What is Exotic Animal Medicine?
Exotic Animal Medicine is a discipline that requires a broad and extensive depth of knowledge. At VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital, we understand that exotic companion patients are unique and delicate. Their anatomy, physiology, and behavior is vastly different from dogs and cats yet they require the same amount of expertise and care. Our team is well prepared with the skills needed to diagnose and treat your pet.
Yearly wellness examinations are strongly recommended for all exotic companion patients. Unlike dogs and cats, exotic companion animals instinctively hide their symptoms of illness as long as possible. This means that just because they look healthy doesn’t mean that they actually are. The yearly wellness examination is an opportunity to review care and husbandry requirements and to detect possible problems early in an effort to treat health conditions before they become advanced.
Are there Exotic Animal Specialists?
Yes, there are two main pathways to receive a veterinary specialty title in this field:
Board Certification by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP): ABVP diplomates are considered specialists in their area of expertise. The areas of expertise are divided into Avian, Exotic Companion Animal, and Reptile/Amphibian.
Board Certification in zoological medicine by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM): ACZM diplomates are considered specialist in all species (avian, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and aquatics).
What is the difference between a general practitioner and an ACZM or ABVP veterinarian?
ACZM and ABVP veterinarians have undergone specialty training (2-3 year residency program) or have 6 years of experience in exotic animal medicine. In addition they have published scientific articles and passed rigorous examinations.
General practitioners with an interest in exotic animal medicine have not undergone residency training.
Why does my pet need an exotic animal veterinarian?
Exotic animals have very unique anatomy, physiology and behavior. They require special and dedicated equipment and staff that may not be available at a traditional dog and cat veterinary clinic. ACZM or ABVP vets also receive extensive specialty training, making them experts on your feathered, scaly, finned, slimy, or furry friend!
What is Exotic Animal Medicine?
Exotic Animal Medicine is a discipline that requires a broad and extensive depth of knowledge. At VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital, we understand that exotic companion patients are unique and delicate. Their anatomy, physiology, and behavior is vastly different from dogs and cats yet they require the same amount of expertise and care. Our team is well prepared with the skills needed to diagnose and treat your pet.
Yearly wellness examinations are strongly recommended for all exotic companion patients. Unlike dogs and cats, exotic companion animals instinctively hide their symptoms of illness as long as possible. This means that just because they look healthy doesn’t mean that they actually are. The yearly wellness examination is an opportunity to review care and husbandry requirements and to detect possible problems early in an effort to treat health conditions before they become advanced.
Are there Exotic Animal Specialists?
What is the difference between a general practitioner and an ACZM or ABVP veterinarian?
ACZM and ABVP veterinarians have undergone specialty training (2-3 year residency program) or have 6 years of experience in exotic animal medicine. In addition they have published scientific articles and passed rigorous examinations.
General practitioners with an interest in exotic animal medicine have not undergone residency training.
Why does my pet need an exotic animal veterinarian?
Exotic animals have very unique anatomy, physiology and behavior. They require special and dedicated equipment and staff that may not be available at a traditional dog and cat veterinary clinic. ACZM or ABVP vets also receive extensive specialty training, making them experts on your feathered, scaly, finned, slimy, or furry friend!
