Madison Animal Hospital

Here at Madison Animal Hospital we savor the challenge of working with our exotic patients and their families!  Since exotics are non-domesticated pets, they are not as adapted to our lifestyles and require very unique care.  If not given this special attention, they could fall ill and have shortened lives.  This is unfortunate since many illnesses are preventable.  The best time to start veterinary care for exotics is when they have just been acquired. Preventative cares begins with a thorough exam, discussing diet and nutrition and the specific care required for each species.

• Avian: Birds are among the most common exotic pets. They are very colorful and lively creatures.  Each species has special dietary requirements to ensure their health and well being.  Our doctors are here to discuss your bird's nutritional needs, what diseases can affect them and how to spot them, cage requirements, lighting and other issues such as beak, wing and nail care.

• Ferrets: Ferrets have been popular pets for many years, but research is still evolving to educate us more.  Recently we have learned more about their diets, and their nutritional requirements far exceed the contents of most commercial ferret foods.  At Madison Animal Hospital we stay in tuned with new research to ensure that you and your pet are happy and healthy.  We offer a specifically designed vaccination protocol to protect your furry friends from diseases such as distemper and rabies.  Ferrets require a species specific vaccination against distemper and we recommend never to use canine vaccinations on your ferret.  Heartworms are another growing concern for ferrets and we can help you start your own heartworm prevention program to protect your pet from this deadly disease.

• Rabbits: Very popular as pets and among our favorite patients at Madison Animal Hospital are rabbits.  Cute, soft and loveable; how can anyone resist their charm?  But few understand all of their needs.  Young rabbits should receive routine care early on to ensure their health.  A physical exam and screening for parasites are essential.  Since parasites are not only harmful but can be life threatening, a prevention plan is necessary to keep a rabbit healthy and happy.  Our doctors are here to help you plan your rabbit's diet, cage requirements, dental maintenance, and spaying/neutering.  We would appreciate the opportunity to keep your furry family member healthy.

• Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs are another cute, soft, charming little animal that are very popular as family pets.  Proper diet and dental disease are common issues with these small creatures.  They have specific nutritional requirements that need to be met to insure their health.  Vitamin C is a crucial element to the nutritional needs of this species.  Our doctors can fine tune their diet and offer recommendations on how to enrich their lives.

• Reptiles: Iguanas, turtles, and snakes -- oh my!  These interesting pets can seem easy to care for.  But with so many species from such different parts of the world, it can be difficult to know exactly what temperature, humidity, water, lighting, and nutritional requirements they may have.  Our doctors are up for the challenge and will help you establish an environment to help your pet thrive.