The emergence of exotic animal medicine in recent years offers a very diverse field of veterinary medicine. Not all veterinarians have the interest and knowledge required to easily offer this type of medicine. We have among our staff, many veterinarians and animal health technicians that have an interest, as well as, behavioral and medical knowledge needed to care for these out of the ordinary species.
Diagnosis
Whether it be for rodents, ferrets, rabbits, hedgehogs or birds, we have available to us, the necessary technology to diagnose and treat these species. Digital radiography is one of the technologies available to us, even for the smaller species such as hamsters. It allows us to detect abnormalities in the abdomen, chest, skull, paws and tail. Dental radiography is available for ferrets. Moreover, like cats and dogs, dental prophylaxis is recommended for ferrets that present an accumulation of dental calculus, in order to ensure good dental and general health. Among the smaller species though, we cannot perform on-site blood work.
However, in species 
with a larger weight, such as rabbits and ferrets, it is possible to conduct a complete blood analysis (hematology and biochemistry) using our on-site laboratory. In birds, blood tests are sent to an external laboratory. Blood tests done routinely in birds consist of screening for "the four diseases" (Chlamydia, Polyomavirus, Pacheco's disease and Beak and Feather disease) and sexing, via DNA. Given that most birds do not exhibit sexual dimorphism, DNA sexing is often the only method available to determine its sex. In gastrointestinal problem cases in small mammals, stool analysis can be done. In birds, we opt instead for a fecal culture. With respect to avian respiratory problems, samples of the upper airways can be made.
Surgery
Surgery is also one of the disciplines encompassing the practice of exotic animals. Routine surgeries such as, castration and ovario-hysterectomy, are often performed in rabbits. They are also recommended for a good control of the population and to avoid behavioral problems. In addition, the incidence of uterine tumors in rabbits is common, which makes sterilization more important. Castration is also available for chinchillas, rats, degus and guinea pigs. Several other surgeries are available in case of specific pathological conditions (enucleation, amputation, mass excision, wound debridement, etc ...).
Hospitalization
Our hospital has a room specifically adapted for the hospitalization of exotic animals. This quiet room, away from cats and dogs, can reduce our patients stress during their stay in our hospital. Regarding the patients presented in critical condition, they are hospitalized in the intensive care area for ongoing monitoring. Incubators are available to maintain body temperature of unstable animals and also for those who have undergone surgery. For most rabbits and ferrets, it is possible to set up an intravenous line to administer fluids in dehydrated animals or maintain proper hydration during a surgical procedure for better security during anesthesia.
Dental care
Dental care in rodents is common practice and necessary. Indeed, these species are susceptible to dental malocclusions (of the incisors, molars and premolars). When these situations occur, we must shorten (trim) the teeth that are too long. This procedure requires general anesthesia when the molars or premolars are affected. As for birds, beak malocclusion is a condition that is regularly seen; the beak must therefore be trimmed.
Reptiles
Sometime soon, we will be offering our services for reptile consultations/examinations by appointment. Please contact us for more information.