Enrichment is a continuously growing and evolving concept in animal care which centers around the idea of keeping captive animals stimulated in their environments by allowing them to engage in as many natural behaviors as possible and giving options on how to interact with their environment (essentially giving them choices). Enrichment is widely utilized in zoos and most commonly with large mammals; however, many other species including birds, reptiles, and small mammals are often overlooked.

Poison dart frogs are relatively difficult to care for and are not recommended for beginners. Moreover, the term "poison dart frog" encompasses many species and subspecies, which will each have their own individual needs. Please read trustworthy guidelines for your species and subspecies of frog for more specific guidelines.

Wallabies are charismatic wild marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. Wallabies belong to the family of Macropods (meaning long foot) which consist of wallabies, kangaroos, kangaroo rats.  Common captive species include the Bennet’s/red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and Agile wallaby (Macropus agilis). Adult wallabies range in height from 2-3 feet and weigh between 30-50 lbs (depending on species). If kept appropriately, these animals can live 12-15 years in captivity.  

Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are a species of rat snake native to North America. They are found predominantly in forests and woodlands of the southeastern US. These snakes make popular pets as they are docile, non-venomous, and come in a large variety of color and pattern morphs. Corn snakes reach 2-5 feet in length as adults and may live upwards of 20 years in captivity.

Tree Monitors are native to forest areas in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and parts of Australia.  They come in a varsity of colors including the blue (Varanus macraei), black (Varanus beccari), green (Viranus prasinus) and yellow (Varanus reisingeri) with the blue tree monitor being the largest. The average male is approximately 42 in (3.5 ft) and females tend to be about 4 inches smaller in size. The other sub-species range in size from 24-36 in (2-3 ft).

Caseous lymphadenitis, or lymph node abscessation, is most commonly caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, but can be caused by other Streptococcus species of bacteria. It manifests as encapsulated abscesses within the cervical or submandibular lymph nodes in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs often show no other signs of disease, but in cases where the bacteria spreads systemically, other pathologies can arise. These can include, but are not limited to pleuropneumonia, ear infections, septicemia, or sudden death.

Background

Veterinary laser therapy is an innovative treatment that has gained popularity in recent years as veterinarians recognize how it benefits pets. Used similarly to acupuncture, massage therapy, and other alternative therapies, laser treatment can be used in conjunction with medication to manage pain, inflammation, and wound healing. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy results are achieved when a sufficient dose of light energy reaches target tissue and results in decreased inflammation, decreased pain, immune stimulation, and accelerated healing.

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled structures that develop on or near the ovary. There are many types of ovarian cysts and their prevalence in guinea pigs ranges from 58-100%. The two main types are 1) serous cysts, also known as nonfunctional or rete ovarii cysts, and 2) hormone producing follicular cysts. Rete cysts are non-hormone producing and typically do not cause clinical signs unless they are large and pushing on other organs. Follicular cysts develop from follicles on the ovary that fail to ovulate. When these types of cysts develop, the classic sign is non-itchy flank hair loss.

E. cuniculi-associated phacoclastic uveitis is a recognized disease in rabbits, particularly dwarf rabbits. There is no sex predilection and the condition is often seen in younger rabbits. The lesion occurs after rupture of the lens capsule releases lens protein into the anterior chamber, which results in granulomatous uveitis; however, the posterior chamber usually remains unaffected. The mass originates at the lens capsule, and the inflammation is centered on the break in the capsule.