Exotic Pet Care

– 2025 Update –  Bird flu (influenza A) is a contagious respiratory disease of birds. It spreads in bird secretions and contaminated dust. There is no at‑home treatment; suspected cases must be reported immediately. Your best defenses are everyday biosecurity and fast reporting. What it is  Cause: Influenza A viruses that infect birds (waterfowl and shorebirds…

Marek’s is a highly contagious herpesvirus of chickens that spreads in feather dander and dust. Vaccination at hatch and strict biosecurity are the only effective prevention tools. There is no cure once a bird is clinically affected. What it is Cause: Gallid herpesvirus 2 (Marek’s). It’s an oncogenic (tumor-forming) virus. Where it lives: Virus is…

Ileus, also called gastrointestinal (GI) stasis, is one of the most common and serious medical problems seen in pet rabbits. Under normal conditions, coordinated muscle contractions move food through the digestive tract. When these contractions slow or stop, ileus occurs. Ileus is not a disease itself. It is a sign of an underlying problem. Unless…

Heavy metal poisoning is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition in backyard chickens. Chickens are naturally curious foragers that scratch and peck at the ground all day, making them more likely to ingest harmful metals hidden in soil or other objects. The two metals of greatest concern are lead and zinc, with lead poisoning being…

Head tilt in rabbits, also called torticollis or wry neck, is a sign of vestibular disease. The vestibular system is the part of the nervous system responsible for balance and coordination. When this system is affected, rabbits may lose their sense of orientation and balance. Head tilt can range from subtle to severe. In some…

Giving Medication to Rabbits Your veterinarian or a veterinary technician will usually demonstrate how to give oral medications, apply eye or ear treatments, or syringe feed your rabbit. However, many rabbits that are calm in the clinic can be surprisingly resistant at home. This handout provides practical tips to help make medicating your rabbit safer,…

What Is Egg Yolk Peritonitis?  Egg yolk peritonitis (EYP) is a common and potentially serious condition in laying hens. It occurs when egg yolk material ends up inside the abdominal cavity instead of traveling normally through the reproductive tract. Egg yolk outside the oviduct acts like a foreign substance, triggering inflammation and often bacterial infection…

Dental disease is one of the most common medical problems in rabbits and is now recognized as the underlying cause of many other serious conditions. Understanding rabbit dental health is essential for both veterinarians and rabbit owners, as early detection greatly improves outcomes. Why Dental Disease is so Common in Rabbits Rabbits are herbivores designed…

What They Mean and What You Can Do Finding a soft-shelled or shell-less egg can be alarming, but in many cases the cause is manageable. Eggshell quality depends on nutrition, environment, and a hen’s overall health. Below are the most common reasons soft-shelled eggs occur and how to address them. Common Causes of Soft-Shelled Eggs…

What Is Avian Bornavirus?  Avian Bornavirus (ABV) is a group of RNA viruses that can infect many bird species, especially parrots and other psittacines. ABV has been identified worldwide and is best known for its association with Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)—also called neuropathic ganglioneuritis or avian ganglioneuritis. PDD is a chronic inflammatory disease that can…