Exotic pets may be small, but their care can be complex. At BluePearl Glendale, our avian and exotics team regularly sees birds, reptiles, and small mammals for a wide range of health concerns – many of which worsen quickly without proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what local pet owners should watch for.
Common conditions in birds.
Birds often hide signs of illness until they’re very sick. The most common reasons they visit our avian and exotics team include:
- Feather loss, barbering, or plucking
- Respiratory infections
- Nutritional deficiencies (especially in seed-based diets)
- Reproductive issues
- Beak abnormalities
- Trauma from flight or falls
Common reptile health issues.
Reptiles are highly sensitive to the environment and husbandry. Conditions we frequently treat include:
- Metabolic bone disease (MBD)
- Stomatitis (“mouth rot”)
- Skin infections or stuck shed
- Respiratory infections (often from improper humidity)
- Shell damage or abscesses in turtles and tortoises
- Parasites or digestive issues
Common small mammal concerns.
Small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs are prone to:
- Dental disease and tooth overgrowth
- Gastrointestinal stasis (especially in rabbits)
- Bloat or gas buildup
- Upper respiratory infections
- Abscesses or wounds from trauma
- Skin mites or fungal infections
These pets often require anesthesia and species-specific handling – something our specialty team is trained to provide.
When to seek specialty care.
If you have an exotic pet who is sick or has a chronic condition that’s not getting better, it may be time to consult a BluePearl specialist. We offer advanced diagnostics, imaging, surgical care, and hospitalization in a setting designed for nontraditional pets.
Common bird and exotic pet health issues at BluePearl Glendale — FAQ.
Birds are known for concealing signs of illness until they are quite sick, making it crucial for pet owners to be vigilant. At BluePearl Glendale, the most common health issues we see in birds include feather loss, barbering, or plucking, which can indicate stress or underlying health problems. Respiratory infections are also prevalent, often requiring prompt attention. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in birds on seed-based diets, are a frequent concern. Additionally, reproductive issues, beak abnormalities, and trauma from flight or falls are common reasons for visits to our avian and exotics team.
Reptiles are highly sensitive to their environment and husbandry practices, which can lead to various health issues. At BluePearl Glendale, we often treat reptiles for metabolic bone disease (MBD), a condition resulting from inadequate calcium or vitamin D3. Stomatitis, commonly known as "mouth rot," is another frequent issue. Skin infections or problems with shedding, respiratory infections often linked to improper humidity levels, and shell damage or abscesses in turtles and tortoises are also common. Additionally, parasites and digestive issues are prevalent concerns among reptile owners.
Small mammals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, are prone to several health issues that require specialized care. Dental disease and tooth overgrowth are common problems that can lead to significant discomfort and health complications. Gastrointestinal stasis, particularly in rabbits, is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Bloat or gas buildup, upper respiratory infections, and abscesses or wounds from trauma are also frequent concerns. Skin mites or fungal infections are additional issues that may affect these pets. Our specialty team at BluePearl Glendale is trained to provide anesthesia and species-specific handling for these delicate animals.
If your exotic pet is sick or has a chronic condition that is not improving, it may be time to consult a specialist at BluePearl Glendale. We offer advanced diagnostics, imaging, surgical care, and hospitalization in a setting specifically designed for nontraditional pets. Our team is equipped to handle complex cases and provide the specialized care that exotic pets require to ensure their health and well-being.
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