Exotic Pets and the Cold

Laurie Video

In this video, Dr. Laurie Hess, our exotics expert, discusses ways to keep exotic pets healthy and comfortable when temperatures plummet. Whether you're facing normal winter weather or a winter storm and potential power outage, you'll find Dr. Laurie's tips useful and will be prepared when the mercury drops.

Wobbler Syndrome in Dogs

Overview
If your dog is limping, you’re probably wondering why.

There are lots of reasons why dogs limp, such as hip dysplasia and other conditions that cause general lameness and difficulty moving about. One of these conditions is known as Wobbler Syndrome, which quite literally causes a dog’s hind legs to wobble as he walks about.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

Overview
The eye is a complicated thing. In order to absorb light and receive an adequate blood supply, the eye needs help from the choroid, a collection of blood vessels within a layer of tissue located under the retina.

When this part of the eye doesn’t develop the right way in dogs, it can lead to Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) – a genetic disease that affects Collies as well as other dog breeds. Also known as Choroidal Hypoplasia, this condition can lead to vision loss.

Canine Parvovirus

Reviewed by Dr. Peter Kintzer on March 25, 2014

Overview
This is one virus you DON’T want your dog to pick up.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a nasty, highly contagious illness, spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with feces. That means that your dog can get CPV from either eating an infected dog’s poop or simply sniffing an infected dog’s hindquarters! It can be especially hard on puppies who haven’t yet been vaccinated because their immune systems haven’t yet fully developed.