Veterinary Healthcare

Here at Impeyan, the health and welfare of our animals is of paramount importance - a fact illustrated by the success of the breeding projects we are currently involved with and those we have been involved with in the past. Our veterinarian, Mr. David Ashton MA VetMB MRCVS is a specialist in exotic animals.

Our staff check the animals thoroughly throughout the day. Every two-three months we have a complete check-up from David. Below is some advice from David for pet owners and prospective pet owners.

How your vet can help keep your animal healthy and the importance of regular veterinary checks

When you first get your animal:

Your vet can check if there are any problems with your new animal and give you advice, for example:

• Is the body condition good (too thin, too fat or just right)?
• Is it bright and alert and behaving and moving normally?
• Are eyes, teeth and mouth healthy?
• Is there any sign of skin or coat problems?
• Are there any swelling, lumps or deformities?
• Is it necessary to carry out tests for parasites or other infectious disease? (Often animals can be carrying worms or mites or other parasites which it is best to eliminate as soon as possible, especially if there will be contact with other animals).
• Are you aware of possible diseases that you could catch from your new animal? Your vet can advise you about this and what hygiene precautions you need to take.
• Does your new animal need to be quarantined before introduction to other animals?
• Do you know how best to look after your animal?

The following are all very important for good health:

• Correct diet and, if necessary, supplements.
• Correct temperatures, lighting, heating and humidity.
• Appropriate housing with enough space for natural behaviour, bedding, flooring material (known as substrate) especially for animals kept in enclosures.
• Reducing stress - visibility of 'frightening' neighbouring animals, including humans! Correct handling (if at all).
• Should it be kept alone or with companions? Will there be fighting?
• Is there a risk of females getting pregnant?
• Does it need vaccinations?

Ongoing care

Remember that animals in the wild have to pretend to be healthy even when they are feeling unwell, so that predators do not notice. Often, by the time that an animal's illness is obvious to you, it may be very ill, and past the point that treatment can be effective. It is really important to check your animal several times a day, and quietly watch it and notice if anything is out of the ordinary, especially if it is off its food or less active than normal (sleeping a lot etc.). Note if drinking is increased or reduced. Notice the droppings (faeces), are they normal, if not, what is different? Notice if they are solid or runny, difference in colour and amounts. Is there any sign of regurgitation of food or vomiting?

Regular checks with your vet will ensure that early signs of disease or other problems are picked up so that preventative measures can be taken to 'nip problems in the bud'. It's an opportunity for advice about any improvements in the management of your animal that may be needed to keep it in full health.

Regular weight checks are useful to ensure that the correct amounts of food are being fed, or to pick up early signs of disease. Routine parasite treatment may be required. Booster vaccinations may be needed. Changes in management with increasing age may be appropriate.

Obviously some animals are much easier to keep than others, and it is best to have animals that are happy to be kept in domestic/captive circumstances, and which thrive without too much effort on your part.

David Ashton MA VetMB MRCVS