The passion for animals knows no retirement. At 74 years old, Zaragoza veterinarian Alberto Cortés has chosen to embark on a new professional chapter with the launch of an online veterinary consultation platform specializing in small animals, exotic species, and wildlife. This initiative stems from decades of clinical experience and a firm belief: the knowledge accumulated over a lifetime should not be sidelined due to age.
«I feel great and I enjoy working in my field», Cortés explains. However, he acknowledges that the job market does not always facilitate the continued professional engagement of veterinarians with such extensive backgrounds. Rather than resigning himself, he has opted to reinvent himself through new technologies.
A pioneer in exotic animals
Alberto Cortés’s career has been marked by innovation. While still studying veterinary medicine, he had the opportunity to work for three years at Río León, a zoological reserve located in El Vendrel, where elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, lions, and tigers coexisted, among other species.
This experience sparked his interest in wild and exotic animals at a time when there were hardly any specialists in Spain. «I asked if they needed someone to care for the animals and they said: ‘When do you want to start? Tomorrow?'», he recalls. Over the years, he became one of the leading figures in this field in Aragón and even launched what he considers to be the first veterinary clinic in Spain specialized in exotic animals.
Veterinary consultation goes digital
His new project emphasizes online care as a complementary tool to in-person consultations. Through video calls, photographs, and personalized advice, pet owners can receive professional guidance on the health and management of their animals. «It’s not about replacing physical examinations when necessary, but rather providing an initial assessment, addressing questions, or referring to the appropriate professional when needed,» he explains.
The platform is particularly aimed at owners of reptiles, birds, small mammals, and other exotic species, although it will also handle inquiries related to dogs and cats. According to Cortés, there is a growing demand in this sector. «There is a vast market. Reptiles, for instance, are becoming increasingly common in households.»
Technology serving expertise
The launch of the project has not been without its challenges. Adapting to the digital environment has posed one of the greatest hurdles. «I’m a veterinarian. Although I have worked with software, I didn’t have the necessary skills to develop a platform of this kind,» he acknowledges.
For months, he dedicated several hours a day to training and designing a simple and accessible tool for users. The result is a website that combines professional expertise with the possibilities offered by telemedicine applied to veterinary care.
Furthermore, Cortés believes that such services can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or for owners who live far from specialized centers for exotic animals.
Heat: a major enemy of pets
The interview also serves to highlight some of the most common health issues currently affecting companion animals. Among them is the impact of high temperatures. «Many times we forget that a dog walks just a few inches off the ground. When the pavement reaches extreme temperatures, they suffer much more than we do,» he warns.
Reptiles also require special care during the summer. Traditionally, the challenge was to maintain an appropriate temperature in terrariums, but now in many cases, it is necessary to cool them to prevent heatstroke.
He also emphasizes the importance of controlled sun exposure for certain species, as ultraviolet radiation is essential for metabolic processes related to vitamin D.
Common mistakes in exotic animal care
The majority of the pathologies he observes in exotic animals are related to handling and feeding errors. An apparently simple example can have significant consequences. The plastic perches used in many ornamental bird cages do not allow for the natural wear of the skin on their feet. «They end up producing podal lesions that can lead to serious problems. Often, all it takes is replacing them with suitable wooden perches to avoid complications,» he explains.
In reptiles, temperature, humidity, or lighting deficiencies continue to be the main reasons for consultations. In small mammals, however, pathologies very similar to human ones appear, ranging from allergies to respiratory problems.
Stressed cats and dogs with digestive issues
When it comes to the most common pets, Cortés identifies clear differences between dogs and cats. Felines are notable for their sensitivity to changes. Altering the location of their food bowl, changing the type of container, or disrupting their routines can create stressful situations that directly affect their behavior and feeding.
«They are extremely routine-oriented. A small change can cause them to stop eating or seek alternatives for drinking water,» he notes.
On the other hand, in dogs, digestive and dermatological problems account for a significant portion of consultations. Abrupt changes in diet or the intake of inappropriate food often result in vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
An increasingly strong bond
The veterinarian also observes a social transformation in the relationship between people and their pets. While he believes that affection for animals has always existed, he feels it is currently expressed much more visibly. «People used to feel the same for their animals, but they didn’t show it as much. Now, it’s articulated and demonstrated more,» he concludes.
After a lifetime dedicated to the profession, Alberto Cortés remains convinced that animal welfare hinges on better information and specialized attention. His new digital venture aims precisely to make decades of experience accessible to any owner, regardless of where they are. Because, as his journey illustrates, vocation knows no age.
