title: Small exotic companion mammal wellness management and environmental enrichment.
abstract: Wellness management and environmental enrichment are important components of preventative veterinary medical care. Small exotic mammals represent a diverse group of pets with widely varying types of care, diet, and husbandry considerations; thus, environmental enrichment must go beyond the cage or tank design in order to provide proper mental fitness in meeting any pet's psychological needs. Addressing the pet's environmental, dietary, exercise, and social needs is vital to keeping these animals healthier and more disease resistant. The key to accomplishing this is largely impacted by the annual or biannual veterinary wellness visit and a commitment from the pet's owner.
authors.affiliation: The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine, 562 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10025, USA. Electronic address: apilny@avianandexoticvets.com.
authors.forename: Anthony A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Pilny
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D057805:Pets; D012931:Social Environment
keywords: Education; Environmental enrichment; Exotic mammal; Preventative medicine; Wellness