Quality Care for Your Exotic Pet
Exotic pets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small and feathery to large and scaly. While they bring joy and companionship to their owners, we know that caring for them can be a challenge.
However, not to worry. Dr. Amanda Schellenberger and team are here to support your beloved pet's health and well-being. We aim to provide the best care possible to birds, reptiles, and small mammals so they can enjoy healthy, active lives.
We offer an assortment of general health services and expertise geared to your exotic pet's unique needs. More complex cases will be referred to a specialty animal hospital for advanced care.
FAQs for Care of Exotic Pets
At South Mesa Veterinary Hospital, we provide routine wellness and preventive care services for your bird or other exotic pet. Exotic pets can also be seen for medical or behavioral issues.
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What is the avian species?
The avian species refers to birds. These small exotic animals are popular pets for those seeking affectionate, intelligent companions with unique personalities.
Many birds are prey species in the wild and may mask signs of illness as a defense mechanism against predators. This means consistent, qualified preventive veterinary care plays an integral role in your bird's health and well-being.
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What can I expect at an avian veterinary appointment?
When you bring your avian companion in for an appointment, the vet will thoroughly examine your pet to assess their general health.
We'll also recommend appropriate preventive care, perform any tests that may be needed, and address your questions or concerns about at-home care.
Please bring your avian friend in their travel cage or carrier.
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What can I expect at an exotic appointment?
During your exotic pet's routine exam, the veterinarian will assess your animal's overall health, then perform a thorough physical examination.
We'll recommend any preventive care that may be required, and answer any questions you might have about your pet to help you keep them looking and feeling healthy.
Please bring your exotic friend in their cage or carrier.
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What are reptiles?
Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates that can include iguanas, tortoises, lizards, turtles, snakes, and more.
Covered in special skin made of bony plates, hard scales, or a combination of both, they regularly shed an outer layer of skin and must be kept in special habitats to give them the best quality of life. Reptiles will generally shed their outer layer of skin on a semi-regular basis.
To give your pet reptile the best chance at a healthy life, habitat, and diet must be meticulously maintained. Preventive care is critical to addressing issues before they become serious.
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What can I expect at a reptile veterinary appointment?
Routine veterinary care is essential to helping your reptilian friend live a long, healthy life. The veterinarian will complete a physical exam and any necessary diagnostic tests during each visit.
Appropriate preventive care will also be administered. Finally, the veterinarian will dedicate time to answering any questions you might have about your exotic pet's at-home care, nutrition, health, or other aspects of ownership.
Please bring your reptilian friend in their travel cage or carrier.
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What is an exotic mammal?
Exotic mammals include small animals like rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils.
Many exotic pets are prey species in the wild and can be adept at hiding the signs of illness until it is quite advanced, which is why preventive veterinary care is so important.
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What can I expect at an exotic mammal veterinary appointment?
When you bring your exotic mammal in for a routine exam, we will assess the overall health of your pet. We will perform a thorough physical examination, recommend the appropriate preventive care, and answer any questions you may have about your pet to help ensure its health and longevity.
Please bring your exotic mammal in their travel cage or carrier.
Exotics We Treat
Our veterinarians in Fort Collins offer dedicated veterinary care for many types of exotic pets, including:
Birds
Parrots, finches, canaries, backyard poultry, and others.
Exotic Mammals
Ferrets, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, hamsters, mice, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and others.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Lizards, turtles and tortoises, snakes, and others.