Avian & Exotic Pets

Avian and Exotic Pet Service

Dr. Sheree Everett, Dr. Tawnia Shaw and our compassionate team, are skilled and experienced in the field of avian and exotic pet medicine. By offering veterinary services for our non-traditional companion animals, we share your goal of providing special care for the pets you love. At Everett Veterinary Hospital & Boarding House Inc, we regularly treat birds (both pet and wild species), reptiles (such as lizards, chameleons, snakes, turtles and tortoises), small mammals (ferrets, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, and rats), primates, marsupials, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, frogs and amphibians and many many more species. We have never refused to see any exotic animal, based on their species. Whether feathered, scaled, furred or otherwise, we will be happy to see your pet.

Since exotics hide their illness for protective purposes, they may have been ill for several days before you notice the symptoms. Signs of illness and a potential emergency include loss of appetite, breathing difficulty, abdominal swelling, weakness or depression, vomiting, seizures, broken bones, loss of balance, paralysis, prolapsed cloaca or rectum, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing or puffed up feathers in a bird.

We offer a wide range of services including, but not limited to routine wellness care, emergency services, surgeries including spay or neuter, tumor removals, sexing, choanal & cloacal cultures, fecals, lab work, nail trims, wing/beak trims, leg band removal, dental work, Avid Chip Implantation plus nutritional and husbandry advice. Should your exotic pet become ill, we can also provide the necessary medical and diagnostic care needed including hospitalization, X-Rays, blood work, radiographs, medication administration, fluids, tube feeding or any supportive therapy necessary to get your pet back to good health.

Recommendations

As the life expectancy of an exotic pet is usually very short, we recommend exams at least every six months.

• Companion birds – On the exam, beak, nail and wing trimming may be performed. Nutrition is extremely important in birds and appropriate recommendations will be given. Blood work and fecal exams are often recommended since birds are susceptible to parasites, respiratory, liver, and kidney disease.
• Reptiles – Proper nutrition and husbandry are VERY important in reptiles to prevent infectious diseases and parasites Depending on the species the cage environment, temperature, humidity light requirements and mineral supplement requirement are quite different. Many reptiles require Calcium and special UV lighting to stay healthy.
• Rabbits & Rodents - Since dental problems are common, an oral exam and possible trimming of the teeth is essential. Because external parasites are frequently found, the skin and ears will be carefully examined. Spaying and neutering is available and highly recommended for these pets.
• Ferrets - Vaccinations are routinely given to these pets. Spaying is essential for the female to prevent fatal anemia. Adrenal gland disease and pancreatic tumors called insulinomas are commonly encountered so your veterinarian may recommend testing for these problems.

We also offer boarding services for most exotic animals. Since we see birds and exotic animals at our Veterinary Hospital, we are the best choice to board them. Our staff is trained and experienced to detect any early symptoms or signs of illness and one of our veterinarians is available should the need arise.

We are fortunate to be PetCo’s Veterinary Hospital of choice for all of their bird, exotic and small animal care. We encourage you to bring in your new pet immediately for a comprehensive physical examination, nutritional and husbandry counseling. Prevention of health problems is critical in all species but especially true in the small exotic pets. If you are a new client, you will receive 20% off your initial office examination/visit.

Looking for a new family member? Click on the species you are interested in below and the link will take you to PetCo’s Animal Care Web Site. You will find basic information regarding breeds, dietary requirements, housing, and characteristics.

PetCo Exotic Animal Care Sheets

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on these care sheets are intended for general information purposes only. The opinions expressed are those of PetCo’s and not necessarily those of Everett Veterinary Hospital & Boarding House. Medical advice should only be obtained from a qualified licensed veterinarian. Please call us with any questions regarding your pets.