“Wide-ranging exotics care provided by a leading expert in the field”
- Craig Hunt has provided the exotic pet service at Chine House since 2005, and holds the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine and the RCVS Diploma in Zoo Medicine. Craig is one of the most experienced and highly qualified exotic animal vets in the country, and has recently been recognised as a specialist in zoo and wildlife medicine by the RCVS
- Craig aims to provide a personal and high quality first and second opinion service in ‘exotic pet’ medicine and surgery. Most species of exotic pet are catered for, including parrots, raptors, ornamental fowl, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, small mammals, ferrets, primates, amphibians, ornamental fish and invertebrates. He regularly receives referrals from other vets in the Midlands and beyond.
- Many exotic pets are adept at hiding illness and disease until very late in the course of their condition and are, therefore, often taken to vets when the pet has been ill for some time. At this point many illnesses are advanced and difficult or impossible to cure. Preventative care is encouraged and, with this in mind, post-purchase examination and annual health checks are recommended for all exotic pets. These consultations give an opportunity to discuss and advise upon species-specific problems, diet, care and husbandry.
Hospitalisation and Nursing
- There are three separate wards, situated away from the dog and cat wards, allowing predatory and non-predatory species to be hospitalised separately.
- Temperature, UV light and humidity controlled intensive care units, with the ability to deliver oxygen and nebulisation, are designed to accommodate almost any exotic pet, including aquatic species.
- Our dedicated nursing team are trained and experienced in nursing exotic species and many have, or are working towards, additional qulaifications in advanced nursing and exotic animal nursing.
- State-of-the-art surgical facilities include a dedicated surgical preparation area and theatre specifically for exotic animals and situated away from dogs and cats to minimise stress.
- All patients are continually monitored by one of our dedicated, trained nurses with the aid of modern monitoring equipment for capnography, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, ECG and body temperature. A ventilator is used to breathe for the patient during anaesthesia.
- A Ligasure, radiosurgery and titanium haemoclips are used to minimise blood loss during surgery. Microsurgical equipment enables Craig to perform major surgery on even the smallest of patients.
