Launceston Exotic Animal Hospital

21/08/2025

Case of the week

Did you know that birds can also get diabetes?

This lovely little budgie, Solo, came to the clinic showing signs of runny droppings, sleeping more than usual and weight loss.
Initially he had us stumped but after taking some blood to run in-house, we discovered his glucose was so high we couldn’t get a reading.
The cause of diabetes in mammals is often due to pancreatic disease leading to insulin resistance, but in birds it’s a little more complicated. It’s often seen in granivorous birds on high seed diets so budgies are commonly diagnosed.
Treatment is also a little complicated but luckily Solos’s guardians are very dedicated and we found a treatment protocol that suits Solos lifestyle.
Solo is doing well and gaining weight, has normal droppings and is back flying around with his mate Chewy, they will be back to making the Keesel run in less than 12 parsecs in no time.

If you have any questions or a pet that requires a consultation please give me a call on
0456 239 147
Or visit the leahvet.com.au website to make an appointment on line

14/08/2025

On Monday, Dr Nikki and Gabby were lucky enough to go to Hobart to help out Cupid the wedge tail eagle how was unfortunately shot by and arrow.
Thanks Raptor Refuge for having us and taking such good care of Cupid.

06/08/2025

Case of the week

Meet the most beautiful little Guinea pig Bonnie.
Bonnie was born with a genetic defect called Lethal White Gene.
Many people don’t realise that coat colour genetics are also linked the nervous system development and in Bonnie’s case the breeding of her parents who had either a roan or Dalmatian coat resulted in Bonnie’s condition.
Bonnie was born with very very small eyes that are non functional, stunted growth, missing incisions at the bottom and she’s deaf.
But that hasn’t slowed the little girl down, she’s eating well, growing well and is very confident and curious of her surroundings.

If you have any questions about your Guinea pig, rabbit, feathered or unique pet, please give me a call or visit the website to make an appointment
0456 239 147
Leahvetcom.au

03/08/2025

Have you seen our friend Rainer?
Lost in St Mary’s, please contact Vicki on 0491951248 if you have seen him

31/07/2025

Can you name the species of some of the birds I have seen recently?

Answers to come n a few days

28/07/2025

Did you know that rabbits can get ears mites?
Recently we had Lovely bunny patient who came in with very itchy ears. After a quick clean and a look at the debris under the microscope, we found the bunny was suffering with ears mites.

Psoroptes cuniculi is a mite specific to rabbits that can cause itchy red and sore ears and can also be found around the body. It mainly lives on rabbits but can also be found on cat, dogs and other animals.

It is easily identified and treated during a routine vaccination or general health check.

If you have a rabbit that requires vaccination, health check or to have a conversation about any concerns, please give me a call on
0417 239 147 or visit the website to
Make an online booking
Leahvet.com.au

25/06/2025

Random fact Wednesday!

Did you know that turtle and tortoise can feel when you touch their shells!
They have an extensive pattern of nerves that cover the outer shell and connect to the central nervous system and brain. when you touch them they can feel a range of sensations including pressure, pain and pleasure.

Recently I went to the Serpentarium in St Helens and got to hang out with their tortoises. They love it when you scratch their shells and give them a tickle. If you go around 12 you can get to see them up close and personal and watch them eat lunch.

If you have any questions about your exotic pets please give me a call on 0456 239 147

Have a great day

11/06/2025

Random fact Wednesday

Did you know wht vets recommend the desexing or spraying of female rabbits?

There are a number of main reasons including prevention of unwanted litters, Reduction of dominant behaviours and aggression. But the most important reason we highly recommend desexing female rabbits is because they are very prone to uterine cancer.

Up to 60% of female rabbits over 3 years old,that have not been desexed, will form uterine adenocarcinoma a particularly nasty form of cancer.

Speying your female rabbit early will prevent this cancer.

If you have any questions regarding rabbits or any other exotic pet, please give me a call on
0456 239 147 and we can discuss your question.
You can also book via the PawsApp on line booking through the website

Dedicated exotic animal hospital providing compassionate and advanced veterinary services. Book your appointment with us today.

04/06/2025

The website is now up and running.
Go check it out at

Dedicated exotic animal hospital providing compassionate and advanced veterinary services. Book your appointment with us today.

04/06/2025

Random Fact Wednesday

Did you know that Guinea Pigs are born fully furred, open eyes and with teeth! This is called percocial meaning born at an advanced state and is able to feed and care for themselves fairly quickly after birth.
They have a very long gestation period between 63- 70 days and are only fed by their mothers for about 3-4 weeks before they are fully weaned and ready to go out into the world.

Isn't that pretty cool

If you have a furry potato AKA a guinea pig friend you'd like to have a general health check, please dont hesitate to give me a call on 0456239147 or use the online portal to make an appointment
https://pawsapp.com.au/ba?cid=6139

30/05/2025

Introducing them Team

Hello I thought I should introduce myself a little more. My name is Dr Nikki and I am the veterinarian behind the LEAH team.

I graduated from Massey Universtiy in 2014 and then lived in Cairns for 5 years before travelling in a caravan with my eclectus parrot Jeff and Cat Molly for 2.5 years, doing locum work up and down the east coast before settling in Launceston in 2022.

My interest in birds in partiuclar started at vet school. New Zeland is unique in that 99% of the native fauna are birds, and strange birds at that. Of course the well known Kiwi but also Takahae, Kea and Kaka and the rare Kapapo. I was lucky enough in vet school to be employed by the Wildbase Hospital on the weekends to help treat, clean and medicate some of these special birds. This sparked a passion that I have been lucky enough to build on throughout my career.

In Cairns I was fortunate to work alongside Cairns Tropical Zoo, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Bird World Kuranda and Kurand Koala Gardens to build my knowledge and passion for unique animals.

At home I have two male eclectus parrots Jeff and Wally, a cat named Bastet and a little scrappy dog named Cricket. All of which are very spoilt. I love to knit, sew and craft of various different types and watch horror and thriller movies over romance any day.

I hope to meet you all soon with your beautiful exotic pets. If you have any questions please dont hesitate to contact me on
0456239147
or make an appointment via the online booking portal
https://pawsapp.com.au/ba?cid=6139

28/05/2025

Randon Fact Wednesday

Do you know how birds make themselves water proof?

Birds have a special gland at the base of their tail called a uropygial gland or preen / oil gland. It produces a waxy oily substance that birds use to preen or spread over their feathers. When you see a bird cleaning themselves they are usually realigning the feather barbs to make them interlock and spreading oils over them to make them water proof.
Water birds such as ducks, swans and penguins have very active oil glands which enable them to live on water without getting totally soaked and water logged.

If you have any questions or would like a consult with Dr Nikki please call
0456 239 147 for an appointment or use the online booking service
https://pawsapp.com.au/ba?cid=6139