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Things to Consider for Our Senior Exotic Pets: Illnesses that lead to euthanasia

Updated: Feb 11

Exotic pets are gaining popularity in the pet community because of their unique and exotic looks. Each species requires very specific care and husbandry to ensure responsible and informed pet ownership. Most illnesses in exotic pets stem from inadequate husbandry. As our pets grow older, we must consider their needs and quality of life, as well as the potential for chronic and unexpected diseases. At such times, we may need to decide between treatment or euthanasia, and sometimes euthanasia might be the most appropriate choice. 

 


Foraging Ferret outdoors

Senior Ferrets

Ferrets are lively, inquisitive, and playful animals that are susceptible to several common disorders. They are particularly known for developing insulinomas, which are tumors in the pancreas that produce excessive insulin, leading to hypoglycemia in the animal. A hypoglycemic ferret is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.


Ferrets may also suffer from adrenal disease, often caused by a tumor on the adrenal glands, resulting in elevated steroid levels that cause systemic illness requiring treatment. High steroid levels can result in weight gain, increased thirst and urination, necessitating medical intervention.


It's also essential to keep an eye on your ferret's dental health, as their pellet diet can lead to calculus buildup and dental disease. It is crucial to consult an exotics veterinarian for a comprehensive physical examination and any necessary diagnostics to assess these conditions. Upon diagnosis, you should discuss the prognosis and disease management with your veterinarian.

 

 

 Senior Rabbits

Close up view of a rabbit looking at the camera

 Proper nutrition is crucial for a rabbit's gastrointestinal health. These animals primarily need dry hay, preferably Timothy hay, to maintain a healthy gut and teeth, and it should always be accessible. Pellets are mainly supplementary and should only comprise about 10 to 20% of a rabbit's diet. Despite good nutrition, dental problems can occur, such as overgrown incisors and points on molars that may require trimming or floating. Rabbits are also susceptible to upper respiratory infections, which can lead to pneumonia. Regularly cleaning their enclosure can reduce ammonia levels, which can predispose them to upper airway infections. As rabbits age, like humans and other animals, they can develop arthritis in the lower back and hips, causing pain that leads to decreased activity and appetite. 

 

 Senior Hedgehogs

Hedgehog enjoying a hike outdoors

Hedgehogs are curious yet timid and independent nocturnal creatures that need a high-protein diet, as they typically consume insects and earthworms in the wild. It's important to be aware that Hedgehogs can suffer from Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, a fatal degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Additionally, it's crucial to check and monitor your Hedgehogs for potential masses on the mammary glands and limbs. Depending on the type and location of the mass, removal or treatment might not be in the best interest of your pet's comfort and quality of life. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

 

 

Chinchilla waiting on his owner to prepare a dust bath

Senior Rodents

The Rodentia order includes a variety of species, with mice, rats, gerbils, chinchillas, and guinea pigs being the most popular as pets.


Common disorders in rodents include:

  • Dental disease caused by overgrown incisors

  • Vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs, resulting in scurvy

  • GI stasis in chinchillas, which can be fatal if not treated

  • Tumors, which may be metastatic or benign but can impact quality of life if they become large or infected


For chinchillas, it is crucial to have Timothy hay readily available to maintain good gut health, as GI stasis can be deadly if untreated.

 

 Senior Birds

Social blue and gold macaws perching together

Some exotic bird species can live for decades and in that time frame they can develop many diseases however the most common can be heart disease, liver disease, arthritis, and vitamin deficiencies.


  • Heart disease can result in a weak bird that may fall from their perch, abnormally breathing, and loss in appetite.


  • Liver disease can also result in very vague symptoms. A bird can present, increased thirst and urination, and poor feather quality, weakness, and anorexia. This condition can be a silent killer and routine checkups with bloodwork are vital for its discovery. A varied diet of seeds and fruits and vegetables with a cuttle bone are staples for a healthy diet to avoid deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.


And last but not least as our birds become geriatrics, they too can develop Arthritis of the legs and wings which can cause pain and discomfort. Birds tend to be very delicate and many times when they develop symptoms their stage in the disease process tends to be advance. It is very important for routine veterinary care in order to monitor for potentially devastating disease processes.

 

Majestic, bearded dragon looking into the camera

 Senior Reptiles

There is a plethora of reptiles that are available for the pet trade, and they all have very specific husbandry considerations.  Some Reptiles have simpler needs than others and it's absolutely necessary for an owner to know and meet those specific needs for the health and welfare of the animal. 


Some of the most common conditions in Reptiles are:

  • Metabolic Bone Disease a condition where a Reptiles has not been provided the appropriate diet, humidity, temperature, and/ or lighting that is needed for healthy bone growth and development.

  • Kidney disease - caused by a number of reasons such as poor humidity for the species, a bowl not big enough for soaking, unable to reach and drink form the water source, poor thermal control leading to poor metabolic regulation, and malnutrition.


A lot like birds many disease processes can be very advanced before clinical signs are noticed so regular veterinary care and diagnostics as well as good husbandry are very important. Prevention is the best medicine.


Consider this...

 As an owner of an exotic pet, it's important to know what your specific animal needs to be kept happy and healthy.  One must also be prepared and expect the possibility of a devastating illness as they age.  In order to be a responsible pet owner, it is up to us to think of our pets first before our own feelings and make appropriate decisions with their best interests in mind. Deciding to euthanize a beloved friend and family member is never easy and shouldn't be taken lightly, but it is a brave a compassionate form of love. To end the suffering and pain of an innocent creature that does not understand why they are hurting or are ill. But you as the pet owner can help to alleviate that pain and suffering by making a decision that may seem unkind or comes with a sense of guilt. However, in that moment we must process those feelings and take the time to understand what they are going through and put ourselves in their shoes.

 

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