NorthStar VETS Cool Case Ruby

The team at NorthStar VETS is doing innovative and amazing things every day as they work to advance the level of care available to your pet. This is part of a series of posts highlighting cool cases at NorthStar VETS and the types of things done to save pets and improve their quality of life. These are cases using innovative and cutting-edge medical techniques, and/or stories of pets beating the odds. This is the story of Ruby, a 4 month old Rhode Island Red hen that came to NorthStar VETS through emergency unable to stand and in shock. Dr. Matthew Grootenboer of the Avian and Exotics team was able to get this hen back on her feet.

Upon examination, it was clear that Ruby had a serious coccidian (parasite) infection that needed to be treated. Dr. Grootenboer placed an IV and let it run for a few days while he treated her. She was very sick, but eventually recovered. Soon, she was finally well enough to go home, where her pet parents fashioned an impressive wheelchair-like apparatus that allowed Ruby to get around while she recovered (see video below).

Learn more about the Avian and Exotics service at NorthStar VETS.

Matthew Grootenboer, VMD
Dr. Matt Grootenboer attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2015. He went on to complete an internship in small animal medicine at Oradell Animal Hospital. From there, he traveled to Florida to complete an internship in exotic animal medicine at Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital where he appeared on the National Geographic TV show Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER. He has returned to his home state of New Jersey to continue working with exotic companion animals at NorthStar VETS. An extension of his passion for exotics is his interest in zoo animals and wildlife. He has worked with a variety of unusual species throughout his career, including kinkajous, kangaroos, and giraffes. Dr. Grootenboer is a firm believer in the idea that all animals are equally important no matter how small or short-lived and to their parents these pets mean as much as a dog or cat would.

He lives in Princeton, NJ with his cat Penny, rat, and hamster. When not working, Dr. Grootenboer likes to stay active whether that means going to the gym or for a bike ride/hike. He also likes to play the drums in his spare time. Each fall Dr. Grootenboer becomes a bit difficult to reach on Sundays as he cheers for his favorite football team, the Miami Dolphins.