Event Details

Join NMVMA at the ABQ BioPark for a practical continuing education program designed to help small animal practitioners build confidence in exotic companion animal medicine. This one-hour, in-person session will cover reptiles and amphibians, pet birds, and small mammals, with a focus on common species, preventive care, handling, diagnostics, and real-world clinical considerations.

Full Event Description

Small animal practitioners increasingly encounter exotic companion animal patients, yet many veterinarians have had limited formal training in this area. This practical, introductory CE program will help participants strengthen their foundation in exotic companion animal medicine and better prepare to evaluate, triage, counsel clients, and determine when referral makes sense.

The session will feature focused instruction on reptiles and amphibians, pet birds, and small mammals. Presenters will cover common species seen in practice, husbandry and nutrition, preventive care, common medical conditions, handling and examination considerations, practical equipment needs, and reliable clinical resources.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• Identify common exotic companion animal species encountered in private practice and describe key husbandry factors that influence health outcomes
• Recognize preventive care needs and early signs of illness in pet birds, reptiles and amphibians, and small mammal patients
• Describe practical examination, handling, diagnostic, equipment, and referral considerations for exotic companion animal patients in a small animal setting
• Use appropriate clinical resources and client education strategies to support care and decision making for this underserved patient population

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for veterinarians and the broader veterinary team who want a stronger introductory foundation in exotic companion animal medicine, along with practical guidance to support patient care in everyday practice.

Event Timing

We invite attendees to join us for informal, open house-style tours of the zoo veterinary clinic beginning at 2:45 p.m. on Friday, May 22. The CE program will begin at 3:45 p.m. in the Colores building.

Registration

Register today to join NMVMA at the ABQ BioPark for this practical CE opportunity.
Space may be limited, so early registration is encouraged.

CE Credit Statement

This program has been submitted for continuing education credit. CE approval is currently under review by the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine, and final details will be shared once available.