Exotic Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania - EAHP

12/04/2024

11/20/2024

Sharing some information for a great team that can help set you and your non-traditional pet up for success:

https://theotherpets.com/pet-owners/

Your go-to source for personalized information, and care for exotic pets. Empowering pet owners & vets to save exotic pets!

11/06/2024

Miss Dot feeling at home 💜

African Grey Parrots: Intelligent and Sensitive Companions

As an exotic veterinarian, I work with African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus), known for their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds and solve problems. These birds require specialized care to thrive, so here’s what every potential or current owner should know.

Mental Stimulation and Social Needs

African Greys have cognitive abilities similar to young children, needing daily mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training sessions. They also form strong bonds with caregivers, thriving on daily interaction. Left alone too often, they may experience separation anxiety and show stress behaviors like feather plucking.

Diet and Health

A balanced diet is essential, ideally including high-quality pellets, vegetables, and limited fruits. Avoid fatty seeds, as these birds are prone to obesity and related health issues. African Greys also require regular vet checkups to prevent issues like hypocalcemia, respiratory infections, and feather-destructive behaviors.

Communication and Longevity

Known for their vocal abilities, African Greys can mimic sounds and words, but loud or unexpected sounds may stress them. Learning their vocal and body language helps reduce anxiety. With proper care, African Greys can live 50-60 years, so adopting one is a long-term commitment.

Owning an African Grey is a rewarding experience, but they require dedicated care and attention to ensure a healthy, fulfilling life.

11/05/2024

Diamondback terrapins are beautiful and unique turtles native to brackish waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Diamondback terrapins thrive in brackish water—a mix of freshwater and saltwater. To replicate this in captivity, you’ll need to carefully manage water salinity. Terrapins generally do best with about 1.015 specific gravity, which you can measure using a hydrometer. Clean water is essential, so use a high-quality filtration system and change part of the water weekly. They also require UVB lighting to support healthy shell growth and basking areas with a warm, dry surface around 85-90°F.

In the wild, terrapins have a varied diet, mainly consisting of aquatic animals like crabs, snails, shrimp, and small fish. In captivity, offer a balanced diet with high-quality commercial pellets made for aquatic turtles, supplemented with fresh food like shrimp, crickets, and occasional leafy greens. Be cautious not to overfeed, as obesity is a common health issue for pet terrapins.

Diamondback terrapins need spacious enclosures. A single adult terrapin should have at least a 75-gallon tank with plenty of swimming room. Add basking areas above water and underwater hiding spots to mimic their natural environment. Terrapins are curious and active, so keeping their environment stimulating is important for their health and well-being.

Why Not Take Terrapins from the Wild?

Diamondback terrapins are essential to their ecosystems, and wild populations are under pressure from habitat loss, pollution, and traffic from roads near wetlands. Removing terrapins from the wild disrupts local populations and can harm the species in the long term. Instead, support responsible breeders who prioritize terrapin health and conservation.

10/23/2024

RHDV vaccine update from the company:

You should know that Medgene has not changed the regulatory label to our RHDV2 vaccine. In fact, we’re simply highlighting the news that the official USDA data we are approved to share shows that Medgene’s RHDV2 vaccine is effective for at least 6 months against RHDV2.
In addition, based on the Colorado State University study, serology response is still at sufficient level a year after vaccination as it was at 6 months when our challenge study was conducted.

Veterinarians are encouraged to use our efficacy data AND serology data from the CSU study to make an informed decision about booster schedule.

10/18/2024

Here are some of the Exotic Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania - EAHP past and present rock stars!

These wonderful individuals cared and are continuing to care for people’s best friends 💜
They are phlebotomists, surgery assistants, anesthetists, radiology technicians, social workers and just in general miracle workers!

Sending all of the love and admiration to the veterinary technicians, nurses, assistants who shape our world 💜

10/17/2024

Have you met Kevin?

Kevin has been with the Exotic Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania - EAHP since its very beginning.

He has reignited his passion for vet nursing after getting to care for an old lady rabbit and never looked back.

Kevin has a very special place in his heart for reptiles and chickens 💜

Drop some compliments his way!

10/16/2024

Have you met Jackson?

Jackson joined Exotic Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania - EAHP about 3 years ago when he decided that exotic pets are pretty amazing.

Jackson’s dedication and passion towards all pets is incredible. He is a fierce advocate for the well being of any pet he meets. No animals leaves his care unfed- he makes sure that everyone gets a treat or a critical care feeding after surgery 💜

Drop some compliments his way!

10/15/2024

Have you met Becca?
Becca has been with Exotic Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania - EAHP for 3 years and is an absolutely integral part of the team.

She has passion for all creatures and loves helping pet parents feel confident in caring for their pets.

Drop some compliments her way!

10/14/2024

Petco Will No Longer Sell These Animals—Here’s Why

In a hoppy ending for animal advocates, the pet-supply chain has reversed course on a controversial plan to sell this lovable animal.

09/01/2024

We saw 3 rabbits captured outdoors by some amazing volunteers.. these are domestic rabbits who were let loose by their owners or born outside to rabbits who were let go…
They were all skinny, dirty, and scared..
We want to thank the and their amazing volunteers who are taking time to rescue these rabbits from the outdoors and fosters who keep them safe until a new home is found.

Please consider donating to these organizations!

Please adopt rabbits from shelters/rescues!

Most importantly, do your research before bringing a rabbit home to make sure they fit you and your life. They are a 10-12 year commitment, not a toy.

💜🐰💜

08/21/2024

In case of an emergency- Please take your pet to a 24/7 hospital that sees exotics:
NorthStar - 315 Robbinsville Allentown Rd, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691, (609) 259-8300
Mount Laurel Animal Hospital - 220 Mt Laurel Rd, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054, (856) 234-7626

08/19/2024

I spy with my little eye someone who is ready to shed!
How do you know when your pet reptile is ready to shed?

Shedding, also known as ecdysis, is a natural process that all reptiles go through as they grow. Unlike mammals, reptiles have a unique skin structure that doesn’t expand, so they must shed their old skin periodically to allow for growth and to replace worn-out skin.
Key Points About Shedding in Reptiles:

The frequency of shedding varies depending on the species, age, and health of the reptile. Younger reptiles shed more often as they grow rapidly, while adults may shed less frequently.

Signs of Shedding:
Dull or cloudy eyes: Just before shedding, reptiles’ eyes may appear cloudy or milky
Dull or faded skin color
Behavioral changes: Some reptiles may become more irritable or less active.

Assisting with Shedding:
Humidity: Ensuring the right level of humidity in your reptile’s habitat is crucial.
Hydration: Keeping your reptile well-hydrated is important. Soaking them in shallow, lukewarm water can also help with the shedding process.
Shedding aids: Never peel the skin off forcefully. If any skin remains stuck, particularly around the eyes, toes, or tail, it can cause health issues. Gently assisting with a moist cloth or seeking veterinary help might be necessary

Common Issues:
Retained Shed: Sometimes, small pieces of skin, especially around the toes, tail tip, or eyes, don’t shed completely. This can constrict blood flow and lead to complications, so it’s important to address retained shed promptly.
Health Concerns: Difficulty shedding can indicate underlying health issues such as parasites, dehydration, or malnutrition.

If your reptile consistently has trouble shedding, a veterinary visit is recommended.