{"id":11208,"date":"2016-06-29T18:10:18","date_gmt":"2016-06-29T18:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarypractice\/?p=11208"},"modified":"2022-02-16T21:35:20","modified_gmt":"2022-02-16T21:35:20","slug":"practice-buildingare-exotics-a-fit-for-mepart-1-development-of-the-exotics-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/practice-management\/practice-buildingare-exotics-a-fit-for-mepart-1-development-of-the-exotics-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Exotics a Fit for Me? Part 1: Development of the Exotics Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

To see (exotics) or not to see\u2026that is a very good question.<\/p>\n

The quality of exotic pet medicine has increased dramatically over the last decade, which is illustrated by the appearance of board-certified specialists for exotic animals and increasing numbers of high quality articles in the peer-reviewed veterinary literature. However, the decision whether to incorporate exotic pets into a practice should be made carefully.<\/p>\n

Adding Exotics: Ready Or Not?<\/h2>\n

The term exotic pets<\/em> traditionally refers to any pet that is not a dog, cat, or large farm animal, and includes pet goats and chickens, parrots, reptiles, rabbits, and rodents. Some practices elect to add exotic companion mammals first, as mammal medicine is generally more familiar than avian and reptile medicine.<\/p>\n

However, no one should add exotics reluctantly or \u201cto make a few extra bucks\u201d because no other veterinarians in the area are providing that service. Exotics should be added only when the practice staff is enthused about\u2014or at least open to\u2014the prospect. The team must be committed to adding an entirely new skill set and participating in regular continuing education to continue the learning process.<\/p>\n

Practices must make a full commitment to clinical competency to avoid \u201cdoing harm,\u201d and they must be willing and prepared to seek help from colleagues or decline to see exotic pets altogether. Client expectations have increased as well, and many demand a level of care equal to what they receive for their dogs and cats.<\/p>\n

The initial path to clinical competency includes:
\n1. Acquisition of a basic knowledge base, including husbandry information, and technical skills through initial staff training, followed by regular continuing education<\/p>\n

2. Acquisition of additional resources and equipment necessary for exotics practice (Figure 1<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

\"FIGURE<\/a>

FIGURE 1. The well-equipped exotics practice features products suitable for exotic pets, including foods, bedding, treats, and toys.3.<\/p><\/div>\n

3. Development of mentors\/experts for consultation and referral.<\/p>\n

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Further Training for the Practitioner: ABVP Exotics Specialties<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you find that you have a passion and competency for exotics, further training is readily available at conference wet labs, and you can pursue specialist designation\u2014in Avian Practice, Exotic Companion Mammal Practice, <\/em>and\/or Reptile and Amphibian Practice<\/em>\u2014through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP, abvp.com<\/strong>). The ABVP is an American Veterinary Medical Association recognized specialty organization and their credentialing routes are designed specifically for the private practitioner who excels in clinical practice in a species group or associated area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Training Existing Staff<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Nothing destroys the confidence of exotic pet owners more than reception and technical staff with little working knowledge of these pets. In some cases, staff members are unable to identify exotic pets or even provide basic information to owners over the phone. In other cases, staff members are obviously uncomfortable with handling and restraining these animals. For these reasons, the entire team should participate in the development of an exotics practice.<\/p>\n

Many conferences (Table 1<\/strong>) offer training opportunities for staff members. However, finding the right combination suitable for every skill level is challenging, especially when funds must go to cover continuing education for traditional pet species as well.<\/p>\n