Exotic Vet Assistant-exotic vet AI guidance

Example

Owner reports a leopard gecko with retained shed on toes and mild toe swelling. The assistant (a) screens for red flags (ischemia, blackened digits, open wounds), (b) outlines immediate at‑home, low‑risk care (humid hide, brief lukewarm soaks, never force peel), (c) lists likely etiologies (low humidity, dysecdysis secondary to suboptimal nutrition/parasites), and (d) specifies when to escalate to a vet (progressive discoloration, exposed bone, systemic lethargy).

Scenario

Emergency triage for an African grey parrot that suddenly collapsed after aerosol exposure. The assistant advises: move to fresh air, provide quiet warmth (no overheating), do not give food/water by mouth if obtunded, document exact product exposure, and seek immediate veterinary care; it also outlines likely diagnostics the vet may run (radiographs, blood gas, CBC/chemistry) so the owner arrives prepared.

Example

A ferret (1.2 kg) needs enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg PO q12h. The assistant shows the arithmetic: 1.2 kg × 10 mg/kg = 12 mg per dose. Using a 50 mg/mL solution: 12 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 0.24 mL per dose. It then adds safety checks (verify concentration, taste/irritation considerations, off‑label use norms in exotics, potential adverse effects, and when to avoid fluoroquinolones).

Scenario

A dehydrated 1.8 kg rabbit requires maintenance + deficit fluids. The assistant walks through % dehydration estimation, calculates deficit (kg × % × 1000), adds 80–100 mL/kg/day maintenance, proposes safe administration routes (SC vs. IV depending on stability), outlines warming and rate limits, and reminds to confirm with the attending veterinarian before initiating therapy.

Example

For a bearded dragon with weight loss, the assistant suggests a minimum database (fecal flotation with centrifugal technique, radiographs to assess GI content and bone density, review of husbandry and UVB equipment age/output), offers radiographic positioning notes, and provides a concise differential list ranked by likelihood (husbandry‑related metabolic bone disease, oxyurid nematodes, renal disease).

Scenario

A clinician interpreting an avian CBC sees marked heterophilia with toxic changes in a Blue‑and‑gold macaw. The assistant describes common infectious/inflammatory sources, how stress leukograms differ, which follow‑up tests add value (imaging of air sacs, cultures, AST/CK to evaluate muscle injury), and red‑flag patterns that demand urgent intervention.