With exotic pet ownership on the rise, and minimal focus on exotic pets during formal study, this presentation aims to empower veterinary nurses across general practice, emergency and rural clinics by expanding on existing knowledge and clinical skills to provide the same excellent standard of care to exotic pets as they would for cats and dogs.

Outdated or inadequate knowledge of exotic patients can result in poor health outcomes, leading to distrust of the veterinary profession by pet owners, and increased stress for the veterinary team involved. However, knowing where to start and where to find appropriate resources can be overwhelming. This presentation will provide a solid foundation of knowledge to be built upon.

Throughout this presentation, nurses will learn about a variety of commonly kept exotic pets in Queensland, including guinea pigs, rats and mice, birds (including poultry) and non-venomous reptiles. Key concepts discussed will include: handling of each species to minimise stress and prevent injury to staff and animal; physical assessment, including reference ranges for vital signs; hospitalisation; nursing care such as administering drugs, injection sites, fluid therapy, tube feeding and syringe feeding; common health concerns, emergencies and triage; appropriate diagnostic tests and how to obtain samples; and, specialised and general equipment used in exotics medicine.