Our society seems to crave the foreign, the new, or the unusual in many aspects of our lives. Healthcare is no exception to this segment of our culture. Two weekends ago two years ago I examined and treated two African hedgehogs (Atelerix frontalis). One had blood in the urine, the other prolapsed the rectum. I have successfully taken care of both, and both are thriving. I enjoy working with exotic animals and welcome our clients to the clinic to seek treatment for their concerns.
The experience also gave me reason to think more about this element of my routine. Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines exotic as “introduced from another country: not native to the place where it is found” or “knowingly, excitingly, or secretly different or unusual.”
The two African urchins certainly fit the original Merriam Webster definition, since their area of origin is central Africa. For North America, many other species generally fit well within this definition. Examples are the individual varieties of parrots, budgerigars and cockatiels that grace many homes. Ornamental fish such as freshwater aquariums, salt water aquariums, and Koi are other very popular examples. Small mammals such as hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs also fit into this category. This is, by no means, an extensive list, but it will give you an idea of the common exotic animal species kept for care.
Many other animals considered as pets are nevertheless defined as exotic, even though they are native to the country or area where they are kept. So these animals fit more comfortably into Merriam Webster’s second definition. Examples include the Motley Butter Snake corn with our resident family. While living naturally in the southeastern United States, its wild cousin is not native to our region. Even if you live in Florida, which is part of its native range, it is still considered an exotic pet.
Keeping exotics is a practice that is centuries old and Koi fish can be the best example. Somewhere between 960-1279 the Song Dynasty began to breed for aesthetic 1. In the early 1600’s these fish made their way to Europe and through the late 1800’s United or early 1900’s1.
I am certainly not averse to the observation and breeding of exotic animals, as I myself own and treat exotic animals avidly. However, there are situations in which I believe that it is illegal, dangerous and even inhumane to keep exotic animals for care. A prime example is the tragic situation with exotic animal owner Terry Thompson in Zanesville, Ohio. Large, dangerous carnivores do not make good pets. They can never be trusted and, as I said before, it is very difficult to create and maintain a safe and humane enclosure for these animals.
Another reason you may question the ethics of exotic animals is that some of these animals are illegally captured for trade in the pet trade . Many animalsanimals are many species which are threatened and endangered and are often subjected to abuse and live in substandard areas with insufficient food. and water Therefore, there are also no veterinary inspections or customs to cover external animal diseases. Smuggling across international borders could thus very easily result in widespread disease pandemics.
Before choosing an exotic pet, take a few moments to think. Make sure your new pet is adorable and doesn’t pose a danger to those around you. Consult your family veterinarian before making your purchase. He can advise on which species are right for you and your family.
1. Manual of Exotic Animals; Mark Mitchell DVM MS PhD, Thomas N. Tullius DVM, MS, Dip. AVBP (Avian), ECAMS page 1
