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Animals
Special Issues
Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine
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Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 6081

Special Issue Editors

Dr. María Ardiaca-García

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hospital Veterinario Medivet 24h Los Sauces, Madrid, Spain
Interests: exotic pet medicine; diagnostic imaging of exotic pets; clinical pathology of exotic pets
Dr. Andrés Montesinos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro Veterinario Los Sauces, Madrid, Spain
Interests: exotic pet medicine; pharmacology of exotic pets; surgery of exotic pets; endoscopy of exotic pets

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of exotic animal medicine has significantly expanded in recent years, contributing a wealth of valuable scientific data. However, due to its vast and complex scope, important gaps remain, and high-quality scientific information is still lacking in many areas and species. In this context, sharing data and research findings is essential for advancing our knowledge and enabling a systematic, evidence-based approach to diseases affecting our exotic patients.

We are pleased to announce the Special Issue of Animals, ‘Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine’. This Special Issue aims to bring together relevant publications on various topics related to exotic pet medicine. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, case series, and communications that enhance our understanding of this field. The scope of this Special Issue includes any important area of medicine and surgery relating to exotic pets, such as the following:

  • Clinical pathology;
  • Diagnostic imaging;
  • Pharmacology;
  • Surgery;
  • Endoscopy;
  • Pathology;
  • Clinical trials;
  • Case series on a specific disease or syndrome (a minimum of three cases must be included to be considered a case series);
  • Clinical cases (one or two clinical cases reporting novel, unique, or rarely reported clinical entities, unusual presentations of established clinical entities, new clinical diagnostic methods, or novel/previously not described treatments and outcomes).

We very much look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. María Ardiaca-García
Dr. Andrés Montesinos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • exotic pet medicine
  • avian medicine
  • reptile medicine
  • small mammals
  • amphibian
  • ornamental fish
  • psittacine
  • passerine
  • rabbit
  • rodents
  • tortoises
  • turtles

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2873 KB  
Article
Computed Tomographic Study in 73 Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): Evaluation of the Correlation Between Dental and Thoracic Pathology
by Glenda Murciano, Iván Alonso-Fernández, Rosa Novellas, Osvaldo Fonseca-Rodríguez and Jaume Martorell
Animals 2026, 16(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020342 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Background: Dental and respiratory diseases are common in companion rabbits. While upper respiratory tract disorders have been described in association with dental pathology, the possible correlation between dental disease and pulmonary lesions has not yet been investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted [...] Read more.
Background: Dental and respiratory diseases are common in companion rabbits. While upper respiratory tract disorders have been described in association with dental pathology, the possible correlation between dental disease and pulmonary lesions has not yet been investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on client-owned rabbits presented for suspected dental disease that underwent head and thoracic computed tomography (2012–2025) at a veterinary teaching hospital. Seventy-three rabbits met the inclusion criteria (mean age 4.96 years). Results: Dental involvement was present in 81% (59/73) of the rabbits and pulmonary lesions in 29% (21/73). Among rabbits with dental disease, frequent osseous findings included osteomyelitis (49%), inflammatory resorption (42%), and maxillary deformities (33%). Pulmonary abnormalities occurred in 32% of rabbits with dental disease compared to 14% of those without. In Poisson models with log link adjusted for age and sex, dental disease was not significantly associated with pulmonary lesions (prevalence ratio [PR] 2.14; 95% CI 0.55–8.38; p = 0.275). Sensitivity analyses using 1:1 matching with cluster-robust variance (PR 3.24; 95% CI 0.65–16.1; p = 0.152) and overlap-weighted doubly robust estimation (PR 2.08; 95% CI 0.42–10.4; p = 0.371) yielded directionally positive but imprecise results. Conclusions: Computed tomography proved valuable for the evaluation of thoracic comorbidities in rabbits with dental disease. Although dental and pulmonary abnormalities were often observed together, a statistically significant association was not established. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to further clarify this relationship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine)
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15 pages, 1140 KB  
Article
Serum Proteomic Changes in Pet Rabbits with Subclinical and Clinical Encephalitozoonosis in Thailand
by Taksaon Duangurai, Onrapak Reamtong, Tipparat Thiangtrongjit, Siriluk Jala, Peerut Chienwichai and Naris Thengchaisri
Animals 2025, 15(13), 1962; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131962 - 3 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1160
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi causes both clinical and subclinical infections in rabbits, complicating a diagnosis due to the limitations of conventional tools like ELISA. This study analyzes serum proteomic profiles across clinical, subclinical, and healthy rabbits to identify discriminatory biomarkers. Serum from 90 pet rabbits [...] Read more.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi causes both clinical and subclinical infections in rabbits, complicating a diagnosis due to the limitations of conventional tools like ELISA. This study analyzes serum proteomic profiles across clinical, subclinical, and healthy rabbits to identify discriminatory biomarkers. Serum from 90 pet rabbits (30 per group) was pooled (10 samples per pool, 3 pools per group) and analyzed using one-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The proteomic analysis revealed 109, 98, and 74 proteins expressed in healthy, subclinical, and clinical groups, respectively. Of these, 50, 40, and 33 proteins were unique to the healthy, subclinical, and clinical groups, respectively, with only 10 proteins shared across all. A total of 88 proteins were differentially expressed in infected groups compared to healthy controls. Importantly, 12 proteins were consistently upregulated in both subclinical and clinical infections. These include markers related to the immune response (beta-2-microglobulin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein), coagulation (antithrombin-III, alpha-1-antiproteinase S-1), vitamin A transport (retinol-binding proteins), lipid metabolism (apolipoprotein C-III), cytoskeletal regulation (actin-depolymerizing factor), extracellular matrix integrity (fibrillin 2), and oxidative stress (monooxygenase DBH-like 1). Additionally, Gc-globulin and ER lipid-raft-associated 1 were linked to immune modulation and signaling. These findings identify specific serum proteins as promising biomarkers for distinguishing subclinical from clinical encephalitozoonosis in rabbits, enabling an early diagnosis and effective disease monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine)
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Review

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43 pages, 5339 KB  
Review
Encephalitozoonosis in Pet Rabbits: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Immunology and Consensus on Clinical Management
by Emma Keeble, Frank Kϋnzel, Fabiano Montiani-Ferreira, Jennifer Graham, Edita Jeklová, Sari Kanfer, Angela Lennox, Guillaume Desoubeaux, Ethan Biswell, Carolyn Cray and Anja Joachim
Animals 2026, 16(2), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020346 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Members of the microsporidial genus Encephalitozoon have the capacity to infect both mammals and birds, and E. cuniculi is most commonly found in rabbits. With a seroprevalence ranging up to 85%, E. cuniculi can be a problem in pet rabbits as well as [...] Read more.
Members of the microsporidial genus Encephalitozoon have the capacity to infect both mammals and birds, and E. cuniculi is most commonly found in rabbits. With a seroprevalence ranging up to 85%, E. cuniculi can be a problem in pet rabbits as well as in food production and laboratory animal science. While most infections are likely subclinical, there are three main clinical presentations: neurological, renal, and ocular. Typical clinical signs including vestibular disease and phacoclastic uveitis may develop with initial or relapsing infection, while renal infection is usually progressive and associated with non-specific clinical signs. High-sensitivity/specificity ante mortem diagnostic options are lacking, and serological testing most often provides adjunct rather than definitive information such that physical examination and other diagnostics are used more so for ruling out other differentials and comorbidities, rather than confirming infection. In the veterinary community, treatment regimens are variable given the lack of thorough studies and a consensus. The aim of this document is to present the available literature to give a concise review of this organism and its infection of rabbits as well as to propose guidelines and protocols for diagnostics and treatment regimens. In addition, the current challenges and recommendations for further studies are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine)
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19 pages, 438 KB  
Review
The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Wildlife Veterinary Medicine
by Manuel Fuertes-Recuero, Teresa Encinas Cerezo and Pablo Morón-Elorza
Animals 2025, 15(22), 3352; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223352 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 934
Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous blood product concentrated with platelets and their associated growth factors, has been the subject of increasing investigation in veterinary medicine. Although it is widely used in domestic species, its use in wildlife is less well-explored, despite its potential [...] Read more.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous blood product concentrated with platelets and their associated growth factors, has been the subject of increasing investigation in veterinary medicine. Although it is widely used in domestic species, its use in wildlife is less well-explored, despite its potential to address complicated clinical scenarios such as traumatic injuries, chronic wounds, and orthopaedic conditions, which are frequently encountered in wild animals under human care. Expanding the evidence base for PRP in non-domestic species could therefore significantly advance clinical outcomes in rehabilitation, zoo medicine, and conservation initiatives. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and describe the existing evidence on the clinical use of PRP in wildlife. This included details on protocols, outcomes, species-specific considerations, and knowledge that is still missing. A literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to August 2025. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on the preparation, application, or clinical outcomes of PRP in non-domestic animal species. This included case reports, research articles, and reviews. A total of 65 studies were finally included. The data were classified by species group (e.g., reptiles, birds, mammals) and clinical application (e.g., wound healing, orthopaedics, chronic disease management). The search identified a limited but growing body of evidence, primarily consisting of case reports and small-scale experimental studies. The application of PRP was found to have beneficial effects on wound closure, inflammation reduction, and enhanced tissue regeneration across multiple taxa. However, substantial variation existed across protocols in platelet concentration, activation methods, and application routes across protocols. Species-specific challenges, such as limited blood volume and logistical constraints in wildlife settings, were frequently noted. Current evidence suggests that PRP is a promising therapeutic tool in wildlife medicine; however, the development of standardised methodologies and the implementation of controlled clinical trials remain urgently needed. Widening its use could not only enhance animal welfare but also reinforce conservation initiatives and advance One Health strategies by generating insights with direct relevance to human medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine)
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28 pages, 1220 KB  
Review
Odontogenic Abscesses in Pet Rabbits: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Advances
by Smaranda Crăciun and George Cosmin Nadăş
Animals 2025, 15(13), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131994 - 7 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1885
Abstract
Odontogenic abscesses are a frequent and challenging clinical issue in pet rabbits, often requiring a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This review collates current evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rabbit odontogenic abscesses, with a focus on imaging advances, microbial diversity, [...] Read more.
Odontogenic abscesses are a frequent and challenging clinical issue in pet rabbits, often requiring a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This review collates current evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rabbit odontogenic abscesses, with a focus on imaging advances, microbial diversity, and local antimicrobial therapies. Predisposing factors include congenital conformation, inappropriate diet (insufficient abrasiveness, calcium or Vit D deficiencies, etc.), trauma, and neoplasia. Imaging techniques such as CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT) enable early detection and surgical planning, while traditional radiography remains useful in general practice. Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, surgical curettage, and the use of localized delivery systems such as antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (AIPMMA) beads. Adjunctive therapies like Manuka honey are also discussed. Two original heatmaps summarize bacterial prevalence and antimicrobial resistance from six peer-reviewed studies. These visualizations highlight the polymicrobial nature of these infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Preventive strategies focus on optimal diet, regular dental checks, and owner education. The review also identifies key gaps in the literature, including the underreporting of anaerobes and lack of standardized treatment protocols. This article aims to support veterinary professionals in delivering evidence-based, individualized care to improve outcomes in rabbits with odontogenic abscesses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine)
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Other

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9 pages, 2030 KB  
Case Report
Pneumoperitoneum Secondary to Colonic Perforation in a Domestic Rabbit
by Margherita Romano, Stefano Esposito and Pierantonio Battiato
Animals 2026, 16(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020198 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 298
Abstract
A two-year-old, intact female, domestic fawn-colored dwarf lop rabbit was presented with apathy and anorexia. Clinical examination revealed hypothermia, tachycardia, and abdominal pain. Routine hematology, biochemistry, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated pneumoperitoneum, generalized small intestinal distention and marked focal [...] Read more.
A two-year-old, intact female, domestic fawn-colored dwarf lop rabbit was presented with apathy and anorexia. Clinical examination revealed hypothermia, tachycardia, and abdominal pain. Routine hematology, biochemistry, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated pneumoperitoneum, generalized small intestinal distention and marked focal dilation of the descending colon by amorphous and partially mineralized material. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of free gas along with abdominal effusion. Exploratory laparotomy revealed focal perforation of the descending colon associated with mural abscess formation containing fecal material and pus. The severity of the lesions and multiple adhesions to adjacent organs (urinary bladder and uterus) led to the decision for intraoperative euthanasia. This case report describes clinical, imaging and surgical findings of pneumoperitoneum related to septic peritonitis secondary to colonic perforation in a domestic rabbit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Exotic Pet Medicine)
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