Exotic pets are becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, many owners are misinformed or do not realize the special needs of their exotic pet. We at Bienville Animal Medical Center offer client handouts on a wide variety of exotic species that outlines nutritional, health, and housing requirements. If you need information on an exotic species, please call or come by and pick up one of these handouts. All pets should have an initial exam upon acquiring them, and yearly check- ups thereafter.

Ferrets: These animals require vaccinations. They are susceptible to canine distemper, and once infected with this virus, death always occurs. Vaccination against canine distemper should start at 8 weeks of age, be boostered every 3 weeks to 16 weeks of age, and yearly thereafter. Ferrets should also be vaccinated against rabies. A special rabies vaccine is available for ferrets, and should be given at 16 weeks of age, followed by yearly boosters. Ferrets require special housing and nutritional requirements, so please ask us about them. Ferrets have an average life span of 5-7 years. They start to show old age or geriatric problems around 3 years of age. We feel that this is a good time to recommend some extra veterinary care as well as home care to try to catch disease problems early, so they can be eliminated or treated. With this "geriatric program", we have been able to prolong life in many pets in a quality manner for up to 11 years of age.

Birds: Always make an appointment for your bird and have a specific time to bring your fine feathered friend in so he or she won't have too long in a waiting room and get too excited or stressed. Remember to transport your bird in its own cage. The owner needs to cover the bottom of the cage with waxed paper 24 hours before the visit. A bird stressed by the car ride will tend to have a watery droppings, so the previous day's droppings will give us a better idea of the quantity and consistency of the droppings. Nutrition is a very important part of your pet bird's health. Inadequate diets can lead to immune deficiencies leaving your pet bird susceptible to infectious diseases. Please contact us for a recommended feeding regimen for your bird. Also remember to keep your pet bird out of drafts. Routine veterinary care is recommended for your bird, and may include beak, nail and wing trimmings.

Iguanas: These unique animals are becoming very popular, as well. Housing and nutrition are the two biggest concerns with pet iguanas. The most common disease problem of captive iguanas results from gross malnutrition and is a widespread problem. Most new iguana owners are not given proper dietary information at the time of acquisition, and some are, in fact, given wrong information. Contact our office for a handout or with any questions concerning your iguana.

Other exotic animals: Rabbits, pocket pets (hamsters, chinchillas, gerbils, mice), snakes, miniature pot belly pigs, frogs, hedgehogs, and other such pets need routine veterinary check-ups, too. As with the other exotic animals, they require special diet and housing needs. Zoo animals are welcome, as well. Dr. Palermo has worked with several "different" species , including alligators, sharks, turtles, and large cats (lions, tigers, etc).