Exotic Animal Practice in Europe.

The article delves into the multifaceted landscape of exotic pet medicine in Europe, exploring the impact of Brexit, evolving legislation surrounding exotic pet keeping, and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Regulatory changes, particularly in veterinary medication use, are discussed alongside the emergence of corporate entities in the veterinary industry. The article also underscores the need for improved education in exotic pet medicine and postgraduate qualifications. Overall, it provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamic factors shaping the practice, regulation, and education of exotic pet medicine across European countries.

Technological Advances in Herpetoculture.

Technology plays a vital role in herpetoculture because ectothermic animals rely on their environment to carry out basic physiologic functions. Controlling the environment appropriately ensures the health and welfare of captive reptiles and amphibians. This article summarizes some of the technological advances and products currently available, including lighting, climate control, and recordkeeping.

Advances in Exotic Animal Osteosynthesis.

Exotic animal orthopedics has not incorporated the most recent progress made in small animal surgery or human medicine. Although minimally invasive osteosynthesis has been incorporated as a routinely used alternative in small animals, its use in exotic animals is still in its infancy. This article compliments the reviews of orthopedics in small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the previous issue. It reviews relevant recent studies performed in laboratory animals about new orthopedic materials and techniques showing potential to become incorporated into the routine orthopedic treatment of exotic animals in the coming years.

Exotic Mammal Orthopedics.

Orthopedic disorders are a common clinical presentation for the exotic clinician. Before treating the fracture it is vital to stabilize the patient. Small exotic mammals are characterized by relatively thinner bones, adding to the difficulty the small size already represents. A combination of conservative and surgical treatment options are available. The principles of orthopedic surgery and ideas behind the treatment options remain the same as for small mammals, but not all techniques can be directly extrapolated. Historically, the tie-in fixator has been the preferred surgical choice whenever feasible, but further development in bone plates represents a promising advancement.

Fracture Management in Avian Species.

In treating avian species with fractures, the clinician must be prepared to think laterally and assess each case individually, taking into account the unique characteristics of the fracture, the temperament of the species and the individual, its lifestyle, and the desired outcome. All this should be considered during the decision making process, which should involve the owner or career of the patient. The clinician should aim for a result as close as possible to the original functional anatomy. The degree of perfection required for postoperative return to normal function is dictated by the species and the lifestyle of the patient.

Reproductive Disorders in Commonly Kept Fowl.

Backyard poultry and other commonly kept fowl species are often kept for their ability to lay eggs. Reproductive disease is common in fowl species. Despite being classified as food-producing species, they can be considered valuable pets, and the demand for adequate veterinary care is constantly increasing. The clinician should be familiar with the different abnormalities and the potential treatment options. Fowl species have been traditionally an anatomic, physiologic, and experimental model for avian medicine; however, information about treatment options is often limited and extrapolated from other species.

Distraction Osteogenesis Correction of Mandibular Ramis Fracture Malunion in a Juvenile Mute Swan ( Cygnus olor ).

A juvenile mute swan (Cygnus olor) was presented with right lateral deviation of the mandible. Radiographs demonstrated a healed fracture of the right mandibular ramis, which had compromised osteogenesis. A corrective osteotomy was performed and an osteogenic distractor was inserted over the lateral aspect of the right mandible. Dental acrylic implants were fixed to the rhinotheca to correct rotational alignment. A pharyngostomy tube was placed to facilitate administration of nutrition and medication. Postoperative images confirmed correct alignment of the mandible in relation to the maxilla. Implants were removed and postoperative complications were not reported. This is the first report of an osteogenic distractor used to correct mandibular deviation in an avian species. Distraction osteogenesis should be considered as a valid surgical option in juvenile or adult avian patients with pathologic bone shortening.

Emergencies and Critical Care of Commonly Kept Fowl.

Fowl are birds belonging to one of the 2 biological orders, the game fowl or land fowl (Galliformes) and the waterfowl (Anseriformes). Studies of anatomic and molecular similarities suggest these two groups are close evolutionary relatives. Multiple fowl species have a long history of domestication. Fowl are considered food-producing animals in most countries and clinicians should follow legislation regarding reportable diseases and antibiotic use, even if they are pets. This article reviews aspects of emergency care for most commonly kept fowl, including triage, patient assessment, diagnostic procedures, supportive care, short-term hospitalization, and common emergency presentations.