Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians

08/15/2026

🐰🐹 What will you learn at Exotic365?

This year’s programme offers an exceptional range of clinically relevant education for exotic companion mammal professionals—from rabbit gastrointestinal and urogenital surgery to guinea pig medicine, ferret respiratory disease, diagnostic imaging, anaesthesia, dentistry, welfare and low-stress care.

Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students and other members of the exotic-animal healthcare team can explore practical sessions, emerging research, challenging clinical cases and cross-disciplinary perspectives from leaders in the field.
These are only a few of the sessions waiting for you in Philadelphia!

📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
📅 August 30–September 3, 2026

Follow the link to explore the complete programme and register: mjbmgmt.swoogo.com/exotic365_2026

08/12/2026

👂🐹 This , we’re all ears!

Otitis can be painful and may be associated with respiratory infections, parasites or underlying health concerns. Regular ear checks, clean and dry housing, a balanced diet and routine veterinary examinations can help protect your guinea pig’s ear health.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice head tilting, scratching, discharge from the ears, or balance changes.

08/10/2026

🦔 : Dental Radiography in African Pygmy Hedgehogs 🦷

African pygmy hedgehogs are commonly seen for dental and oral disorders, including calculus deposition, gingivitis, periodontitis, periapical infections, gingival hyperplasia, and neoplasia. However, there is limited published information on normal oral and dental anatomy in this species.

A recent study by Doss and colleagues evaluated the feasibility of oral examination and dental radiography in sedated four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). Twelve healthy adult hedgehogs were sedated using subcutaneous alfaxalone and midazolam, followed by oral examination, periodontal probing, and intraoral and skull radiographs.

The authors found that intraoral radiography was feasible in all hedgehogs, and the study provides useful baseline images for clinicians. Dental abnormalities were common, with calculus, missing teeth, gingivitis, and periodontal disease frequently identified. Most abnormalities were noted in the maxillary quadrants.

💡 This study highlights the importance of routine oral examination under chemical immobilization in pet hedgehogs, and supports the use of intraoral radiography to guide clinical decision-making.

📖 For more information, read the recent issue of the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine.

Reference: Doss GA, Jeon Y, Snyder C, 2026. Feasibility of dental and oral cavity examination and dental radiography in sedated four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine; 56:1–7.

08/03/2026

👁️🐰 : Glaucoma in rabbits

Glaucoma occurs when there is an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), resulting in progressive damage to the retina and optic nerve. Without prompt intervention, it can result in irreversible blindness and chronic ocular pain.

Clinical signs may include buphthalmos, corneal oedema, episcleral congestion, mydriasis, reduced vision and more subtle indicators of discomfort, such as reduced appetite or activity.

Tonometry is essential for diagnosis. Results should be interpreted alongside the complete ophthalmic examination, the contralateral eye, the tonometer model and setting, and factors such as restraint, sedation and time of day.

Treatment aims to reduce intraocular pressure, preserve any remaining vision and provide adequate analgesia. Medical therapy may be attempted, but refractory glaucoma and blind, persistently painful eyes often require surgical management.

Early recognition matters: damage to the retina and optic nerve is irreversible!

08/01/2026

👁️ More than meets the eye…

When an exotic companion mammal presents with ocular discharge, epiphora, exophthalmos, uveitis or another apparent “eye problem,” the underlying cause may not be confined to the globe.

Dental and nasolacrimal disease are important differentials in rabbits and rodents, while other ocular findings may provide clues to respiratory disease, infection, neoplasia or wider systemic illness.

A thorough bilateral ophthalmic examination is essential—but it should form part of a complete assessment of the patient, including the oral cavity, skull, respiratory system and overall health.

Treat ocular discomfort promptly, but keep looking for the underlying cause. Sometimes the eye is telling us what is happening elsewhere. 🔎

07/25/2026

Want to represent the AEMV in Philadelphia? There's only 1 day left to place your order! 👕

📢 Are you coming from outside the US? We will only have very limited stock available for purchase at the conference. Send an email to [email protected] with your shirt size to pick yours up on site!

🚨 AEMV Conference T-Shirt Orders Are OPEN! 🚨

We had a small hiccup with our first campaign (thank you to everyone who tried to order!), but we’re back with a new campaign—and this one is live for the next 9 days only!

Don’t miss your chance to grab this limited-edition shirt and show your AEMV pride throughout the conference and beyond. 🐇🐍🐠

Limited-time only—once the campaign closes, that’s it! This is your best opportunity to get an official conference t-shirt. We will have little to no shirt inventory available at the conference, so if you’d like one, please order now.

Every purchase helps support the AEMV Research Fund, so you’ll be representing our community while contributing to future advances in exotic mammal medicine. 🔬

🗓️ Order deadline: 26 July 2026
🔗 Follow the link to order now: www.customink.com/fundraising/annual-exotic365-conference-philadelphia-2026-0365

07/20/2026

🐹📖 : CT Evaluation of Ear Disease in Guinea Pigs

Middle ear disease occurs commonly in guinea pigs, but traditional radiography can be challenging due to their small anatomical structures, superimposition, and the potential need for anaesthesia.

A recent study by Döbelt and Kuhn evaluated CT findings of the external, middle, and inner ear in guinea pigs to better characterize abnormalities and estimate the prevalence of ear disease in this species.

The authors found that CT was a reliable imaging modality for detecting ear abnormalities, with 54 of 55 guinea pigs scanned without general anaesthesia. Middle ear abnormalities were identified in both clinically affected and subclinical patients, highlighting that ear disease may be present even without obvious signs.

💡 These findings support CT as a gold-standard imaging modality for guinea pigs with suspected ear disease, vestibular signs, or concurrent head pathology.

📖 Read the full article in the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine (2025).

✨ Reminder: Access to the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine—including this article and the full archive—is included with your AEMV membership.

Reference: Döbelt F, Kuhn A. 2026. Computed tomographic characterisation, grading and prevalence of external, middle and internal ear diseases in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine; 56:8–13.

07/18/2026

🚨 AEMV Conference T-Shirt Orders Are OPEN! 🚨

We had a small hiccup with our first campaign (thank you to everyone who tried to order!), but we’re back with a new campaign—and this one is live for the next 9 days only!

Don’t miss your chance to grab this limited-edition shirt and show your AEMV pride throughout the conference and beyond. 🐇🐍🐠

Limited-time only—once the campaign closes, that’s it! This is your best opportunity to get an official conference t-shirt. We will have little to no shirt inventory available at the conference, so if you’d like one, please order now.

Every purchase helps support the AEMV Research Fund, so you’ll be representing our community while contributing to future advances in exotic mammal medicine. 🔬

🗓️ Order deadline: 26 July 2026
🔗 Follow the link to order now: www.customink.com/fundraising/annual-exotic365-conference-philadelphia-2026-0365

07/16/2026

Congratulations to Dra. Carina Lucía Esteves Rodríguez, recipient of the 2026 Dr. Melissa Kling Scholarship!

Dra. Esteves Rodríguez is an exotic animal veterinarian from Uruguay, where exotic pet medicine is still an emerging field. After recognizing the limited availability of specialized exotic animal care and training in her country, she spent five years volunteering with specialized veterinarians as a student before graduating, later pursuing postgraduate training primarily through courses in Argentina and online learning opportunities, including AEMV educational programs.

In 2020, she opened Vet Exoticos, one of only two clinics in Uruguay dedicated exclusively to the care of exotic animals. Her work focuses on clinical care, with special interests in ultrasound and anesthesia, while also prioritizing owner education, preventive medicine, and evidence-based information through her online platforms.

By attending Exotic365, Dra. Carina Esteves hopes to continue advancing the standard of care for exotic companion animals in Uruguay and serve as a bridge between international academic excellence and the growing need for specialized veterinary medicine in her country.

Please join us in congratulating Dra. Carina Esteves on this well-deserved recognition!

07/10/2026