Common Emergencies
of Uncommon Pets
........
..Olivia Petritz .............................
........
Bring your local veterinarian a sick dog or cat and they will adroitly determine what is ailing it. Bring them a guinea pig, hamster, bird or fish that ‘just isn’t right’ and they will likely be flummoxed. Though veterinarians are trained to care for all species, the nuances of tending to the general well being of small mammals, birds, reptiles and fish are a very focused subspecialty of pet care.
What can an owner of one of these unique pets do to keep them healthy? What are some of the common emergencies to which they are prone? What can they do to prevent them? The answer to these questions is a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine. This is a title held by less than 200 veterinarians in the entire world. My guest, Olivia Petritz has the distinction of being one of two in this elite assemblage to hold a sub-specialty in Zoological Companion Animals.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Olivia Petritz completed her undergraduate degree in Animal Science at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN in 2004. Four years later, she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, also from Purdue. During her studies, she worked as a part-time zookeeper at the Columbian Park Zoo and then as a veterinary technician and surgical assistant at a small animal practice. Following graduation, Olivia completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego, CA followed by an exotic animal internship at Gulf Coast Avian and Exotics in Houston, TX. In August of 2010, Dr. Petritz returned to California, to complete an ACZM residency at the University of California, Davis in companion exotics and zoo medicine, and achieved board certification in November of 2013. While not at work, Olivia enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. Olivia shares her home with her husband, Steven, a rottweiler mix named Luke, a cat named Sally, and a guinea pig named Coco.
ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals
