Emergency and Critical Care Management in Exotic Animals

Exotic animal emergency and critical care management requires knowledge and experience on species-specific anatomical, physiological, and behavioural differences. While most exotic pets hide their clinical signs until advanced stages of illness, careful observation and appropriate intervention are essential to improve treatment outcomes when the animal is first presented. Stabilization of the patient is based on the correction of hypothermia and dehydration, reduction of stress, and the provision of oxygen and nutritional support, with pain management and drug administration adjusted to the species. When cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required, differences in airway anatomy, respiratory rate, heart position, and metabolic requirements among exotic species should be taken into consideration. Drug administration, such as vasopressors, parasympatholytic agents, or glucose during CPR, should be organized based on the metabolic and enzymatic characteristics of the animal species. Monitoring of ECG, end-tidal CO₂, and body temperature is essential, especially in reptiles, because of the limited applicability of auscultation. Early diagnosis, appropriate stabilization, and an evidence-based therapeutic approach are crucial to improving the survival rate and quality of life in exotic pet patients.