We have been seeing some interesting patients at Atlantic Animal Hospital since this past August. How interesting you ask?  Let's just say... Lions, Tigers, and Bears Oh My!!!  Well, ok not that extreme but we have had a variety of "new" patients walking though AAH doors.  Among them include an 8-week old Capuchin monkey, 5 baby ball pythons of unique color forms, a guinea pig, a handful of birds, and most recently an Argentine Black and White Tegu.

Why are all these "new" species coming to AAH?  And what the heck is a Tegu?

Answer:  In early August, we welcomed Dr. Amy Long to our veterinary team.  She is a graduate of St. George's University, School of Veterinary Medicine, with a special interest in exotic, small mammal, and avian medicine.  She is known to say, "Seeing a variety of companion animals makes the day just a little more interesting, challenging and fun". 

Dr. Long is always up to a challenge be it a cat, dog, or elephant.  Veterinary medicine is constantly changing and evolving.  Dr. Long has quickly proven that she is an invaluable asset to our Mission at AAH. 

Recently, a baby Capuchin monkey presented to our hospital for an abscessed anal gland. Anal glands are scent sacs that most animal have which allow them to mark out their territories.  In some cases, these glands become inflamed and infected if the are not draining properly with bowel movements.  It is rare for an animal so young to have this condition, but after a one hour surgery to clean, cut away dead tissue and suture the hole in the colon and then the abscess, the baby monkey woke up without missing a beat.  She has recovered well.

Among the birds we have seen so far, one case was bit in the Vent <OUCH> by the client's dog, and another had a string foreign body wrapped about its ankle.  String foreign bodies, or in this case the owner’s hair, are very dangerous to birds.  The most popular toys for birds right now are cloth strings clumped together.  These strings are easily chewed off by most birds leading to self entanglement.  Most injuries of this type are around the foot, which then cuts off blood circulation to the toes.

Lastly, the Argentine Tegu (reptile seen above with Dr. Long), had a serious bout of rancid diarrhea and decreased appetite.  Many reptiles are bought, sold, and traded in the United States, but those that buy these unique animals do not do the necessary research on how to care for their special and sometimes expensive needs.  In the case of this Tegu, we were happy to know that his owner was taking excellent care of him.  With a fecal exam we found the culprit, a parasite!  He is doing much better now, and appetite is back to normal. 

Just as for cats and dogs, it is recommended to have all avians (birds), pocket pets, reptiles, ferrets, and other exotic animals examined by a veterinarian at least once a year in order to pick up early signs of disease. 

The team at Atlantic Animal Hospital is excited about the addition of services for these new species and we look forward to more interesting companion animals to come! 

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