Small, Exotic Mammals
The veterinarians at Avian + Exotics Center of Nashville care for many types of exotic mammals, including Ferrets, Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Chinchillas, Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Sugar Gliders, Hedgehogs, Prairie Dogs, Wallabies, and Exotic Felines. We also work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for special wildlife cases.
Care Recommendations
Complete Physical Examination Every 6-12 Months
Yearly Fecal Examinations For Parasites
Vaccinations As Recommended
Other Available Services
Hospitalization and Surgery
Common Diseases for Ferrets
Viral – distemper, rabies, common cold virus
Tumors – insulinoma, adrenal
Intestinal – foreign body ingestion, diarrhea, parasites
Nervous – weakness, seizures
Cardiac – heart disease, heartworms
Dermatologic – hair loss, fleas, ear mites
Preventive Care for Ferrets
Complete physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual vaccinations for distemper and rabies virus
Examination for ear mites, skin infections, fleas as part of the annual physical
Symptomatic treatment during cold and flu season, antibiotics as need for infection and to prevent progression to lungs (pneumonia)
Annual fecal examination for parasites
Strict carnivores; require a diet high in fat and protein, cannot digest fiber, dairy products, fruits, vegetables; avoid carbohydrates and sugar
Dental prophylaxis (cleaning and polishing) annually
Heartworm and flea prevention
Common Diseases for Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice, Rats
Dental problems – gum and cheek trauma from molar overgrowth, hypersalivation, difficulty eating
Dermatologic – hair loss, pruritis, fleas, mites, lice, fungal, hormonal
Urinary tract – infections, bladder stones
Diarrhea – infections, wet-tail, parasites
Preventive Care for Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice, Rats
Complete physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual dental exam to monitor for molar overgrowth
Annual fecal examination for parasites, bacterial infections
Fiber in diet is important for proper digestion
Exercise to prevent obesity
Feed quality pelleted diet
Common Diseases for Guinea Pigs
Dietary – lack of vitamin C causing scurvy – weakness, poor digestion, painful joints, muscle loss (including the heart muscle), rough, scaly dry skin, slow healing wounds, softening of bones causing pain and fractures, anemia from loss of iron
Dermatologic – hair loss, pruritis, fleas, mites, lice, fungal, hormonal
Diarrhea – infections, parasites
Behavioral – stampede causing injury to themselves or others
Urinary tract- infections, bladder stones
Preventive Care for Guinea Pigs
Complete physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual dental exam to monitor for molar overgrowth
Annual fecal examination for parasites, bacterial infections
Fiber in diet is important for proper digestion
Exercise to prevent obesity
Feed quality pelleted diet
Common Diseases for Rabbits and Chinchillas
Dental – gum and cheek trauma from molar overgrowth, hypersalivation, difficulty eating
Dermatology – fungus, over-grooming, hair loss
Gastrointestinal disorders – diarrhea, colic, bloat, stasis
Eye irritation/conjunctivitis
Hair ring constricting penis (males)
Preventive Care for Rabbits and Chinchillas
High-fiber, low-residue, low carb diet to prevent dental disease and gastrointestinal problems
Complete physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual fecal examination for parasites, bacterial infections
Avoid temperatures above 80°F to prevent heat stress
Check males monthly for hair rings
Common Diseases for Sugar Gliders
Gastrointestinal – diarrhea, parasites, bacterial infection gastroenteritis, constipation/impaction
Dietary – protien deficiency causing weight loss, weakness, malnutrition
Dermatology – hair loss, pruritis, fleas, lice, mites, infected
Stress – over eating, over drinking, pica (eating unusual materials)
Dental – overgrowth causing trauma, malnutrition
Behavioral – pacing, chewing, self-trauma
Neurological – hind limb paralysis
Blindness/cataracts (males)
Preventive Care for Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders are nocturnal animals – disrupting sleep patterns for daily play on a regular basis can cause behavioral and stress related complications
Feed high quality insectivore diet plus sources of protein and natural sugars
Complete physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual dental exam to prevent overgrowth and malnutrition
Annual fecal exam for parasites, bacterial infections
House at 70°F to prevent heat or cold stress
