Reptile/Avian Health
Many diseases common in birds, exotics and reptiles are not readily apparent until they have reached an advanced stage. Our emphasis is preventative healthcare through proper nutrition and early detection of disease through diagnostic lab work.
Birds
When making an appointment for your bird, plan on bringing your bird in a cage, if possible. The cage should not be cleaned before the visit. If the appointment is scheduled for a later date or the cage can not be brought (to large), newspapers can be placed over the cage floor to collect the droppings. The newspaper can than be placed in ziplock bags for transport. The cage should be covered during transport, which supports warmth and relieves stress.
Diagnostic testing is extremely important to diagnose or rule out disease in birds. Birds in the wild developed the ability to hide signs of illness to survive. Pet birds have retained this ability and rarely show signs of illness until quite severely affected. Determination of a diagnosis through diagnostic testing allows for prompt correct treatment of the disease.
Ferrets
Ferrets are intelligent curious creatures that should not be continuously confined to a small cage. They need a safe play area where they can investigate a variety of objects, such as boxes, bags, and plastic pipes. Living areas should be "ferret proofed". The bottom of couches, chairs and beds should be blocked off, as ferrets love to bury in the soft material.
Young ferrets should receive Distemper vaccines until they are 13-14 weeks of age. Distemper vaccines should be boostered every 3 years. Ferrets should have yearly exams until they are 4-5 years of age; middle aged and older ferrets should be examined twice yearly because of the high incidence of metabolic disease and neoplasia.
Most ferrets are spayed or neutered, and descented prior to their purchase. If your ferret is has not been sterilized, please call our office for a consult. We will try and schedule a surgical procedure as soon as possible.
Rabbits
Rabbits can be housed inside or outside, but should have enough room to "hop" around. Rabbits can be litter box trained by placing them in a litter box every few minutes when first acquired. Rabbits like to chew and scratch on objects found in a home; two of the greatest hazards are electrical cords and poisonous plants.
Rabbits do not require any vaccinations, but should have yearly exams. Many rabbits experience overgrown teeth, constipation and other medical conditions. Some can be corrected with a slight alter in the diet. Rabbits should eat
We can spay or neuter your rabbit at any age.
Rodents
Reptiles/Iguanas: