Adverse Drug Reactions in the Exotic Animal Patient

This article summarizes major veterinary drugs and their toxicologic risks across exotic and wildlife species. Antibiotics, sedatives, anesthetics, analgesics, antiparasitics, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can cause severe species-specific adverse effects including dysbiosis, enterotoxemia, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiopulmonary depression, and death. Small mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians often show heightened sensitivity to certain agents, such as beta-lactams, macrolides, aminoglycosides, acetaminophen, ivermectin, and fipronil. Injectable anesthetics and sedatives may induce respiratory or cardiovascular compromise, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and THC can produce neurologic toxicity. This article review emphasizes species-specific differences, dose-dependent effects, administration route considerations, and the importance of supportive care.