His specialties include Family Medicine, Surgery, Traumatic Surgery. Tan reviews, contact info, practice history, affiliated hospitals & more. Emergency Vets you referred to I believe to be on Nat Geo Wild. Animals treated include a sulcata tortoise with a mass on its neck; a 9-year-old chinchilla bleeding from the mouth; a therapy chicken with a lame leg; and a pot-bellied pig on a diet undergoes a weight-loss test. She does. Again Dr. K is just trying to keep random people from buying exotics on impulse. But NOT because its "what I feel like doing"! "Dr K's comments are based on rampant bad logic about how animals live." My Corgi Luna loves watching this show, and we are watching the Gloves Off! Further, they appear to have the interest of the pet/animal at heart, while their critics appear to put their own personal self-interest first - i.e. Just a minor correction. The ideal environment for non-domesticated species is in their natural habitat, i.e. If someone disagrees with Dr. K., they should simply avoid her practice and go elsewhere. Because they've had over a decade of schooling to help them form this opinion. It is always recommended to have an outdoor enclosure for "big" (actually medium) sized cats. AND just for the record Dr. Kelleher performed life saving surgery on one of my birds to correct a birth defect and on the other when it was attached by a feral (abandoned) pussy cat. THIS IS NOT IN DISPUTE. Actual owners of venomous reptiles are often aware of the risks. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on February 28, 2019: "Tonight I watched an episode in which she talked to a gentleman about creating a foraging environment for a lemur. A tortoise who cannot lay its eggs is assisted. You don't even understand what I'm complaining about, of course. The irrefutable arguments do not hold up, it self serving and reaching to say that everyone has owned an "exotic pet." But I know they are still very much a wild animal & respect that. Animals fight for their lives after attacks by outsiders and their own kind. Exotics should not be considered. A prairie dog that mysteriously lost its top teeth is examined. Yes I would, if like Dr I they were basing their guidance on their experiences, & their obvious compassion for the welfare of my parent. That's just your prejudiced view of owners who have animals you don't care to own. If you bothered to actually watch the show you'd know you left out a large portion of the quotes from Dr. K and Dr. T about their views on wild animals as pets, though I suspect you left the rest of the quotes out because it suited your needs for your wildly childish attempt at journalism. She owns several exotic creatures. Can you come up with one valid reason to justify her comments about the fennec fox? Se live-tv eller on-demand People who actually love these animals do everything they possibly can to keep them in their native homes- and they certainly do not promote exotic animal ownership which just promotes the pet trade. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 04, 2016: "Maybe if you got the education Dr K did, done the volunteer work & the many years in private practice she's done to base her opinions on exotic pet ownership you too could be on TV & be watched by millions,". Question: Do you think potential exotic pet owners should have to take some training before being licensed to have that pet? So you have to make things up to support your argument? She brought the lynx back saying he still was having issues with it. The first one blew off the risk to the marmoset of public exposure before year one. She makes it clear that she will not judge and the animal comes first. Narrated by Chris Payne Gilbert (from TBS sitcom 10 Items or Less), the National Geographic programme follows Dr. Lauren Thielen, owner of an exotic animal clinic based near one of the state’s largest and busiest animal hospitals in Texas. Domestic pets have plenty of problems too, but no one starts saying they shouldn't be owned. What is critical about that? Tom Cronenwett was a regular face on Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER. One example is the lady who brought a lynx in. I think its funny that the writer is afraid to post comments that contradict her written assumptions. If you truely love the animal you want to buy , that shouldn't be a problem. It's very sad to see someone so self absorbed they can't see the obvious, especially when it contributes to the exotic pet trade, animals who have no say and no protection. Dr. K performs emergency surgery on a baby bird who can't breathe. Guinea pigs are often placed in cages that are too small and without a companion. If you’ve watched this show at all, you would know Dr. K does support people owning exotic animals, just not all animals. A bloated dwarf rabbit is treated. And I find it funny that you took remarks made by Dr K & Dr. T and made them to suit your needs. It's a day of mystery at the clinic when a bearded dragon suffers a peculiar illness. © 2021 Maven Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. While it is true we've all owned so-called "exotic" pets. I wouldn’t take my bird nor rabbit anywhere else. Dr. K is also one person who I've never heard calling for the ban on exotics. The difference between an exotic animal and a domestic one is the difference between a dog and a wolf. 2. Reptiles have some serious issues in captivity. So good luck to you but I CANNOT disagree with you more. The exotic pets people have are going to be in captivity anyway, so why not make sure they have a good owner, that is what Dr. K wants people to know. Theses animals require a dedeicated owner and environment, especially large animals. Respond back. Suzanna Huttenmaier on September 03, 2018: This article is your opinion and all you have to back up your claims is by a few comments on her show. Two goldfish have mobility issues; a severe macaw has a serious bite wound on its foot; a rabbit requires exploratory surgery for fluid in the abdomen; a tiny yellow-bellied slider may have pneumonia; and a ferret has tumor on its tail. They die due to strange people diets and not they're natural foods or environments. I don't need to hear her say the exotic pet trade is terrible. Who is Dr. Lauren Thielen? I provide hand-typed quotes from the show. Dyanne Velasquez, Certified Veterinary Technician, This page was last edited on 10 May 2021, at 00:14. Dr.K T John specializes in Gastroenterology,Internal Medicine, find address of K T John She's doing her job. This might be hard for you to understand. She's very compassionate as far as treating your pet like a family member. You act so offended by her comments but they were actually aimed at making sure random people watching her show do not decide to impulsively buy a lemur. But responsible people buy captive-bred animals, which is also 'fueled'. If she didn't care about the welfare of the animals she treats she would not give her opinions on exotic pet ownership & the pet trade & encourage people to own these pets to as you say to fulfill your "passion" to do so. My argument is I'm deeply concerned about those exotic pet owners who are suddenly overwhelmed by what they have adopted. Do your ramblings include bunnies, hamsters, and guinea pigs? Who the hell do you think you are? Some people just shouldn't own exotics. I also recall Dr. K stating she doesn't approve of the pets usually 4 weeks old and unweaned being in the pet trade. So you’re allowed to stand on your soapbox and tell us all why Dr. K is wrong and you’re right, but we’re not allowed to say anything against you? You use the word "logic". This statement tells us that not only is the fennec fox wild population highly unlikely to be in trouble, but the ‘pet trade’ they are a part of mainly exists locally in their native region (“exhibition or sale to tourists”). The majority of owners can't provide enormous spaces to roam, etc. I own exotic pets, but I also felt nothing Dr.K said here was wrong. You have the audacity to present your rant as a plead for me to retract my valid arguments? So wake up and realize the possible dangers. So in short your argument comes down to, " shut up and let me do what I want to do because I like keeping cool animals and I don't want to think about the consequences." You perceive them as 'dumb' or less capable of potentially suffering the effects of bad captivity than the other. I love Dr. K and the other docs. That's the definition of close minded. Bottom line: be grateful that her practice is there to provide the professional and caring service that it does. I understand that sometimes honesty can seem hurtful. You are not the only one concerned in this (as much as you would like to think so). I mean, really, who are you to decide what is "reasonable." A tegu with tummy trouble; and discovering something out of a routine check-up with a cockatiel. Unlike many zoos I'm unafraid to benefit myself with animal use in some unpopular way without trying to claim I'm 'conserving the species' and other BS. By the way, what are your credentials? Dr. T, Lone Star Vet. Dr. K's show is for the purpose of education and awareness. She wants the owners of these animals to understand the huge responsibility and challenge it is to create good conditions for these animals. She has taken the time and commitment to educate me on the care of my exotic pets. She is concerned with the animals well-being, both on the individual level represented by her patients and in the broader context as a species, and not necessarily acting as a lobbyist for exotic pet owners. Elsewhere, an injured tortoise is treated by Dr. G. Dr. K works to save two Amazon parrots who were attacked by a dog. Wow, what happened to everyone being entitled to their opinions? Dr. K's clinic fills up with mysterious cases, including a sugar glider who isn't eating. This is an absurd argument. He needed stimulation. To be honest, I don't own exotic pets. Do you think you can win the argument simply by calling me the grown up version of a butt face? I own 4 rabbits myself. Dr. K helps a giant lethargic rabbit, an anemic red-shouldered hawk and a wobbly hedgehog. This article and the "author's" comments below it are a perfect example of why exotic animal ownership should be discouraged. TV conversations get cut, moved, placed in a different order, etc. With Chris Payne Gilbert, Lauren Thielen, Quentin Brands, Maryanne Farmer. K’s Exotic Animal ER.”, which has been airing on the Nat Geo Wild Network since 2014. As an ER nurse in Florida I see people show up with snake bites from poisonous species that they went out and purchased. Melissa cares for a variety of exotic animals and has completed a certificate in veterinary assisting and a bachelor's degree in biology. Dr K has taken exotic pet criticism to a pitiful new level, she does so with " extravagantly failed logic". You have absolutely no right to write half of what you say in this article, you can tell you have no idea what you are talking about. You sitting on your ass jeering at the tv because you think having a kangaroo should be your god given right is just a LITTLE less impressive as a credential. I'm essentially told by people who enjoy eating burgers, exotic pet keeping needs justification before it can be approved by them. In short, get off your high horse and realize that not everyone is out to get you or the various wild animals you hoard in your back bedroom. Educate yourself with facts and keep your personal opinion and misdirected emotions to yourself. This show displays her endeavors as she tries to save reptiles, birds, … Dr. K is exactly what you say and much more. I imagine during the years it took to get her Doctorate in veterinary an medicine and having one for over 20 years she has seen a hell of a lot people that had no business owning the pets they had. Later, a ferret in poor health is examined and dehydrated sugar glider is treated. Unlike what was on the show, people DO keep those types of animals and Dr. K is aware that lynxes are just the tip of the iceberg. These animals shouldn't be in captivity. Bam I layed down my point..now I will procede with moving on in my life, No I agree with the veterinarian! And yes, their are some "pets" that really should not be, but Dr. K advocates for her furry patients as she should. Dr. K wrestles a pot-bellied pig over a challenging few days. That's what she does. Purchasing a guinea pig from a reputable source is a far cry from purchasing a fox, Lemur, Cobra or Tiger from some very questionable source..Climb down off your soapbox Melissa Smith, your argument is full of holes and your so obviously misinformed about everything that is borders on the ridiculous. This show provides unknown information to those who want to own exotics and those who do. I currently own 2 ferrets and a Big Eyed Treefrog as exotic pets. Dr. K, Dr. T., the other vets and the staff at Exotic Animal ER are heroes to me. Its not it will slways be a wild animal. Dr. K performs surgery on a rabbit, prairie dog, and a parrot. It. It seems many others have the same opinion as I do....Go figure. Melissa,I believe you are talking about a non-existent problem. Who exactly do you think you are? There are enough ridiculous people like you already without her giving anyone else ideas. Win to book an appointment. It's catering to fashion and finance while countless unwanted conventional pets cannot find homes. When these animals are removed from their natural environments they are exposed to a wide variety of disease, as well as introducing disease into their unfamiliar environment. I would prefer to keep it that way as if he may expire; may it be to old age. Vet assists make about $14/hr at best and often double as receptionists for the vet. NO there is not. Very sad that Dr. T is going home to Texas but that where she is from I was born and raised in South Florida so I can guarantee people that Broward Avian and Exotics are the best in the field. Visit RateMDs for Dr. K.T. If you are not a follower of the former extremism, then you are simply a bigot, who feels I need to 'justify' keeping certain pets or I shouldn't do it. A parakeet barely escapes an attack from a cat; A newborn bunny is fighting for its life. My bad. Get sneak peeks and free episodes all on Nat Geo TV. I suppose it comes down to responsible pet ownership whatever the animal may be. Maybe the author of this post should stop trying to slander an amazing exotics vet which could be discouraging people from taking their animals in to get medical treatment. What happened to Vader was a result of the irrational hatred of exotic pets. But in my view, it would be a failure of a secondary objective in the course of fulfilling her primary objective; the proper care of her patients and the well-being of animals in general. As for your accusation that I'm attempting to fear monger other ignorant people, you literally say "meet Doctor K, she doesn't approve of your pets!" I only wish to end the arguing on this thread because, it really is pointless. Dr. Khoa T Nguyen, MD is a doctor primarily located in The Woodlands, TX, with other offices in Shreveport, LA and Shreveport, LA.He has 31 years of experience. will teach you easy-to-understand strategies to save and improve your brain function. What she doesn't do, is lie to her clients by telling them it's alright to feed them or keep them in such a way that will be harmful to them. If you truly love these animals, donate your time and or money to organizations that are working for the betterment and continuation of these species and their habitats. My freedom isn't contingent on whether or not you arbitrarily decide something must have a benefit.". Her canines are almost half an inch long. We might not have pets that need saving if people like her get their way. Because you are obviously an idiot. Damn annoying. A binge-eating pig finds out that what goes down, must come up; a toothache sends Dr. T down a rabbit hole; and a stubborn egg sends a sick chick to the hospital. Why don’t you write some stories on the fact that even though there are many proven effective vaccines that work on foxes, the US is lazy and hasn’t done any “official” testing? You didn't choose to reply to my reasons why she is wrong, because you can't. I encourage readers to make up their own minds. SHE IS NOT GOJNG TO TAKE AWAY YOUR ANIMALS. Why else go to a Dr. ? However, Dr. Susan Kelleher, or Dr. K as she is called, has taken her exotic pet criticism to a new, pitiful level. What's important is she a a great vet and if she disagrees with some of the ways theyare being taken care of or that they should be in the wild she's is intitaled to her opinion. A desert tortoise needs life-saving surgery; a male prairie dog has a little problem down below; and a bunny has a major issue with his anesthesia.