By: Morgan Dawkins DVM, Windcrest Animal Hospital

Most people know that their cat or dog should visit the veterinarian on a regular basis, but did you know that your bird, rabbit, snake, etc should as well? It may be even more important for the exotic pets due to the large amount of misinformation about proper care. Without proper precautions, there may also be a concern for human diseases from certain pets of which owners may not be aware.

Specialized care for exotic pets is fairly new in veterinary medicine. Board certified specialization in avian medicine has only been in existence for a little over a decade and specialization in reptile and exotic mammal practice is now being developed. During the last decade tremendous advances have been made in the veterinary medicine and surgery available.

With the exception of ferrets and some birds, most exotic pets don’t require vaccination, but they should get routine exams. Diagnostic tests may also be recommended to help detect problems early when they are easier to treat. Some species, such as ferrets, rabbits, rats, Guinea pigs and occasionally birds, should also be spayed or neutered.

Misinformation on proper care is a major concern. The majority of problems seen in exotic pets may have been prevented if the owner had the know how to properly care for their pet. A significant amount of time is spent during initial exams talking about proper care. So don’t forget about your iguana or cockatiel when it comes to veterinary care.

Morgan Dawkins, D.V.M. graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1996 and is currently a Co-Owner of Windcrest Animal Hospital. Dr. Dawkins has a special interest in exotics as well as surgery (dogs, cats and exotics, including Orthopedics). Dr. Dawkins is Program Director of the Canine Rehabilitation program at Windcrest. He has known since elementary school that he wanted to be a veterinarian. The most memorable experience of his career was his first day working as a doctor and having a Bengal Tiger cub as a patient at Windcrest. Dr. Dawkins enjoys providing high quality care by continually learning new techniques and information. He is the Immediate Past President of the MASAAV, is USDA accredited and is a member of AAV, ARAV and AEMV. Dr. Dawkins also works closely with a local Wildlife Rehabilitator providing veterinary care and has given multiple elementary school presentations about pet care and the veterinary field. His family includes wife Jennifer, a veterinarian at Hockessin Animal Hospital, children Collin, Bailey, Sidney and Trevor. Family pets include dogs, Kierra and Spot, cats Taz and Tweets, a rabbit named Luna, a cockatiel named Petie, a chameleon, 3 tortoises, salt water fish and 5 egg laying chickens. His hobbies include woodworking, gardening and reptiles.

WINDCREST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
3705 Lancaster Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
(302) 998-2995
24 Hour Emergency
www.windcrestanimal.com

TALLEYVILLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
3001 Concord Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19803
(302) 478-0648
www.talleyvilleveterinary.com

HOCKESSIN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
643 Yorklyn Road
Hockessin, Delaware 19707
(302) 239-9464
www.hockessinanimal.com

New Location!
centreville
Veterinary Hospital
302-655-3315
5804 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE
(next to Buckley’s Tavern)
www.centrevillevet.vetsuite.com