In this article we will cover some common and some rare diseases that can be transmitted to humans from their exotic pets. These diseases should be taken into consideration before purchasing an exotic pet. As with all pets, special caution should be taken in households with children or immuno-compromised people. Whenever you go to the doctor with a sickness, you should always mention that you have pets. Although severe sickness caused by a zoonosis is uncommon, knowing that you have pets is a critical piece of information for your physician.
Salmonellosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella, which is commonly found in reptiles and amphibians. Up to 90% of reptiles and amphibians carry the bacteria in their gut without showing any signs of disease. It is difficult to test for these bacteria. It is shed in feces and is transmitted to humans directly from the pet or through anything the pet has been in contact with. It is very important to change water regularly, wash your hands after handling the pet, and properly sanitize the environment. Infection with Salmonella commonly causes gastrointestinal signs (such as diarrhea) in adults, but can be fatal in children.
Giardia is a protozoa that can be transmitted from all pets, including cats and dogs. The sources of giardia include water and handling of infected animals. In humans and animals, giardia causes gastrointestinal signs, although almost half of infected humans show no signs. Giardia can be fatal in chinchillas. There is a special test available at veterinary clinics for giardia.
Dermatomycosis is a skin disease caused by fungi and can be found on all mammalian pets (including dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets). The most common fungus causes ringworm, an easily identifiable skin infection. Dermatomycosis causes itchy skin and hair loss in both humans and animals. It is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Another skin disease is a mite disease called scabies. Scabies is also found on mammalian pets and is transmitted through skin contact. It causes itchy skin and is often associated with secondary infections.
Psittacosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci and can be obtained from birds in the parrot family and some wild birds. Symptoms in birds include inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, and watery droppings. However, birds can show mild or severe signs, or show no signs at all. The bacteria are shed through feces and nasal discharge. It causes varying severities of pneumonia-like symptoms in humans. There have been very few cases of psittacosis reported, but bird owners must keep in mind that they are at greater risk than the general population.
Some diseases that you may hear of in birds are actually extremely rare in pet birds, and occur more commonly in wild birds and poultry. These include mycobacteria, New Castle disease, and campylobacter.
Cheyletiella is an uncommon mite found mostly on rabbits, but can be found on all mammalian pets. The appearance of cheyletiella gives it the name ‘walking dandruff’, and it does not usually cause itchy skin or loss of hair in the rabbit. Therefore, it often goes unnoticed by the owner. It causes itchy skin in humans, but because it cannot reproduce on humans, over time it will simply cease to exist on the skin.
Pasteurella is a common bacteria found in the respiratory tract of rabbits. Some strains can cause severe upper respiratory infection, but the majority of rabbits are symptom-free. It is transmitted through bites and scratches, and can cause fever, vomiting, and chills in humans. A very similar disease is caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, which is transmitted by bites and scratches from rodents. It is termed ‘rat bite fever’.
Rabies is always a consideration for pets. Although it is unlikely that a household pet will get rabies, this disease is deadly in humans and animals and deserves to be mentioned. There is a rabies vaccination available for ferrets. Another highly unlikely disease is avian influenza. This is mainly a concern in poultry in parts of Asia. But as a bird owner, you should understand the concerns in the scientific community that a strain will develop that can pass between humans. Because we have never been exposed to it, it could have severe effects. This is not a concern in pet birds at this point.
As with all pets, there is also the concern of allergies. While this is not a ‘disease’, allergies to feathers, dust, dander, feed, and bedding should always be taken into consideration before purchasing a pet.
Although it is very uncommon to contract a disease from your exotic pet, it is a risk that you should understand. Houses with children and immuno-compromised individuals should be especially careful with pets. By properly handling your pet and its environment, you will significantly reduce the chance of disease transmission. Remember that the risk of obtaining a disease from your pet should be a good reason to take good care of it and should not stop you from owning an exotic pet.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Exotic Pets and Zoonosis
Monday, May 26, 2008
Guide To Caring for An Exotic Pet Snake
In spite of this, snakes remain to be not for everyone as care is quite complex. Just like in the case of having other types of exotic animals, commitment is very essential. Thus, prior to acquiring one, it is best to have the right information about them such as behavioral characteristics, dietary and habitat requirements, and other pertinent details. Only after which should you decide if you really are capable of having one.
Several species of exotic snakes may be considered as pets but the most common are garter snakes and pythons. For first-time owners, corn snakes, king snakes, and ball pythons are, in fact, most suitable as these are gentle and not very sensitive to food and the type of habitat they are in.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner, don't think about acquiring Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, tree boas or pythons, water snakes, anacondas, reticulated pythons and other wild snakes as they can really be dangerous especially when not handled properly. A rash approach affects their temperament negatively.
The appropriate diet and living area vary with different species. Generally, though, in creating an artificial environment for them, take note of security as they tend to get out of any enclosure. Check for gaps and the strength of the habitat itself.
Otherwise, you shall be putting others in danger as well as incurring liabilities. Also, check if there is enough space for them to move around. The size of the space must correspond well to the size of your pet.
As all snakes are carnivorous, mice and rats are the best food for them. It is better to give them pre-killed ones so as to protect them from possible injuries caused by their prey when alive.
This especially happens when the prey is given to them while they are not yet hungry and unwilling to attack. On your part, it would likewise be more convenient to have these killed rodents in a freezer than keep another habitat just for them.
Animal care, no matter what you choose as your pet, has indeed never been easy. For pet snakes, your responsibility doesn't end when you have chosen the species. It is actually just the beginning of a long-term complex relationship.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Caring for Pet Ferrets
Making a Home for the Ferret
Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages that have things to climb such as ramps and stairs. The cage should allow good ventilation, thus it is not wise to use aquariums.
The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than wire floors. The cage should be kept within 55 to 70 degrees. It should also be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water.
Feeding Ferrets
Ferrets are carnivores that require at least 22% fat and 34% protein from animal sources. It isn't recommended to feed them dog or cat food. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause hemolytic anemia.
Potty Training
A small 3 to 5 inches-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferret’s eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.
Keeping Ferrets Clean
Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling to strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo.
It isn't advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferret’s ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser that can be bought from a pet store.
Keeping Ferrets Active
Ferrets are very energetic animals. It is recommended to keep them entertained with toys that aren't easy to break to maintain the animal’s safety.
Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.
Unusual species replace classic pets as top fashion accessories
Jear-old Hannah Chapman takes her pet skunk, Ichi, out for walkies on her very own lead after paying £700 for her.
But Ichi, like many exotic pets, can be unpredictable and has bitten her partner's fingers, stamps her feet and charges at her owner. "She is just such a cutie, but tends to be a lot of work to look after," admits Hannah.
And this, according to Kenny Sharp, assistant manager of the Scottish SPCA, is something a lot of people don't realise.
He explains: "Like puppies and kittens, exotic pets need a lot of looking after, and there's a misconception that you don't have to do much with them.
"They need to be properly housed, as they can escape relatively easily and make their way under the floorboards and into other people's homes."
Earlier this year Scotland got its first dedicated shelter for abandoned pets with a halfway house to care for up to 40 exotic animals.
"We have 14 centres throughout Scotland, and Edinburgh has the only exotic pet centre," adds Kenny. "We do get a lot of snakes and other exotic pets, including iguanas, from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, compared with the rest of Scotland."
In December last year, kune kune pigs – a small-to-medium-sized breed that used to tour the country as part of a circus – became another unusual pet in the Capital. And in 2005, Edinburgh had an alligator pet, which lived in a bath within a tower block in Leith.
According to Kenny, the dumping of exotic pets is becoming increasingly common, as owners struggle to look after their unique family members.
"It happens a lot. However, with some of the exotic animals, we don't know whether they've been abandoned or have escaped. And they can survive for some time. If people do want an exotic pet, then it's vital they get a strong enough home for them."
He adds: "I think these types of pets are seen as a status symbol for some people – a macho thing to have. And there's the misconception that you can stick them in a tank, leave them and feed them occasionally. Each animal needs a tank specially set up for it or it will suffer."
While the most popular exotic pets – which include spiders and snakes – are relatively easy to care for, experts stress that some are more demanding, time-consuming and expensive than others.
"Before deciding on a pet, think hard about it," stresses Edinburgh vet Paul McAdam. "Yes, they may look adorable and it is tempting to snap them straight up, but you need to do your homework on the species, and whether you can give them proper housing."
Moving to a new environment is stressful for all pets, so make the move easier by organising a cage or tank in advance. Many pet stores will advise on homes and help with information on the right temperatures and humidity.
And don't underestimate the cost. "Housing, food and equipment cost money, and while the exotic pet may have been relatively inexpensive to buy, they're rarely inexpensive to keep," adds Paul.
And don't forget to check the legalities of owning certain exotic pets. Otherwise you could face a fine and a criminal record. Article Source : living.scotsman.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Iguana a product of love, knowledge
By Jan Jackson • Special to the Statesman Journal
West Salem may not look like a typical tropical neighborhood, but a 10-year old, 7-pound 4-foot iguana named Sissy thinks it's the next best thing.
She lives in an apartment in her own giant two-story cage, she sleeps all night and is awake all day, she has her own daytime place in a sun-lit window and her own UV light for summer when the sunny window is too hot. She lounges on a heating pad, eats and drinks only what she should, she sees her veterinarian when she needs to and her family loves her.
"Sissy is calm, quiet and beautiful," Ann Hussey said of her prized pet. "I keep her in her cage or in the window most of the time because she's clumsy, and when she runs around loose, she knocks stuff over with her tail. They also like to be the highest thing in the room, so more than once, I've found her hanging over the sides of curtain rod and had to peel her off and bring her back down.
"She's cage toilet-trained, which is nice. When I first got her, I put a pan of what I considered drinking water in her cage and would be dismayed because she went to the bathroom in it. I learned that in the wild, they sit on a branch over water to relieve themselves, so now instead of trying to make it a place for her to drink, I make sure she gets lots of moisture in her food."
Sissy eats dark leafy green vegetables, she likes bananas and her diet is supplemented with a canned iguana food.
"I know not ever to feed her dog food or anything else you would feed a cat or dog," Hussey said.
Sissy entered the Hussey household a year after Ann's oldest son Andrew went off to college and on an impulse, bought himself an iguana.
"I walked by a pet shop, saw the iguanas and bought" one, said Andrew Hussey, who now lives in North Salem. "When I got her, she was a year old and about the length of an egg carton — maybe a little longer with the tail. However, the responsibility of raising one is more like taking care of a child and I don't think people stop and think about that."
An iguana, he said, is definitely an adult pet that requires enough money to take the right kind of care of it. After a year, Andrew ended up giving the iguana to his mother.
"If I walked by a pet shop today, the only thing I would be tempted to buy would be dog food for my brother's dog," he said.
In the wild, iguanas can live about 25 years, but the life span in captivity is much shorter because people don't know how to care for them properly.
"You have to be very careful about which Web sites you read or who you talk to because there is a lot of bad information out there," said Dr. Richard Hillmer, Oak Hills Veterinary Clinic in West Salem. "It is critical that they have a proper diet, proper housing and the right care, which includes being kept at the right temperature range."
Hillmer works closely with Dr. Mark Burgess, who owns the Southwest Animal Hospital/Exotic Animal Practice in Beaverton and has spent the last 20 years working on small exotic pets.
"I specialize in birds, cats and dogs and see one or two iguanas a month while he sees more than that a day," Hillmer said.
"Ann has done a great job, and though we are watching Sissy closely now because she acts like she is preparing to grow another clutch of eggs, today's exam showed she is in wonderful condition."
Sissy already has laid two clutches of eggs — 40 the first time and 60 the second — and both ended up as projects in West Salem school science labs.
"The eggs weren't fertile because we don't have a male iguana to go with her, but it was still pretty interesting to see the insides," said Alex Hussey, a West Salem High school student who helps his mother care for Sissy. "It grossed some of the kids out because they look like a squishy version of our eggs on the outside and a dense yellow material on the inside.
"My friends think it's cool that we have a gigantic lizard, though no one ever comes over and asks if they can pet her."
Exotic pets need proper dental care
According to Dr. Mark Mitchell, an exotic animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, proper dental care is an essential part of exotic pet ownership. The animal that has the highest occurrence of dental issues is the rabbit.
The mouth of a rabbit is much different than that of a dog or cat, which can present some unique challenges for owners and veterinarians. Rabbits' teeth are unique compared to those in Fido's mouth, in that the teeth of a rabbit grow continuously throughout its lifetime.
As with most things in nature, the form of rabbits' teeth is certainly a result of their function. As an herbivore the rabbit spends much of its time chewing on fibrous plant material, which allows the teeth to be worn down naturally. However, several factors can contribute to the improper growth, position, or wear-down of the teeth, which can lead to a problem known as malocclusion.
"Malocclusion is unfortunately a very common problem in rabbits and other species with hypsodont teeth," explains Dr. Mitchell. "This issue arises when a rabbit's tooth becomes overgrown as a result of improper wearing. Causes of malocclusion and other dental issues in rabbits can range from the animal's genetics, to improper diet, to a vitamin D deficiency.
“Proper diet is critical for the prevention of malocclusion in a normal, healthy rabbit. Feed high-quality, long-stem fibrous hay, like timothy hay or Bermuda grass. Rabbit owners should also stay away from feeding only pellet-based diets, which do little to aid in the wear- down of your rabbit's teeth.”
Rabbits can also be genetically predisposed to problems with tooth overgrowth and malocclusion. Even with proper husbandry these rabbits will still have dental problems.
Malocclusion can be extremely painful and debilitating for our rabbit companions; however, since they have evolved as a prey species they are reluctant to show any sign that they are in pain or otherwise ill. If your rabbit is showing clinical signs of malocclusion such as decreased appetite, problems picking up or chewing food, lethargy, or decreased fecal matter in the cage it is important to schedule a visit with a veterinarian sooner rather than later.
Abscesses in the oral cavity or on the face can result from a malocclusion that goes untreated. If you notice any facial swelling, foul odor around the face or mouth, discharge from the mouth, or if the face is hot to the touch, these are all signs that your rabbit is in need of immediate veterinary attention.
Every rabbit, even if it seems completely healthy, should be scheduled for a physical exam at least once a year to ensure that all systems are functioning properly. Once your rabbit reaches the age of four these exams should increase in frequency to twice a year. At each physical exam your veterinarian should complete a thorough oral exam, which includes examining the oral cavity for any signs of disease and checking the growth and wear-down of the incisors, pre-molars, and molars.
This can sometimes be easier said than done. Your veterinarian may use an otoscope, the same instrument used to look in your pet's ears, with an extended cone to examine the pre-molars and molars located near the back of the rabbit's mouth. If your rabbit becomes stressed or is not in the mood to cooperate, your veterinarian may need to complete the exam under general anesthesia using an endoscope.
According to Dr. Mitchell, a thorough examination of the oral cavity is essential for proper diagnosis if your pet is showing any signs or symptoms of malocclusion since they can overlap with the signs seen with gastrointestinal issues. If all of the teeth are not inspected it would be easy for a veterinarian to diagnose a malocclusion of one of the hard to see pre-molars or molars as a gastrointestinal issue and miss the underlying cause of your rabbit's problem.
By using correct rabbit husbandry and seeing that your rabbit receives the proper preventive veterinary attention, owners can ensure that they will enjoy many happy years with their long-eared friends.
For more information regarding dental health for your rabbit or other exotic pet, contact your local veterinarian. Source : www.palestineherald.com
Exotic pet owners say they're just like dog and cat lovers
Roy and Beverly Carlson were empty-nesters whose five children had grown up, and they were seeking humanlike companionship; enter Michael the pigtail macaque (a "monkid" in pet parlance). Gwen Hovde and Andrew Reddig switched to sugar gliders because they were tired of having hamsters die on them. Kaine Trindson used to be allergic to cats and soon took a liking to reptiles.
Another trait they share with those for whom cats and dogs reign: a disdain for irresponsible pet owners. The problem with exotic pets, they maintain, is not the animals but the people, irresponsible owners and breeders.
"That's the way it is with every species," Hovde said. "Pit bulls are great pets if they're treated right. Same with sugar gliders."
Hovde is glad she lives on the west side of the river. Last December, the St. Paul City Council banned sugar gliders — adorable marsupials from Australia — but they remain legal in Minneapolis and most suburbs.
"That ban was due to ignorance, really," said Trindson, who owns and sells animals at Special-T Pets in North Branch. "They need to go after the (breeding) mills rather than the loving owners of these animals. People go to exotic shows, and (the mills) overcharge for the animals, tell the people to feed 'em cat food or whatever, don't ask any questions or talk about responsible ownership."
Exotic-pet owners aren't the only ones who stress personal responsibility on the pet owner's part. Jamie Turner, who works at the Como Park Animal Hospital and takes in exotic animals for "rescue," has observed the pattern of animals outgrowing their welcome.
"That's what you saw with the Vietnamese potbellied pigs (a 1980s fad)," said Turner. "People got these cute little animals and before long found themselves with 200-pound sows."
At times the government steps in, as with the sugar-glider ban. In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature prohibited ownership of large cats and primates, but allowed those who already owned those pets to be "grandfathered" in if they were registered. But only 80 primates and large cats have been registered, and authorities agree that there are considerably more out there. Local game sanctuaries are getting overcrowded because of owners who could not handle lions and tigers and bears.
"These animals are high-maintenance," said Trindson. "You have to treat them like family."
There are no sure cures for arachnophobia. But Jennifer Jones deserves credit for her rather novel attempt.
She got a new pet: Harriett the tarantula.
"She's a great kid. I get up in the morning and come in and talk to her," said Jones, an executive assistant from Minneapolis. "She's my little baby. Sometimes I coo to her."
Sounds like a fairly typical pet owner, except that Jones, 50, is "deathly afraid of spiders. I thought, 'Maybe I'll overcome my fears.' My friends thought I was kinda whacked out."
She got Harriett when a friend was told by his spouse that a Chilean rose tarantula no longer was welcome at their home. In the ensuing four years, Jones has gotten Harriett, now 13, a new cage ("the old one was really grotty; I said, 'Girl, you need some new digs'''), fed her mostly crickets ("she didn't go for grubworms") and tried to summon up the courage to touch a critter with eight legs, eight eyes and two fangs ("hasn't happened yet").
Has Harriett, who's named for her hirsute appearance, helped cure Jones' arachnophobia? Hardly. But Jones has found an innovative approach along those lines.
"Every spider I see in the house, I'll scoop up with a paper towel and put in her cage, and she'll devour it," she said. "And it's not like I have nightmares or anything. I have never dreamt about Harriett. I have bad dreams about work, but not about spiders."
Trindson opened a terrarium, pulled out an egg case and shook a cockroach the size of a matchbook down into his ample paw. The bug hissed. "These things creep most people out," he said, chuckling.
Ya think?
Turns out, though, that Trindson's three dozen or so Madagascar hissing cockroaches are not pets, but are being bred for reptile food ("They're really high in protein; bearded dragons love 'em," he noted).
And these critters are hardly the most intimidating animals in Trindson's collection. That would (probably) be Cookie and Vanilla Ice, the two 10-foot albino Burmese pythons that Trindson is hoping will soon produce 40 or so offspring.
It also turns out that Trindson, 28, despite his frightful pet collection, his intimidating size and a T-shirt that reads "I fart in your general direction," is a gentle giant, affable and earnest.
"This is probably my favorite," the North Branch resident said, pointing toward a Kenyan sand boa, which is strikingly beautiful (as snakes go, anyway) and grows to only about 2 to 2½ feet. But the nearby pythons, housed in long, shallow, glassed-in containers, are getting most of Trindson's attention these days, in the hopes that his first attempt at breeding bears eggs. Lots of 'em.
Trindson, who keeps these animals in a private space behind his Special-T-Pets store, "was just drawn to the large constrictors." And how does he handle these ginormous snakes?
"Very carefully," he said, chuckling.
Roy Carlson chuckled when asked about one pet-owner cliche — "yes, everybody says we look alike" — but he's even more convinced of another bond with Michael the pigtail macaque.
"We eat the same things, and that has helped keep us both healthy," said Carlson, his flat-top haircut being gently "groomed" by his monkey at his St. Paul towing-company office. "He eats 28 different fruits and vegetables a day. He hasn't had the common cold in 10 years, and neither have I. I haven't had a sick day during that time."
Indeed, Carlson is trim and vibrant at age 59, and Michael, looking almost dapper in jeans and a colorful striped shirt, is the picture of health, in fighting form at 25 pounds.
"I used to train boxers, and he's stronger than any teenage boxer I ever trained," said Carlson, alternating admonishments, encouragements and smooches with his primate pal. "You do have to let them know who's boss. The first year, he was my wife's (Beverly's) baby, a mama's boy. But then he got into a macho stage, and it's all dad now."
A decade ago, after their children had grown up, they purchased Michael in Las Vegas. "I was looking for a chimp," he recounted, after covering Michael's ears, "but found out the ones that live up north tend to catch pneumonia and die. Mikey's a tougher breed."
Which is somewhat surprising, since his native habitat is India's rain forests. Carlson waits until the temperature hits the 50s before taking his macaque for a walk, where, he says, Michael is friendly toward "99 percent of the animals he encounters."
"He's so human. He's very, very intelligent," said Carlson. He likes classical music. He knows when he's supposed to get F-O-O-D. He knows what time his favorite TV show is on."
And what would that show be? "'Planet's Funniest Animals' on the Animal Planet cable channel. He really likes TV, but we have to monitor what he watches because of the violence." Source : www.courier-journal.com
