Exotic Pet Emergency Care
Quick actions to take when your exotic pet's life is at risk.These protocols DO NOT replace veterinary care.
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When to Seek Emergency Care
IMMEDIATE
Go to vet NOW:
- •Not breathing / gasping for air
- •Bleeding that won't stop
- •Seizures / convulsions
- •Unconscious / unresponsive
- •Severe trauma (fall, attack, burn)
- •Ingested poison / toxic substance
- •Prolapsed organ
- •Egg binding (birds, reptiles)
- •Bloat (mammals)
URGENT
Call vet within 1 hour:
- •Not eating 24+ hours (mammals) or 3+ days (reptiles)
- •Diarrhea with blood
- •Straining to defecate/urinate
- •Labored breathing
- •Lethargy with other symptoms
- •Discharge from eyes/nose
- •Limping / can't walk
- •Temperature abnormality
MONITOR
Call vet same day:
- •Reduced appetite
- •Minor changes in behavior
- •Mild lethargy
- •Small wound
Species-Specific Emergency Protocols
REPTILES
Bearded Dragons, Leopard Geckos, Snakes
1.Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) Crisis
SIGNS:
- • Unable to move
- • Twitching
- • Seizures
- • Soft/bent bones
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Maintain temperature
- • NO handling
- • Keep calm/quiet
EMERGENCY VET:
MBD crisis is life-threatening. Requires calcium injections immediately.
2.Egg Binding
SIGNS:
- • Straining
- • Lethargy
- • Visible egg
- • Swollen abdomen
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Warm bath (28-30°C)
- • High humidity (80%+)
- • NO pressing on abdomen
EMERGENCY VET:
May require surgery. Can be fatal within hours.
3.Respiratory Infection
SIGNS:
- • Open-mouth breathing
- • Mucus from nose/mouth
- • Wheezing/clicking
- • Lethargy
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Increase temp 2-3°C
- • Increase humidity
- • Monitor breathing
URGENT VET:
Progresses rapidly. Needs antibiotics within 24 hours.
4.Impaction
SIGNS:
- • Not defecating
- • Bloated abdomen
- • Straining
- • Not eating
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Warm bath (30°C)
- • Gentle belly massage
- • Increase hydration
VET IF NO IMPROVEMENT:
If no defecation in 24 hours after intervention.
5.Thermal Burns
SIGNS:
- • Blisters on skin
- • Discolored patches
- • Pain response
- • Damaged scales
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Cool (not cold) water compress
- • Remove heat source
- • NO ointments
EMERGENCY VET:
All burns need assessment. Risk of infection.
BIRDS
Cockatiels, Budgies, Canaries, Lovebirds
1.Egg Binding
SIGNS:
- • Straining
- • Tail bobbing
- • Distress calls
- • Fluffed feathers
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Warmth (27-29°C)
- • Humidity 70%
- • Quiet, dark space
EMERGENCY VET:
Can be fatal within hours. Needs immediate intervention.
2.Respiratory Distress
SIGNS:
- • Tail bobbing
- • Open-beak breathing
- • Clicking sounds
- • Nasal discharge
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Warm environment
- • Quiet space
- • Oxygen if available
EMERGENCY VET:
Respiratory failure happens fast in birds.
3.Bleeding
SIGNS:
- • Blood from beak
- • Blood from vent
- • Broken blood feather
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Cornstarch to stop bleeding
- • Gentle pressure
- • Pull broken feather if necessary
EMERGENCY VET:
Birds have little blood volume. Any significant bleeding is critical.
4.Crop Stasis
SIGNS:
- • Swollen crop
- • Foul smell
- • Vomiting/regurgitation
- • Not eating
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Keep warm
- • NO food
- • Transport to vet
URGENT VET:
Risk of aspiration pneumonia. Needs flushing/antibiotics.
5.Heavy Metal Poisoning (Zinc, Lead)
SIGNS:
- • Seizures
- • Weakness
- • Droppings changes
- • Neurological signs
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Remove source
- • Transport immediately
- • Note potential source
EMERGENCY VET:
Requires chelation therapy. Life-threatening.
SMALL MAMMALS
Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas
1.GI Stasis (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs)
SIGNS:
- • Not eating
- • No feces/small feces
- • Hunched posture
- • Grinding teeth (pain)
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Keep warm
- • Offer water
- • Gentle belly massage
EMERGENCY VET:
Can be fatal in 12-24 hours. Needs pain meds, fluids, gut stimulants.
2.Bloat (Rabbits)
SIGNS:
- • Distended hard belly
- • Pain/distress
- • Won't eat
- • Labored breathing
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • NO food
- • Transport immediately
- • Keep calm
EMERGENCY VET:
Life-threatening. May need surgery. DO NOT DELAY.
3.Heatstroke (Chinchillas, Rabbits)
SIGNS:
- • Panting
- • Drooling
- • Red ears
- • Collapse/lethargy
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Cool (not cold) damp towels
- • Cool ears gently
- • Move to cool area
EMERGENCY VET:
Can cause organ failure. Needs IV fluids.
4.Hypoglycemia (Ferrets)
SIGNS:
- • Weakness/collapse
- • Drooling
- • Seizures
- • Pawing at mouth
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Honey/sugar water on gums
- • Keep warm
- • Transport to vet
EMERGENCY VET:
Insulinoma needs treatment. Will recur without intervention.
5.Malocclusion (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs)
SIGNS:
- • Drooling
- • Not eating
- • Pawing at mouth
- • Weight loss
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Offer soft foods
- • Provide water
- • Schedule vet visit
URGENT VET:
Needs dental trimming/filing. Will lead to starvation.
AQUATIC
Axolotls, Goldfish, Betta Fish
1.Ammonia/Nitrite Poisoning
SIGNS:
- • Gasping at surface
- • Red/inflamed gills
- • Lethargy
- • Loss of appetite
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • 50% water change
- • Stop feeding
- • Increase aeration
- • Test water parameters
VET IF NO IMPROVEMENT:
If symptoms persist after water change.
2.Temperature Shock
SIGNS:
- • Listless
- • Floating/sinking
- • Rapid breathing
- • Color change
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Gradual temp adjustment
- • 1°C per hour max
- • Monitor closely
MONITOR:
Watch for 24 hours. Vet if symptoms worsen.
3.Impaction/Bloat
SIGNS:
- • Swollen belly
- • Floating upside-down
- • Not eating
- • Difficulty swimming
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Fast for 24-48 hours
- • Epsom salt bath (aquarium salt)
- • Increase temp slightly
VET IF WORSENING:
If condition worsens or no improvement in 48 hours.
4.Fungal Infection (Axolotls)
SIGNS:
- • White fuzzy patches
- • Gill deterioration
- • Lethargy
- • Loss of appetite
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Salt bath (2.5g/L)
- • Lower temp to 14-16°C
- • Daily water changes
VET VISIT:
Needs antifungal treatment if not improving.
5.Oxygen Deprivation
SIGNS:
- • All fish at surface
- • Gulping air
- • Rapid gill movement
- • Distress
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
- • Increase aeration NOW
- • 25% water change
- • Add air stone/pump
FIX IMMEDIATELY:
This is an emergency. Fish can die within minutes.
First Aid Kit for Exotic Pets (UK)
Essential Items
- Digital thermometer (for accurate temperature monitoring)
- Sterile gauze pads
- Vet wrap bandage
- Cornstarch (for stopping bleeding)
- Saline solution (wound cleaning)
- Heating pad / hot water bottle
- Small towels / blankets
- Transport carrier (species-appropriate)
- Emergency vet contact list
- Species care sheet (printed)
Species-Specific
🦎 Reptiles
- • Humidity gauge
- • Spare UVB bulb
- • Heat pack (winter transport)
🦜 Birds
- • Styptic powder
- • Nail clippers
- • Small dark box (transport)
🐹 Mammals
- • Critical Care formula (Oxbow)
- • Feeding syringe
- • Electrolyte solution
🐠 Aquatic
- • Water test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)
- • Battery-powered air pump
- • Aquarium salt
24/7 Emergency Exotic Vets UK
These clinics provide 24-hour emergency care for exotic animals. Call ahead when possible.
London
Veteris - Mobile Exotic Vet Service
London
South London Emergency Veterinary Clinic
London
Medivet Croydon
Croydon
South England
Highcroft Exotic Vets - Whitchurch
Bristol
Langford Small Animal Practice
Bristol
Great Western Exotics - Swindon (Cheltenham Area)
Cheltenham
Great Western Exotics - Swindon (Gloucester Area)
Gloucester
Midlands
608 Vets - Solihull (24/7 West Midlands)
Birmingham
North England
The Exotic Animal Vets
Manchester
Manchester Veterinary Specialists
Manchester
Vets Now Liverpool - 24/7 Emergency
Liverpool
Holly House Veterinary Hospital
Leeds
Westway Vets - West Road Hospital
Newcastle
Scotland
Dick Vet Rabbit and Exotic Practice
Edinburgh
Vets Now Edinburgh - Out of Hours Emergency
Edinburgh
Pets'n'Vets - Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital
Glasgow
Animal A+E - Kilsyth (Exotic Vets Glasgow)
Glasgow
Safe Emergency Transport
Reptiles
- •Warm transport container (heat pack in winter)
- •Dark, secure container (reduces stress)
- •Minimal handling
- •Bring temperature/lighting records
Birds
- •Dark, quiet transport box
- •Warmth (27-29°C)
- •Avoid handling if possible
- •Bring diet/supplement records
Mammals
- •Secure carrier (won't escape)
- •Familiar bedding (scent comfort)
- •No food during transport
- •Bring medical history
Aquatic
- •Transport in tank water (NOT tap water)
- •Battery-powered air pump
- •Insulated container (temperature stable)
- •Bring water test results
What to Tell the Emergency Vet
Prepare this information before calling or arriving:
Species Information
Common name and scientific name
Age and Sex
If known
Symptoms
When started, how progressed
Diet
What and when last ate
Habitat Conditions
Temperature, humidity, lighting
Recent Changes
New food, moved enclosure, etc.
Current Medications
If any
Previous Health Issues
Medical history
Emergency Hotlines UK
Download Emergency Checklists
Print these checklists and keep them with your pet's supplies.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is NOT a substitute for veterinary care. These protocols are for emergency stabilization only. Always contact a veterinarian immediately in an emergency. BritExotics provides educational content based on veterinary sources (RCVS, university vet schools) but does not provide medical advice. For medical emergencies, always seek professional veterinary care.