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

Case Study #18: Conure Wing Amputation (Soft Tissue Sarcoma) Species: Green-Cheeked Conure (Age 6) From: Brooklyn, NY Finding a lump on your pet is a moment of dread for any owner. When the patient is a bird, the situation is even more complex, as avian tumors can be aggressive and difficult to remove. The patient, a 6-year-old female Green-Cheeked Conure from Brooklyn, NY , presented to Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic  with a soft tissue mass located over the pa

Case Study #17: Chameleon Burn Care and Spay Surgery Species: Veiled Chameleon (Age 1) From: Queens, NY Keeping a chameleon healthy requires a precise balance of humidity, temperature, and nutrition. When that balance is off, even slightly, serious medical issues can arise. One common issue we see in reptiles involves thermal burns from heat lamps, and yet, a traumatic injury like a burn can uncover an underlying systemic problem. The patient, a 1-year-old female Veiled Chame

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

Cockatiel Trauma and Pulmonary Contusion Treatment for Manhattan Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic One common emergency we see at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic  involves interactions between exotic pets and other household animals. Even the most gentle dog or cat can accidentally injure a fragile bird in a split second. The patient, a 10-week-old Cockatiel from Manhattan, NY , was rushed to our clinic on emergency after a devastating accid

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

Manhattan, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness in older psittacines (parrots), including small species like Lovebirds. For bird owners in NY , recognizing the subtle signs of heart disease is often the difference between life and death. Recently, Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic  received a critical emergency case involving the patient, a 13-year-old Fischer's Lovebird. The patient's story is a powerful example of why

Case Study #11: Rabbit Sarcoma Surgery & Chemotherapy Species:  Rabbit (Age 9) Location:  Nassau County, NY Rabbit Soft Tissue Sarcoma Surgery and Chemotherapy for Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Finding a lump on your pet is scary. When the Rabbit, a 9-year-old patient from Nassau County , developed a raised mass on the neck, the owners acted quickly - a decision that saved the patient's life. The Diagnosis: Soft Tissue Sarcoma We performe

Case Study #10: Sulcata Tortoise Bladder Stone Surgery Species:  Sulcata Tortoise (Age 14) Location:  Long Island, NY Sulcata Tortoise Plastronotomy (Bladder Stone Removal) in Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Sulcata tortoises are giants of the reptile world, but even they can suffer from painful internal issues. The Sulcata Tortoise, a 14-year-old male patient, presented with a two-week history of not eating (anorexia) and lethargy. The Dia

Case Study #9: Pigeon Heart Disease Management Species:  Giant Runt Pigeon (Age 1) Location:  NYC Metro Area Pigeon Heart Disease Diagnosis (CT & Echocardiogram) for NYC Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Pigeons are often overlooked as pets, but they are very affectionate and intelligent. The Giant Runt Pigeon, a young 1-year-old female patient, came to us after sudden weight loss and regurgitation. The case underscores the advanced cardiac capabilities

Species:  Corn Snake (Age 9) Location:  Queens, NY Corn Snake Reproductive Surgery (Salpingectomy) for Queens Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Reptiles are masters at hiding symptoms of illness, even when they are suffering. The Corn Snake, a 9-year-old female patient from Queens, NY , presented with a history of anorexia (not eating) and increased activity-a common sign that a female snake is searching for a place to lay eggs. The Diagnosis: Egg Bindin

African Grey Fracture & Foreign Body Removal Species:  Congo African Grey Parrot (Age 2) Location:  Long Island, NY African Grey Fracture and Foreign Body Removal for Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic African Grey parrots are renowned for their intelligence, but this curiosity can sometimes lead them into trouble. The Congo African Grey Parrot, a young 2-year-old patient, was brought to Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic  for a seco

Case Study #6: Lorikeet Inhalant Toxicity (Cooking Fumes) Species:  Lorikeet (Age 10 months) Location:  Queens, NY Avian Respiratory Emergency and Toxicity Treatment for Queens Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Birds have incredibly efficient respiratory systems, which unfortunately makes them highly sensitive to airborne toxins. Items like non-stick cookware or heavy smoke can be deadly to birds in minutes. The Lorikeet, a young 10-month-old patient fro

Case Study #5: Guinea Pig Bladder Stone Emergency Species:  Guinea Pig (Age 5) Location:  Great Neck, NY Guinea Pig Bladder Stone Removal (Cystotomy) in Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Guinea pigs are wonderful family pets, but they are genetically predisposed to urinary issues, specifically Urolithiasis  (bladder stones). Guinea pigs cannot pass these stones easily, and a blockage can become a life-threatening emergency within hours. The G

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

Rabbit Toe Amputation & Osteomyelitis Species:  Rabbit (Age 10) Location:  Queens, NY Rabbit Osteomyelitis and Thymoma Management for Queens Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Geriatric rabbits, specifically those over the age of 8, often face complex health challenges that require a delicate balance of surgical intervention and long-term medical management. Recently, we treated a distinguished 10-year-old rabbit from Queens, NY , proving that age is just