Animal ER Care Exotics VeterinariansFor Some, Man’s Best Friend Is An Exotic Pet

Although our staff is not specialized in exotics, we are here to help when your exotic pet is in need of emergency care. Our staff at Animal ER Care - Central are comfortable providing limited veterinary services to most exotic pets.

Medical Conditions

Not all exotic pets act the same when in need of emergency care. Ferrets paw at their mouths when feeling nauseous due to low blood sugar. Being cold to the touch is a common emergent symptom in reptiles. Birds quickly take a turn for the worse if not treated immediately when sick or injured. Yet, there are some common symptoms indicative of an illness or injury to any exotic pet, including:

  • • Decreased Urine Output
    • Depression
    • Diarrhea Or Sudden Stool Changes
    • Lack Of Appetite
    • Pain When Lifting Or Touching
    • Trouble Breathing
    • Weakness Or Lethargy

Emergency Bird Care for Your Feathered Friend

Animal ER Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado, can provide emergency support for your bird. Our professionals can administer treatment for numerous conditions and injuries, such as bite wounds, broken bones, and more, to get your pet on the road to recovery.

Injury Or Illness Signs

Early detection of an injury or illness ensures your bird has a better chance of survival. The bond between you and your avian friend is special and allows you to detect unusual behaviors that might signal a medical condition. If your bird is behaving abnormally but can still move and has an appetite, move your pet into a “hospital cage” that has no perches and low food dishes. Some signs to look for include:

  • • Abnormal Poop (Neon Or Unusual Odor)
    • Changes In Appearance
    • Dirty Cere (Lump On Beak) Or Wheezing• Spending an Unusual Amount Of Time On the Bottom Of Cage
    • Puffy Feathers• Inactive Or Quiet
    • Weight Loss/Loss Of Appetite

Keep Your Bird Warm

A sick bird requires adequate heating at temperatures between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. To warm up your bird’s cage, put a heating pad or hot water bottle underneath it or turn on a 60-watt purple night glow heat lamp during the day and night. Monitor the temperature carefully and put the cage in a quiet place, so your bird gets plenty of rest. If symptoms don’t improve, bring your feathery friend to us for care.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a common avian emergency. It can come on quickly when your bird is sick and can rapidly become a critical emergency. Ensure your bird always has fresh, clean water. Another option to hydrate your bird is to use plain, unflavored Pedialyte mixed with water. Add one drop of liquid B12 for added energy.

Animal ER Care Exotics VeterinariansPhysical Injury/Bleeding

Seek immediate emergency care if your bird is bleeding or has suffered physical injuries or broken bones. To temporarily stop the bleeding, apply styptic powder or corn starch to the injury.

Emergency Care

If your pet is in severe distress or their condition hasn’t improved in 24 hours, make them comfortable and fly down to our animal hospital right away. Don’t debate over whether your bird needs emergency care. Instead, be proactive and obtain the necessary care all winged pets deserve.

Sterile Environment

Birds are incredibly susceptible to airborne illnesses and require a sanitary environment to get well. We take special care to provide the most sterile environment possible. At home, you need to ensure the cage is immaculate, food and water are regularly changed, and there is no other bird in the cage. A hospital cage is the ideal environment for nursing your bird back to health because you can control the temperature. If you don’t have that type of cage, at least have a spare clean enclosure that is unoccupied on hand in case of an emergency.

Be Prepared

Certain exotic animals require special accommodations for safe transport. If it’s cold outside, special care will have to be given to reptiles as they acclimate their body temperature to the climate they are in. In cold weather, you may need to use an insulated carrier or hot water bottle to help regulate their body temperature. We can answer any questions about transporting your pet.

Emergency Care

Upon arrival at our facility, we begin to evaluate your pet to determine a diagnosis. This may require x-rays and a complete medical history of your pet. As soon as we determine the proper treatment, we can get started. Treatment could include medication or surgery. For the safety and livelihood of your exotic pet, all of this is done as quickly and accurately as possible.

Local Clinics Comfortable with Treating Exotic Pets

  • Airway Veterinary Hospital: 719-596-4811
  • Aspen View Veterinary Hospital: 719-638-6363
  • Black Forest Veterinary Clinic: 719-495-3666
  • Blue Spruce Animal Clinic: 303-663-9700
  • Filmore Veterinary Hospital: 719-633-3808
  • Pikes Peak Veterinary Clinic: 719-475-1747
  • Roller Coaster Veterinary Clinic: 719-488-3018
  • Village Center Veterinary Care: 719-219-8569
  • VCA Dublin Animal Hospital : 719-593-1336
  • Yorkshire Veterinary: 719-598-3192