All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital

Exotic & Non-Traditional Species Care

Exotic Animal Medicine

Exotic & Non-Traditional Species Care

Not all vets see exotics. Dr. Davis has specialized training and genuine passion for exotic animal medicine — from rabbits and reptiles to birds and prairie dogs.

Call 210-349-3969 Text Us

Why Exotic Pets Need a Specialist

Exotic and non-traditional pets have unique physiological, nutritional, and behavioral needs that differ dramatically from dogs and cats. A rabbit's digestive system, a reptile's thermoregulation, a bird's respiratory anatomy — these require a veterinarian with specific training and experience. Treating an exotic pet with a dog-or-cat-only background can lead to missed diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and preventable harm.

Species We See

  • Rabbits — wellness, dental, GI stasis, spay/neuter, surgery
  • Guinea pigs — wellness, dental malocclusion, respiratory, skin
  • Ferrets — wellness, adrenal disease, insulinoma, distemper vaccination
  • Chinchillas — wellness, dental, respiratory, fur slip
  • Rats — wellness, respiratory disease, mammary tumors
  • Hamsters — wellness, wet tail, cheek pouch issues
  • Prairie dogs — wellness, obesity, odontoma
  • Reptiles (lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises) — wellness, metabolic bone disease, respiratory, parasites
  • Birds (parrots, cockatiels, finches, canaries) — wellness, feather disease, respiratory, nutrition

Common Exotic Pet Health Issues We Treat

  • GI stasis in rabbits and guinea pigs
  • Dental malocclusion in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas
  • Adrenal disease and insulinoma in ferrets
  • Metabolic bone disease in reptiles
  • Respiratory infections across species
  • Skin and fur conditions
  • Reproductive diseases (pyometra, dystocia)
  • Parasitic infections
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Trauma and wound care

Preventive Care for Exotic Pets

Annual wellness exams are especially important for exotic pets because they are masters at hiding illness. By the time symptoms are obvious, disease is often advanced. Dr. Davis recommends annual exams for most exotic species and semi-annual exams for seniors. Proper husbandry — diet, housing, temperature, humidity, enrichment — is the foundation of exotic pet health, and we provide detailed guidance at every visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you see reptiles and birds as well as small mammals?
Yes. Dr. Davis sees a wide range of exotic species including reptiles (lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises) and birds (parrots, cockatiels, finches, canaries), as well as small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, and prairie dogs.
How is caring for an exotic pet different from caring for a dog or cat?
Exotic pets have unique physiological, nutritional, and behavioral needs. Their normal lab values, drug dosages, anesthetic protocols, and disease presentations differ significantly from dogs and cats. A veterinarian without specific exotic training may miss important diagnoses or use inappropriate treatments.
My exotic pet seems healthy — do they still need annual exams?
Absolutely. Exotic species are especially skilled at hiding illness as a survival instinct. By the time symptoms are visible, disease is often advanced and harder to treat. Annual exams allow Dr. Davis to catch subtle changes early, when intervention is most effective.
What should I bring to my exotic pet's first appointment?
Bring any previous medical records, a list of current diet and supplements, and information about your pet's housing setup (cage size, substrate, temperature, humidity). A fresh fecal sample is also helpful for parasite screening. If possible, bring your pet in their normal enclosure or a secure carrier.
Do you perform surgery on exotic pets?
Yes. Dr. Davis performs soft tissue surgery on rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, and other small exotic mammals. Exotic species require specialized anesthetic protocols and careful monitoring — we have the training and equipment to provide this care safely.

Ready to book an appointment?

Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.

Call 210-349-3969View All Services