Avian/Exotic Pets

Exotic Services

Norton Road Veterinary Hospital offers comprehensive care to most types of pets including those species considered “exotic” or non-traditional. We do not see pet raccoons, primates or venomous reptiles. Although we may stabilize certain wildlife species, we recommend The Ohio Wildlife Center www.ohiowildlifecenter.org for sick or injured wildlife.

Although we do not claim to be specialists, our doctors have years of experience with exotic pets and a strong interest in these species. We understand the fragile and unique nature of these special pets and make every effort to offer a variety of treatment choices to meet their needs.

Commonly seen species (but not limited to) include:

Rabbits-abscess management and advanced dentistry performed

Ferrets –adrenal disease and insulinoma management offered

Guinea Pigs

Chinchillas

Hamsters

Rats-tumor removal common

Mice

Gerbils

Sugar Gliders

Patagonian Cavy

Most Reptiles including snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards

Miniature Pot Bellied Pigs

Hedgehogs

Birds (avian) including passerines, parrots, domestic waterfowl and poultry species

-Avian patients are seen by Dr. Lani (Steinohrt) Herrli; therefore, emergency care can be limited due to her availability

Many exotic species are known for hiding signs of illness until they are very critically ill. If your pet is showing signs of not eating, changes in stool consistency i.e. diarrhea or lack of stools, behavior changes of any kind, they may need to be seen immediately. Unlike a dog or cat that can usually wait a day or so, these pets are fragile and can die unexpectedly, often showing little or no signs of illness. Yearly wellness exams are important for these animals to help identify illness early and to evaluate their diet and husbandry to prevent future problems.

Prior to your appointment for an exotic pet, please have as much information available to aid in a thorough evaluation. This would include:

1. Where you obtained the pet?
2. How long you have had the pet?
3. What is their environment at home like i.e. cage, pen (pictures are encouraged)?
4. What are they eating? We recommend bringing the bag or sample of the food.
5. Please provide a fresh stool sample at every visit for all pets.
6. For reptiles:
   1. What is the highest and lowest temperature in their cage?
   2. Humidity in the cage?
   3. Special lighting?  What types of lighting and packaging of special bulbs if available
   4. Diet information including source?

When traveling with your exotic pet, keep safety and temperature requirements in mind at all times. All pets are required to be in a cage or carrier for their safety. Upon arriving, please notify a receptionist if your pet needs additional heat supplementation (reptiles) or is showing signs of respiratory difficulty as we may chose to place them in a special environment while you are waiting to see the doctor.

We recommend that rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents travel with food available to them at all times including hay. This helps prevent a stress-induced complication called GI stasis, which can be fatal.