As a result of this misinformation and inexperience, we often treat exotic pets for illnesses that could have been prevented with a little foreknowledge. For example, a rabbit that eats mostly fruits and vegetables and is kept on cedar mulch will come in with overgrown teeth, diarrhea, and bumblefoot...an iguana who receives no ultraviolet light will come in suffering from rubberized bones...a cockatiel on a seed diet will come in wasting away with a fatty liver....a bearded dragon will come in obstructed with calci-sand...and the list goes on and on.

Avoid problems by educating yourself about a potential exotic pet BEFORE you buy it. Most are a lot more work than a traditional pet like a cat or dog. Pets that people often think of as "low maintenance," like a guinea pig, are in fact quite labor intensive. You may find that you're getting yourself into a lot more than you were expecting, and then you'll have to decide if an exotic pet is right for you.

We've found that the best source for pet education is books. There are well-written books for almost every species; we especially like the "For Dummies" series. They're simple, direct, and entertaining, and the authors do not seem to have an axe to grind or product to sell. Web sites can be good resources too, but you need to be sure that the organizations running them are reputable. (We have personally reviewed all of the sites on our Links page.) Valley View's doctors are always happy to answer any questions, but it's good to have the books on hand to refer to whenever you need them.

Exotic pets are fun and interesting, but they can also be labor-intensive and their illnesses can be costly. Educate yourself before and after bringing them home to prevent potential problems before you're forced to solve them.