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Animals
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Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery—Recent Advances and Perspectives
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Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery—Recent Advances and Perspectives

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 6166

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ryou Tanaka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu 183-8509, Tokyo, Japan
Interests: mitral regurgitation; extracorporeal circulation; veterinary cardiology; veterinary surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Exotic animal medicine has experienced notable advancements in recent years, enhancing the care and treatment of non-traditional pets and wildlife. While some of these developments have drawn from techniques used in canine and feline care, exotic animal medicine has also evolved in its own unique way. This Special Issue aims to discuss and highlight the latest innovations in exotic animal healthcare, such as those outlined as follows:

Anesthesia and Analgesia: Technological innovations have improved anesthesia and pain management for exotic species. The use of specialized airway devices, endoscopic intubation techniques, positive intermittent pressure ventilators, and advanced blood pressure monitors has enhanced the safety and efficacy of procedures.

Clinical Pathology: Advances in diagnostic techniques have led to more accurate and timely diagnoses. The integration of smartphone applications and new laboratory methods has streamlined the analysis of blood, tissue, and other samples from exotic animals.

Evidence-Based Practices: The adoption of evidence-based approaches has refined treatment protocols. By systematically reviewing clinical data, veterinarians can implement therapies that are scientifically validated, improving patient outcomes.

Self-Medication Observations: Studies have documented instances of self-medication among wildlife, such as orangutans using medicinal plants to treat wounds. These observations offer insights into natural healing behaviors and potential applications in veterinary medicine.

I look forward to receiving your submissions.

Prof. Dr. Ryou Tanaka
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • exotic animal health
  • exotic animal surgery techniques
  • avian medicine
  • reptile surgery
  • small mammal anesthesia
  • exotic pet veterinary care
  • wildlife medicine
  • zoological medicine
  • exotic species pathology
  • exotic animal pharmacology

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2249 KB  
Article
Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations and Associated Factors in Captive Dolphins: Potential Implications for Cardiovascular Assessment
by Megumi Yamamoto, Kyogo Hagino, Chika Shirakata, Takaomi Ito, Keiichi Ueda, Mariko Omata, Akiko Uemura and Ryou Tanaka
Animals 2026, 16(8), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081151 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 766
Abstract
This exploratory study evaluated plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations in four species of captive cetaceans and their associations with physiological and environmental factors, including husbandry conditions, diet, and management practices. Twenty-six individuals were voluntarily sampled, and blood samples were analyzed using a [...] Read more.
This exploratory study evaluated plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations in four species of captive cetaceans and their associations with physiological and environmental factors, including husbandry conditions, diet, and management practices. Twenty-six individuals were voluntarily sampled, and blood samples were analyzed using a human-based chemiluminescent immunoassay. Transthoracic echocardiography was also attempted in several individuals but was technically challenging due to interference from the lung tissue and the sternum. The mean plasma ANP concentration in clinically healthy young animals was 44.12 ± 14.62 pg/mL, with no significant differences observed according to age, sex, species, or the presence of mild chronic disease. ANP was detectable across all species using human reagents. In addition, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a commonly used cardiac biomarker in humans and other animals, was evaluated for comparison; however, BNP concentrations remained below the detection threshold, possibly reflecting species-specific differences. Importantly, ANP concentrations were not evaluated in animals with clinically significant disease, and therefore the relevance of these findings to diseased populations remains unknown. These results demonstrate that plasma ANP can be measured using existing clinical assays and provide preliminary baseline data for multiple cetacean species. Overall, ANP may offer preliminary insights into physiological variation in managed cetaceans; however, its utility as a biomarker for cardiovascular or systemic health assessment remains to be determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery—Recent Advances and Perspectives)
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13 pages, 1261 KB  
Article
Cataract Surgery in Pet Rabbits: Clinical Presentation, Treatment, and Long-Term Outcomes
by Natthanet Sritrakoon, Kanyarat Jitsophakul, Ladawan Areevijittrakul and Aree Thayananuphat
Animals 2025, 15(19), 2898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192898 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 2064
Abstract
Cataracts cause vision loss in rabbits, often either spontaneously or as secondary to uveitis. This study considers the ophthalmic presentation, treatment, and outcome of phacoemulsification in seven pet rabbits: six presenting with lens cloudiness and one presenting with a white mass in the [...] Read more.
Cataracts cause vision loss in rabbits, often either spontaneously or as secondary to uveitis. This study considers the ophthalmic presentation, treatment, and outcome of phacoemulsification in seven pet rabbits: six presenting with lens cloudiness and one presenting with a white mass in the iris. Ophthalmic examinations revealed cataracts. The treatment plan was phacoemulsification. Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique performed on all rabbits. Ocular ultrasonography was performed to rule out retinal detachment. Phacoemulsification using the one-handed technique without intraocular lens implantation was performed in 8 of the eyes of the 7 rabbits. After surgery, the corneal wounds healed within 2 weeks. All rabbits were comfortable with opening their eyes and had a positive dazzle reflex and a clear visual axis, with no other severe complications (such as retinal detachment, intraocular hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled glaucoma) throughout the post-operative period. Postoperative complications consisted of corneal edema around the surgical wound (2 eyes; 25%); partial anterior synechiae (1 eye; 12.5%); partial posterior synechiae (5 eyes; 3 eyes before surgery and 2 eyes after surgery; 25%); posterior capsular opacities (3 eyes; 37.5%); and lens fiber overgrowths (2 eyes; 25%). In conclusion, successful phacoemulsification was achieved in the seven pet rabbits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery—Recent Advances and Perspectives)
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13 pages, 579 KB  
Article
Molecular Epidemiology of Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV), Avian Polyomavirus (APV-1), Psittacid Herpesvirus 1 (PsHV-1), and Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) in Birds Kept as Non-Traditional Companion Animals (NTCAs) in Italy
by Riccardo Baston, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Alberto Caudullo, Francesca Poletto, Matteo Legnardi, Mattia Cecchinato, Michele Drigo, Giovanni Franzo and Diego Cattarossi
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152164 - 22 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1761
Abstract
The non-traditional companion animal (NTCA) sector, particularly involving avian species, has significantly expanded in Italy, raising concerns over the spread of infectious diseases. These animals can harbor various pathogens and act as reservoirs, posing risks to native wildlife through legal or illegal trade, [...] Read more.
The non-traditional companion animal (NTCA) sector, particularly involving avian species, has significantly expanded in Italy, raising concerns over the spread of infectious diseases. These animals can harbor various pathogens and act as reservoirs, posing risks to native wildlife through legal or illegal trade, escapes, or intentional releases. However, the epidemiology of avian pathogens in NTCAs remains poorly understood and is typically investigated only in symptomatic individuals. In the present study, cloacal and choanal cleft swabs were collected from 319 ornamental and raptor birds across 19 families, pooled and tested for beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), avian polyomavirus (APV-1), psittacid herpesvirus 1 (PsHV-1), and avian metapneumovirus (aMPV). BFDV and APV-1 were detected in 13.79% and 2.19% of birds, respectively, with five co-infections. No cases of PsHV-1 or aMPV were found. Both viruses showed a higher prevalence than in previous Italian and most of international studies, with several non-psittacine species, including birds of prey, testing positive—some for the first time. Mixed-species settings and participation in public exhibitions were proven as significant infection risk factors. The study highlights the growing relevance of BFDV and APV-1 in non-commercial birds and recommends improved biosecurity and preventive screening to reduce disease spread and safeguard animal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery—Recent Advances and Perspectives)
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