Stephen Smith BVetMed (Hons) CertZooMed MRCVS

Steve graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2002. He spent two-years in small animal practice before starting a four-year residency in avian and exotic medicine at Great Western Referrals and Bristol University. In 2006, he gained the RCVS Certificate in Zoological Medicine. Currently he is working in companion animal practice in Buckinghamshire.

It is becoming increasingly popular for people to keep exotic animals as pets and more veterinary practices are experiencing an increasing caseload of exotics in-patients. The term "exotics" encompasses more unusual animals such as birds and reptiles but can often include small mammals, including guinea pigs and rabbits. In the 21st century owners expect appropriate treatment and nursing for these kinds of pets and this course aims to teach and develop high standards of exotic animal nursing care in veterinary practice.

Who should attend 

This course is suitable for all qualified veterinary nurses working in small animal practice, especially those with a particular interest in improving their confidence and knowledge of exotic pets. It may also be of interest to student nurses and nursing assistants involved in caring for these species.

What the course will help the attendees to do;

Understand the different nursing requirements of exotic patients

Be more confident when approaching sick exotic pets

Learn how to provide high standards of nursing to exotics

Learn new ideas and techniques to use straight-away in practice

Learning objectives

By the end of this course delegates should have a thorough understanding of:

• The basic requirements of exotic species in the hospital
• How to provide supportive care and nursing to exotic pets
• The ways in which exotics differ from dogs and cats
• Techniques to provide fluids, nutrition and medication to a range of exotics
• The increasing role of exotic pets within small animal practice