SIT DOWN WITH US, INTERVIEWING DR SHIWANI TANDEL
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Q1. How has your international exposure to avian and exotic species influenced your approach to veterinary practice in India?
"When I first started out, as many of you know, avian and exotic medicine was hardly considered the norm. Back when I graduated, most of the work we did involved wild animals, and even that was quite basic at the time. It wasn’t that the field didn’t exist—it just wasn’t developed in the way we see it today. I always felt that birds, in particular, were an area that hadn’t really been explored. My first exposure to the broader possibilities came in 2005, when I attended my very first international conference—the Association of Avian Veterinarians Conference. That experience opened up an entirely new world for me.
It was there that I realized two important things: first, you don’t need to know everything, and second, there are specialists—veterinarians who dedicate themselves to one type of animal or one area of medicine. At the conference, AAV was all about avians, and although I wasn’t someone who grew up being “bird-crazy,” I recognized that this was a path that hadn’t been taken by many before me. Those doors opened for me, and I decided to step through. Of course, at that time, I was still seeing plenty of dogs and cats, but I’ve always been drawn to the road less traveled. Some people say they don’t want to fall into the rat race; I like to think that maybe I create my own rats and let them race each other!
For me, it was never just about birds—it was about the idea of specialization. I believe the time has come for specialists to take the lead. Gone are the days when one veterinarian could know and do everything. The field of veterinary medicine is vast, it is wide, and there is space for everyone. The key is to find your own place within it. Just as in human medicine, where doctors branch into specialties, veterinary medicine too is evolving in the same way. And that’s what makes our profession unique—we are veterinarians, but also specialists in our own right."
Q2. You started a clinic specifically for exotic animals and birds at a time when this field was barely known or recognized by the public. How did you identify the need for such a specialized clinic, and what challenges did you face in establishing it?
"I always knew I didn’t want to do routine dog-and-cat practice, even though I was trained in it. My passion was always in wildlife. I used to spend countless hours volunteering at the zoo, and that experience shaped me. At that time, wildlife medicine wasn’t something you could just step into. Veterinary medicine mainly focused on herd management—cattle, sheep, goats, or poultry. But that approach didn’t translate to wildlife entirely. With wildlife, even though you were managing herds sometimes but there was a diversity in the species. Plus in some cases the medicines had to be tailored to specific individuals as the need arose. And the medicine for livestock didn’t simply carry over to those species. That’s when I realized that with wildlife, you need to understand each species in its own right.
I was fortunate to have mentors like Dr. Karavle and Dr. Vani at the zoo, who constantly encouraged me to read, research, and think critically. Often, problems required us to make management decisions on our own, pushing us to dig deeper and learn. I still remember one experience very vividly. I was in my second or third year when an elephant at the zoo couldn’t eat because she had lost her teeth. Watching her fade away was heartbreaking. I read and researched, and with Dr. Karavle’s guidance, I explored what people abroad were doing. I discovered that an elephant’s digestive system is similar to that of a horse, which meant certain horse feeds could be adapted. We got horse pellets, powdered them, mixed them with jaggery, and made balls that the elephant could eat. It was a simple solution, but it made a huge difference.
That moment taught me that even a small idea can impact a large animal’s life. It also reminded me that no matter how experienced you are, you can never know everything. Wildlife keeps you humble. Each species presents a new challenge, and every case demands fresh learning. That’s why I believe specialization is so important in our field. The diversity of species we deal with makes it impossible to know everything, but by focusing and choosing our expertise, we can keep advancing wildlife medicine and give these animals the care they truly deserve."
Q3. Wildlife and exotic animal medicine are often neglected or under taught in the veterinary curriculum. In your opinion, how can students interested in this field actively seek knowledge and gain practical experience?
"Back when I started, there were no exotic animal clinics—only the zoo and the National Park, where people could volunteer or render services. But now, the field has grown exponentially. Many people approach me saying, “Doc, we want to do something in wildlife.” What I try to explain is that wildlife work isn’t just about treating animals; it’s largely about management. You can’t treat wild animals in national parks or sanctuaries the same way you treat domestic animals. Instead, it’s about managing the buffer zones, the livestock they come in contact with, and the human–wildlife conflicts that inevitably arise. So, being a vet in this field often translates into managing those conflicts or dealing with trauma cases, such as animals injured by vehicles. Another important but often overlooked area is research. Wildlife biologists frequently need veterinarians—maybe not on a daily basis, but at critical moments. For example, organizations like TSA (Turtle Survival Alliance) focus on tortoises, turtles, and reptiles. When they receive rescues, especially animals confiscated from trade, they need veterinarians to step in. This may not be full-time work, but it’s vital, and attaching yourself to organizations that align with your passion is one way to contribute meaningfully.
Another pathway is volunteering at exotic veterinary facilities or specialized clinics. Even though our curriculum doesn’t heavily cover wildlife or exotics, opportunities exist if you seek them out. In fact, even in colleges abroad, exotics is usually pursued through residencies, with only some lectures included in the undergraduate curriculum. Ultimately, it depends on how much you want to pursue this. Gone are the days when we could blame the curriculum—our world has expanded tremendously. The internet has made information accessible in ways it never was before. Students today have access to webinars, free resources, and platforms like the Veterinary Information Network at discounted student rates. There are also resources like Lafeber Vet, which is free. These tools are there to be used—and used wisely—to build knowledge.
But knowledge alone isn’t enough; it has to be paired with experience. And experience doesn’t always mean performing treatments. Observation is a powerful teacher. Just watching an animal, studying its behavior, and noticing subtle changes can reveal a lot. For example, in the clinic, you’re often first asked just to observe a bird. That’s because when an animal is scared, it masks signs of illness. Unless you’re a keen observer, you’ll miss the diagnosis. Finally, empathy is just as important as observation. The sound of your voice, your approach, and the way you handle an animal can all influence diagnosis and care. Every student should understand that wildlife and exotic practice isn’t about rushing to “do something” in the clinic—it’s about careful observation, empathy, and learning from every interaction."
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| Photo credits: Mumbai Zoo |
Q4. We know that you're passionate about dance alongside your veterinary journey. Could you share how engaging in the arts has influenced your focus, discipline, or perspective in the field of veterinary science?
"Yes, for me it’s dance—more than just discipline. The kind of work we do is very emotionally moving, and emotional fatigue can hit you at any point. It’s not just something that can be managed mentally; you also need physical outlets. The challenge is that while our minds get exhausted, our bodies often don’t, because so much of the work is sedentary—sitting at a desk, reviewing cases, or consulting. That imbalance makes it harder to reach a state of true rest at night. Having said that, it doesn't mean that I dance every single day, but I do have small routines that help—like meditating, gardening, or even just talking to my plants. And since I began practicing, I’ve also been seeing a psychologist. That’s something I consider very important. It’s different from talking to colleagues over a meal or a drink; a psychologist helps you gain perspective and discover healthier ways to manage emotional stress.
Through this process, I realized that my own emotional release came most strongly through dance. I had stopped dancing when my clinical work took over, but eventually I found my way back. Those one or two hours I spend dancing allow me to leave everything else behind. In those moments, I’m not worrying about work or stress—I’m simply focused on breathing and moving. Dance is high-energy, high-impact, and it gives me a sense of freedom that nothing else does."
Hormonal implants in repeat egg
laying birds
Q5. You are a co chair of Association of Avian veterinarians how has been this leadership journey so far? And since you are working for avians at global level, are there any global avian disease threats currently on the rise that practitioners should be aware of?
"I actually started out as an invitee. I won the AAV Scholarship. For anyone who wants to attend the Association of Avian Veterinarians conference, there’s a fully funded scholarship you can apply for by submitting a detailed CV and questionnaire. I was fortunate to win that, and when I attended my first conference, it completely blew my mind. The very first lecture I walked into was on diabetes in birds. Coming from a place where we hardly saw avian cases, that level of detail and discussion was eye-opening. From there, I never stopped. I became a member of the International Committee, which exists within these global associations to bring in perspectives from countries outside their home base. At first, I didn’t think my ideas would matter, but I realized that sharing the Indian perspective—how difficult things were here, how little support we had, was so valuable. Many people encouraged me, mentored me, and answered my questions. That’s really where my learning journey began. I kept reading, asking questions, attending workshops, and eventually became a familiar face at meetings—even funding my own travel later on. My dedication must have shown, because I was eventually invited to serve as Co-Chair of the AAV International Committee. That role has been an incredible learning experience. The discussions are so diverse ranging from legislation, to conservation challenges, to antibiotic resistance and they give you a sense of how people from around the world think and problem-solve.
One of the biggest things AAV taught me was how to read people. Initially, I wasn’t very comfortable talking, but I learned to observe, how someone reacts, how they think and then find the best way to communicate so that the animal ultimately benefits. Sometimes people don’t want to listen, sometimes they dismiss you, but it’s up to you to find a way to get your point across. That taught me not to underestimate my own voice. For a long time, I thought, “Who am I, a vet from India, to speak among senior international experts?” But everyone starts somewhere. And if your point is valid, it deserves to be made confidently, but thoughtfully. That’s why I encourage students today: don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith. Get involved in organizations, be part of committees, and use your voice to make a positive difference. It’s not about having a title, it’s about contributing meaningfully and helping the field grow."
Let's dive into different species you deal with. So my question will start with obviously birds...
Endoscopy in birds
Q6. Your paper on Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) and Bornavirus infection in Blue Macaws was quite interesting. Could you elaborate on how such viral diseases manifest in avian species, and what approaches veterinarians can take for their diagnosis, management, and prevention?
"Proventricular dilatation disease, or PDD, is most commonly seen in macaws, which is why it’s often referred to as macaw wasting disease. Although macaws are the most affected species, the condition can occur in any psittacine bird. Earlier, PDD was thought to be synonymous with Borna virus infection. But in macaws especially, proventriculitis—can also occur with bacterial infections. That’s why diagnosing PDD requires caution. The case we presented was indeed proventricular dilatation disease, but now we know that to confirm Borna virus, you need a biopsy of the proventriculus. At that time, the only laboratories offering Borna virus testing were in the US, and performing such a biopsy felt daunting. Today, however, labs in India also carry out Borna virus testing, and the procedure has become more feasible. Proventriculitis itself is fairly common, and if detected early, it can be treated—even though the viral form of the disease is more complex. In viral cases, treatment may only control the disease for a period of time rather than curing it completely, and in some situations, lifelong treatment may be required."
Q7. Given your experience with a variety of reptile species such as snakes, turtles, tortoises, iguanas and your association with the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) — could you share some of the unique challenges and learnings you've encountered while working with reptiles in clinical or conservation settings?
"I think conservation, especially with reptiles, is something I’m still learning. Reptiles are among the most challenging animals to treat. Their physiology is so unique; for example, the way they shunt blood flow in their bodies makes it difficult to predict whether a medication will even work. Truly understanding that takes a lifetime. What makes it harder in practice is that these animals are almost never in their natural environments. Instead, they’re often kept in poor, artificial setups—not out of cruelty but usually out of ignorance. At the clinic, when I advise people to “change the management,” they’re often surprised. For example, someone with a red-eared slider might think putting a bulb, a basking area, and some water is enough. But I have to ask, does the setup replicate the animal’s preferred optimal temperature zone? Is there a natural variation in temperature? Are you allowing the animal to decide when to bask, when to swim, or when to rest? Stress often comes from us making those decisions for them, instead of simply providing the right environment and letting them choose.
Unfortunately, many turtles are sold in tiny tubs with plastic palm trees, and shopkeepers even misguide owners on how little water to keep. These animals come to us after months or years of such neglect, and treating them becomes doubly difficult because we’re not just treating disease—we’re treating the effects of long-term abuse. Surprisingly, when I worked with the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), I saw the opposite. Turtles rescued from poachers—kept in horrific conditions for trade or meat, often recovered well once they were simply placed in proper enclosures. It showed me how resilient these animals are when management is right. I’ve been lucky to learn from people like Dr. Gauri, who always reminded me: management comes first. That meant maintaining temperature, water levels, and other parameters. It's so interesting, female turtles are incredible—they can store sperm for years and only lay eggs when conditions are right for survival. That level of biological sophistication humbles you as a vet. It reminds you that we can’t “control” nature; we can only support it. I often feel like who are we to treat them.
Working with biologists at TSA also taught me the importance of learning beyond veterinary medicine. To truly work in wildlife and exotics, you need to understand the biology, ecology, and evolution of a species. That knowledge explains why an animal behaves a certain way—and only then can you treat it effectively. I remember once traveling with colleagues to see the Gangetic dolphin. I barely caught a glimpse of its tail, but what fascinated me was learning that these dolphins have extremely poor eyesight. Living in murky waters for so long, they’ve evolved to rely almost entirely on sonar, and their eyes have become almost redundant. Discoveries like these—whether in reptiles, turtles, or dolphins—constantly remind me that conservation medicine is as much about understanding evolution and ecology as it is about treatment."
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| Rabbit health checkup camps at Kolkata |
Q8. You often conduct rabbit health checkup camps at Kolkata. Could you explain in short about rabbit's gut health and care?
"Rabbits are hindgut fermenters, which means they rely heavily on fiber for their health. But it’s not just any fiber, they need long-strand grasses, like Timothy hay or even simple grasses like durva. Protein-rich or sugary feeds can disrupt hindgut fermentation and lead to serious GI disturbances. In fact, in rabbits, the gut is almost more vital than the heart, if the gut fails, the rabbit’s chances of survival are very poor. What I’ve seen in places like Kolkata is truly inspiring. The rabbit community there, like the team from Bunny Town, has mastered nutrition and husbandry. When I visit, I hardly need to educate clients about diet—they already know what’s best. And even though many of them aren’t veterinarians, they have read extensively and gained experience. I believe it’s very important as a vet to recognize and support such people: learn from them, guide them scientifically where needed, and work toward a common goal. My Kolkata team is incredible—they organize cases for me, and when I arrive, they already have an idea whether it’s GI, dental, or uterine. Since I only go for two days, that preparation makes my work so much more effective.
That said, one concern I do have is the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics should never be given casually or “like water.” Antimicrobial stewardship is critical. If antibiotics are used at the wrong dose or for the wrong duration, microorganisms adapt and become resistant. Then, when we really need those drugs, they won’t work. I’ve seen prescriptions where antibiotics were used unnecessarily, when management alone could have solved the problem. I actually attended a lecture on antimicrobial stewardship where they mentioned that in the US, dogs and cats with diarrhea are treated with probiotics and not antibiotics, unless infection is proven. Even if a dog has diarrhea for a month, they still stay on probiotics. That level of discipline exists because they understand the long-term consequences of resistance.
In India, with our huge population, misuse of antibiotics will accelerate resistance much faster. Resistant bacteria don’t just affect animals—they spread into the environment through urine, feces, and water, and ultimately affect people too. I strongly believe antibiotics should be restricted to prescription use in clinics, not freely available over the counter. I’m very passionate about spreading this awareness—because if we don’t act now, we’ll face a crisis that impacts both humans and animals. And yes, I always remind people about little myths too—for example, carrots are actually high in sugar and not good for a rabbit’s gut, despite being marketed as a rabbit staple."
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| On field Sambar lake bird mortalities due to avian botulism |
Q9. Exotic animal medicine is a field that many veterinary students are curious about. Based on your experience, what guidance or advice would you offer to students who aspire to pursue a career in this specialized area? Could you also guide them regarding different courses, internships they can do at UG level and after graduation?
"At the undergraduate level, I think it’s very important to focus on your core subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. We often take them lightly, but these are the foundations. If you want to apply abroad, your equivalency exams will test these subjects in depth, so you need to know them thoroughly. After graduation, I feel it’s better to get clinical experience in the subject you’re most interested in before jumping straight into a residency. Many students think, “Okay, BVSc, then MVSc, then practice,” but those years after graduation are actually the best time to explore. Veterinary medicine today isn’t limited to surgery and medicine. Fields like pathology, microbiology, and physiology are opening up exciting avenues. For example, look at the work Dr. Gaikwad has done in anatomy with taxidermy—it’s groundbreaking. Even within clinical medicine, people now specialize in soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, cardiology, or internal medicine alone. So, it’s important to identify what you truly enjoy, because in the long run, that’s what will keep you motivated and balanced.
I also encourage students to use this time for paper reading and paper writing. If you come across a compelling case, review the literature, write about it, and aim to be the primary author. It adds immense value to your credentials. Once you start practicing full-time, you barely have time to breathe, let alone write. So use your student years to build those skills. Another important step is to spend time in clinics outside your college. Many clinics will now even provide certificates for rotations or internships. But you have to be consistent, don’t expect to learn everything in a day. Some days you’ll see many cases, some days none, but every day you can learn something by listening, discussing, or even just observing quietly. And don’t limit yourself to college notes—read textbooks and expand your knowledge base.
If you’re interested in exotics, there are more than enough exotic clinics now in cities where you can get exposure. Abroad, too, there are internships, observerships, and residencies listed on official websites like AAV or ARAV. But sometimes, opportunities come simply from networking. When you meet someone at a conference, introduce yourself, tell them you’re from India and eager to learn. Even if they don’t have a formal program, if you connect well, they might invite you to shadow them. I’ve had that experience myself. And one small but meaningful tip—if someone gives you that opportunity, always carry a token gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something that represents you or your culture. People remember those small gestures, and it strengthens your bond for the future"
Q10. How do you envision the field of exotic animal practice evolving over the next 10 years, especially in terms of opportunities, challenges, and its role in veterinary medicine?
"It’s actually a long answer, but if you compare the situation now to 15 years ago, things have definitely multiplied. The growth of specialists is very clear, which is why I believe finding your niche is extremely important. When it comes to exotics, though, we still have a long way to go. We’re nowhere near where we need to be. I also think we should stop simply mimicking the West and instead establish our own position. India has its own unique set of exotic diseases, but we aren’t documenting or sharing them enough—largely because we don’t always recognize them. It’s time we start identifying and publishing our own data. Rather than waiting for the West to be the whistleblowers every time, we should have the technical expertise to alert the world about potential emerging diseases. With our large population and the way we travel globally, we are highly vulnerable to rapid disease spread. So before something reaches us and we end up being blamed, it’s time we pull up our socks and take responsibility."
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| Full body checkup in birds |
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