From national zoos and safari parks to a small percentage of UK households, those responsible for the care and physical wellbeing of animals from climates different to our own will at some point require specialist exotic pet health tests. While public parks and zoos often provide homes for large species, some of the more common kinds of exotic pets kept by people are much smaller, such as reptiles and birds. Due to their size, these creatures require highly specialised veterinarians with equally specialised equipment when small samples must be taken and tested.
At Pinmoore Animal Laboratory Services (PALS), our staff are experts in conducting an extensive range of exotic pet health tests across the UK, providing our services to veterinary practices, animal parks and private pet owners, among others. Let’s take a closer look at some of the conditions suffered by the exotic species we offer support for, and explain some of the advanced health tests we are able to accurately perform using the latest technology available.
Exotic pet health tests for avian creatures
For many years, PALS has been providing vets, animal parks and the avian community with dependable and accurate tests for the exotic species they care for. The tests we conduct are performed numerous times a week and sometimes on a daily basis when results are urgently required.
Exotic birds can suffer from a range of conditions, including psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) and chlamydia. While we offer tests to check for these health problems, we also offer other additional tests for exotic avian species, including faecal screening and sexing.
Our process is designed to be simple and straightforward. Customers can order their required testing kit and we will issue it by post with instructions on use and a submission form to be completed in full.
To assist us in making an accurate analysis, for the Chlamydia PCR and the faecal tests, our lab requires a three-day pooled faecal sample, and urates (the white parts of droppings) must not be submitted for testing. Ensure samples are kept in a cool location like a shed or garage (not as cold as a fridge) while awaiting collection. For Sexing PCR and PBFD PCR tests, our lab requires either a feather pluck that contains pulp or sample of heparin blood that has been taken by a qualified exotic vet.
Exotic pet health tests for reptiles
We provide a wide selection of tests for diagnosing conditions in lizards, snakes, turtles, and tortoises, ranging from bacterial and fungal infections to diseases and viruses.
Our lab’s cutting-edge equipment is ideal for testing small samples of heparinised blood from exotic reptiles. We also provide a range of different faecal screens for reptile owners that can test the gastrointestinal health of an animal, as well as checking for infections, viruses and parasites.
The ordering of testing kits for reptiles follows the same procedures as mentioned above for birds, but sample requirements differ. Our lab will need samples taken on three different dates, but preferably within a seven-day period.
For Arenavirus PCR, the lab requires a heparin blood sample collected by an exotic vet, along with an oesophageal plain swab. For Nidovirus PCR, we’ll require a tracheal lavage or plain swab, and for Adenovirus PCR, an oral/cloacal plain swab.
PALS – a leading laboratory for exotic pet health tests
At PALS, it is our continuing mission to expand and provide our full spectrum of services and tests to the veterinary practices, zoos, animal parks, and private pet owners. We offer a complete selection of advanced tests across multiple disciplines that include but are not limited to haematology, cytology, biochemistry, and microbiology, along with a professional post-mortem service when required by our clients.
We have assembled a team with proven expertise in conducting laboratory work for exotic animals. From zoo animals like zebras and aardvarks, to beloved household pets like parrots and snakes, we have the experience and skills to produce comprehensive profiles for a wide range of exotic creatures.
To support the work we undertake centred on exotic animals, we have made significant investment in the most advanced technology for testing currently available. This ensures we are always able to offer our clients a premium level of service that they can count on, delivering fast and accurate results every time. Part of our investment has involved the purchase of state-of-the-art precision analysers, equipment with the capability to cope with miniscule test samples. With this technology at our disposal, we are able to specialise in sample volumes of 0.4 heparinised blood – ideal when working with exotics.
Accuracy assured for all exotic pet health tests
Our operation is designed to provide our customers with a smooth and seamless service but also peace of mind and confidence in our results. PALS is now a member of multiple external schemes assessing quality control, and also adheres to a strict code of quality control policies internally to ensure utmost accuracy in all test results we obtain.
To deliver total consistency for these results, our staff also work to rigid operating procedures and all our measures, protocols and procedures are periodically reviewed and refreshed when necessary.
We only employ fully qualified personnel to work at PALS. Each one of our onsite biomedical scientists has earned a relevant degree in biomedicine, or been state-registered with the UK’s Health and Care Professionals Council.
Saving veterinary services and zoos time and money
The service we provide is designed to offer our clients a rapid turnaround on results at exceptionally competitive prices. We have developed a cost-structure that provides the best value for the prices paid by our customers for exotic animal testing. Whether you require tests like endocrinology, biochemistry, or haematology, we can also provide a same-day service when you need results quickly.
Please note that we are a biomedical laboratory and do not operate a veterinary practice. This means that we are unable to offer recommendations regarding the treatments available for health conditions. This is instead the role that your exotic vet will fulfil as required.
Don’t hesitate to contact our expert team at PALS today for advice and support on exotic pet health tests, or to use any of our specialist services offered for exotic animals.