Omar Zaheer

DVM, Dipl. ACZM

Veterinary Specialist

Zoological Medicine, Avian, Exotic, & Pocket Pet Veterinary Clinic Services

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At a Glance

Practicing Since:

2016

Specialties Include:

Zoological Medicine

My Pets:

Dr. Omar Zaheer graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in 2016. Following graduation, he completed a small animal rotating internship at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Toronto before returning to the OVC for a specialty avian & exotic internship. Following completion of this internship, he completed a residency at the OVC in avian & exotic medicine & surgery from 2018-2021. He published several articles during his residency, including a new surgical technique for cloacal prolapse in pet parrots, an anesthetic study on quaker parrots, and several case reports on pet exotics including chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Some of this work was presented at the Association of Avian Veterinarians conference in 2020. Dr. Zaheer currently teaches third year veterinary students the avian, reptile, and amphibian units of Comparative Animal Medicine.

Dr. Zaheer has had a life-long passion for avian medicine, but loves all exotic animals. He grew up with budgerigars and cockatiels, and has volunteered and worked as a parrot, raptor, and exotic bird keeper & educator. He provides medical and surgical procedures for most exotic companion species, including small mammals (ex. rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rodents, etc.), birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Outside of work, Dr. Zaheer enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching reality TV and crime shows, and doing puzzles.

Education
DVM, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph ON – (2016)

Advanced Clinical Training
Small Animal Rotating Internship, Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Toronto ON - (2016-2017)
Avian and Exotic Animal Specialty Internship, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph ON – (2017-2018)
Zoological Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Residency, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph ON – (2018-2021)

Publications

Use of an Endoloop® ligature and a two-portal coelioscopic approach for the removal of an arrowhead foreign body in a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Title
Use of an Endoloop® ligature and a two-portal coelioscopic approach for the removal of an arrowhead foreign body in a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). J Avian Med Surg, in press.

Authored:
Zaheer, O.A., Beaufrère, H.

Published:
2021

Diagnosis, treatment, and characterization with advanced diagnostic imaging of an oral ectopic elodontoma in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Title
Diagnosis, treatment, and characterization with advanced diagnostic imaging of an oral ectopic elodontoma in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). J Exot Pet Med, 37, 28-31.

Authored:
Zaheer, O.A., Ludwig, L., Gardhouse, S., Foster, R.A.

Published:
2021

Minimum anesthetic concentration of isoflurane and sparing effect of midazolam in Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus)

Title
Minimum anesthetic concentration of isoflurane and sparing effect of midazolam in Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus). Vet Anaesth Analg, 47, 341-346.

Authored:
Zaheer, O.A, Sanchez, A., Beaufrère, H.

Published:
2020

Iridociliary adenoma in a greater sulfur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita galerita)

Title
Iridociliary adenoma in a greater sulfur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita galerita). Can Vet J, 62(3), 226-232.

Authored:
Gardhouse S., Pinard, C.L., Barboza, T., Knight, B., Zaheer, O.A., Susta, L., Beaufère, H. (2021)

Published:
2021

Intestinal-peritoneal coelioscopy for the diagnosis of a mesothelioma in a pet chicken. J Avian Med Surg, 34(3), 281-288.

Title
Intestinal-peritoneal coelioscopy for the diagnosis of a mesothelioma in a pet chicken. J Avian Med Surg, 34(3), 281-288.

Authored:
Zaheer, O.A., Beaufrère, H., Brash, M.L., DeLay, J.

Published:
2020

Asymmetrical cloacoplasty for the treatment of chronic cloacal prolapse in Psittaciformes: a case series. J Avian Med Surg, 34(2), 172-180.

Title
Asymmetrical cloacoplasty for the treatment of chronic cloacal prolapse in Psittaciformes: a case series. J Avian Med Surg, 34(2), 172-180.

Authored:
Zaheer, O.A., Beaufrère, H., Jajou, S., Gardhouse, S.

Published:
2020

Treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). J Exot Pet Med, 34, 57-61. (2016)

Title
Treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Authored:
Mitterboeck, T.F., Che, A.Y., Zaheer, O.A., Ma, E.Y.T., Adamowicz, S.J.

Published:
2020

Zoological Medicine

Zoological companion animals (also known as “exotic pets”) are wonderful and unique. They have and anatomy and physiology that are vastly different from dogs and cats. Some of these differences are what makes them such fascinating companions, and we understand the importance of providing high-quality veterinary care for these pets and their families. Our Zoological Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery department have the specialized equipment and expertise to diagnose and treat the unique conditions of these animals.

Our service is equipped to work with the following groups of animals:

Companion birds such as finches, canaries, parrots, pigeons, and pet poultry (ducks, chickens, etc.)
Raptors such as hawks and falcons
Reptiles such as turtles, snakes, and lizards
Amphibians such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and axolotls
Rabbits
Ferrets
Guinea pigs and chinchillas
Hedgehogs
Rats and mice
Hamsters and gerbils
Sugar gliders
Tarantulas and scorpions
Fish including aquarium and pond species

Please note that we do not treat venomous species, large cats, production animals, or primates. We also cannot currently see local wildlife unless under the care of a licensed rehabilitator. If you find any sick or injured wild animals, please contact a wildlife rehabilitator. See Ontario.ca and Ontario Wildlife Rescue to learn more.

For Clients