Rabbits, rodents and other exotic pets have several unique problems. Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care problems. Below are some of the common health concerns that we see and in some cases, ways to prevent them.
Note: We always recommend quarantining a new pet for at least 2 weeks prior to introduction to a current pet to avoid bringing in a disease to them.
Rabbits- Common Diseases and Prevention
- Dental disease- provide wooden toys ( with no artificial dyes) and hay
- Gastrointestinal problems – No alfalfa after 4 months of age
- Urinary sludge and stones- Diet is important. Herbivores require fresh veggies daily, hay and hay pellets.
- Cancers- Recommend spaying/neutering prior to 1 year of age
- Aggression
- Head Tilt – could be caused by inner ear infection or brain infection
- Respiratory infections- Substrate in housing is important, no wood shavings!
Guinea pigs
- Dental disease – provide wooden toys (with no artificial dyes) and hay
- Urinary stones – Herbivores require fresh veggies daily and hay
- Scurvy – must be given a Vitamin C supplementation
- Masses (non-cancerous and cancerous)
- Grease gland infections
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Obesity
- Respiratory Infections
Ferrets
- Dental disease
- Dermal problems
- Adrenal gland disease
- Insulinoma
- Lymphoma
- Distemper
- Rabies
Reptiles
- Vitamin and calcium deficiencies (supplements are important!)
- Foreign bodies
- Egg binding
- Shedding problems
- Abscesses
- Feeding live vs frozen vs freshly killed (know the benefits and risks)
If you have a new exotic pet, or if your pet hasn’t been in for a checkup recently, give us a call!