EXOTICS

At Southwick Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to provide specialized veterinary care tailored to the unique needs of rabbits, rodents, and other exotic species, including reptiles. These delicate species require expert handling, species-specific treatments, and a deep understanding of their physiology to ensure they receive the best possible medical attention.

 

Comprehensive Wellness & Preventative Care

Regular wellness exams are essential for exotic pets, as they often mask signs of illness until conditions become severe. Our comprehensive wellness exams include:

• Full-body assessment – A thorough evaluation of your pet’s weight, coat, hydration levels, and overall condition.

• Oral and dental evaluations – Monitoring teeth for overgrowth, misalignment, and early signs of dental disease (for species with continuously growing teeth).

• Nutritional and husbandry counseling – Guidance on proper diet, habitat setup, and enrichment to support long-term health.

• Bloodwork and diagnostic testing – When necessary, we perform lab tests to assess organ function and detect early disease.

• Vaccinations (when applicable) – Although many exotic pets do not require routine vaccines like dogs and cats, preventive parasite control and other protective measures may be recommended.

 

Routine wellness visits allow us to catch potential health concerns early and prevent life-threatening emergencies in these sensitive species.

 

Dental Care for Rabbits & Rodents

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in rabbits and rodents. Their teeth grow continuously, and without proper wear, they can develop malocclusion, abscesses, or painful overgrowths that impact eating and overall health.

We provide:

• Routine & as-needed dental trimmings – Using safe and precise techniques to prevent overgrowth and correct misalignment.

• Examinations for dental abnormalities – Identifying early signs of spurs, abscesses, or infections.

• Advanced dental treatments – Including extractions or corrective procedures when necessary.

 

Early detection and regular maintenance are key to avoiding severe complications and ensuring your pet’s ability to eat comfortably.

 

Illness Treatment & Emergency Care

Exotic pets can decline rapidly when they fall ill, making early intervention crucial. We are equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Respiratory infections – Common in rabbits, rodents, and reptiles, often requiring immediate antibiotics and supportive care.

• Gastrointestinal issues (GI stasis, diarrhea, bloating) – Life-threatening in rabbits, requiring urgent intervention.

• Skin conditions & abscesses – Bacterial infections, mites, or fungal issues can cause discomfort and require treatment.

• Urinary tract disease & bladder stones – Affecting rabbits and rodents, leading to pain and difficulty urinating.

• Metabolic disorders in reptiles – Conditions such as metabolic bone disease require specialized treatment and dietary management.

 

We offer in-house diagnostics and hospitalization when needed to stabilize and treat exotic pets with urgent conditions.

 

Soft Tissue & Orthopedic Surgery

Our experienced team provides a range of surgical services for rabbits, rodents, and reptiles, using specialized anesthesia protocols and post-operative care to ensure safety and comfort.

 

Our surgical expertise includes:

• Spaying & neutering – Prevents reproductive diseases, unwanted litters, and hormonal aggression.

• Tumor & mass removals – Safe excisions of cysts, abscesses, and neoplasms.

• Bladder stone removal – To relieve discomfort and prevent urinary obstruction.

• Orthopedic procedures – Fracture repair and limb corrections when necessary.

• Abscess drainage & wound care – Ensuring proper healing and infection control.

 

Pain management is an essential component of every surgical procedure, and we use tailored pain relief plans for these sensitive species.

 

Pain Management & Post-Surgical Care

Exotic pets often hide signs of pain, making proactive pain management essential. We offer:

• Safe pain medications tailored to rabbits, rodents, and reptiles.

• Therapeutic laser treatments to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.

• Customized rehabilitation plans, including in-home care guidance and nutritional support to aid recovery.

 

Dedicated Exotic Pet Care You Can Trust

Caring for rabbits, rodents, and reptiles requires specialized knowledge and experience. At Southwick Veterinary Hospital, our team is committed to providing exceptional veterinary care for these delicate species, ensuring they live happy, healthy lives.

Schedule an appointment today to give your exotic pet the expert care they deserve!