidity levels are not perfect. When old skin wraps tightly around toes or the tail tip, it cuts off blood circulation, leading to a condition called avascular necrosis . R A 10-year-old male Blue-Tongue Skink from Long Island, NY , presented to our clinic with swelling in his front foot. A closer look revealed a much more s

Rabbit Facial Abscess and Severe Dental Disease Treatment for Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Rabbits have a remarkable ability to hide when something is wrong. As prey animals, they naturally conceal signs of pain or illness, and this tendency makes dental disease both common and risky if left unnoticed. What often looks like a small eye issue or a minor swelling on the cheek can actually be the tip of an iceberg, hiding a serious infectio

Ferrets are energetic, playful companions, but they are prone to a specific "triad" of diseases as they age: Adrenal Disease, Insulinoma, and Lymphoma. Additionally, ferrets can suffer from urinary tract issues. It is not uncommon for a ferret to present with multiple conditions simultaneously, requiring a veterinary team with deep expertise in ferret medicine. The patient, a 5-year-old neutered male ferret from Long Island, NY , came to Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary

Guinea pigs are unique little animals with complex hormonal and urinary systems. Female guinea pigs, or sows, are particularly prone to reproductive diseases such as ovarian cysts, which can wreak havoc on their overall health. When combined with urinary tract issues, the situation becomes critical. Recently, the patient, a 4-year-old female guinea pig from Brooklyn, NY , presented to Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic  with a mix of symptoms. The patient was urinat

Red-Eared Slider Reproductive Surgery (OVE) Species:  Red-Eared Slider (Age 14) Location:  Nassau County, NY Red-Eared Slider “Spay” ( Ovariosalpingectomy - OVE) in Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Reptiles are stoic animals, often hiding illness until it is critical Subtle changes in behavior, appetite, or activity can be the first, and sometimes only, clues that something is wrong. The Red-Eared Slider, a 14-year-old patient from Nassau Co