Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Small and exotic pets (MES) have become more common in Sweden and the demand for veterinary care for these pets has therefore also increased. There are concerns regarding potential welfare risks due to a lack of knowledge about proper husbandry practices amongst these pet owners. Previous studies in different countries have shown that there is indeed a lack of knowledge and that it can have severe welfare consequences for MES. The aim of this study was to investigate the most common health and welfare issues that these pets face within Swedish husbandry, as well as the availability of veterinary care. Data was gathered via two methods: 1) Small animal veterinary clinics were contacted individually and asked to contribute with data regarding if they received MES as patients, to what extent they offer care, and data regarding the diagnoses given to their MES patients. 2) A survey regarding opinions on, as well as expertise, regarding MES was sent out via The Swedish Veterinary Association’s newsletter. A total of 83 veterinary clinics participated in the study. A majority (43,4 %) of clinics did not accept MES as patients, and a minority (26,5 %) accepted MES for general care. Results showed that, in 178 rabbits, diagnoses regarding changes in general condition (17,1 %), ocular injury and disease (13,7 %), as well as gastrointestinal issues (9,1 %) were the most common. Of the 96 rodents included in the study the most common diagnoses concerned issues regarding the circulatory- and respiratory systems (17,5 %), skin and fur conditions (17,5 %), changes in general condition (12,6 %), and neoplasia (12,6 %). Insufficient data was gathered regarding pet birds and reptiles. Swedish veterinarians in this study were most knowledgeable regarding rabbits and rodents and least knowledgeable regarding reptiles. It was concluded that veterinary care is less accessible for MES in Sweden compared to other pets and that many health issues that have been found in previous studies, also pose potential welfare risks in Swedish husbandry of small and exotic pets.