Expert Veterinary Care for Exotic Pets
If you keep any of these exciting pets:
- a small mammal (rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla, ferret, sugar glider, degu, rat, hamster, etc)
- a bird (including parrots, budgerigars, cockatiels, birds of prey, waterfowl, etc)
- a reptile (tortoise, lizard, snake)
- invertebrate (spider or other insect)
- an amphibian or a fish
For a first opinion you can request an appointment with Polly Cornwell BVSc MRCVS or Jemma Young BVSc MRCVS.
Polly has a special interest in these animals and dedicates much of her Continuing Professional Development to the study of exotic animal medicine and surgery. She has her General Practitioner Certificate in Exotic Animal Practice (ESVPS), and is happy to see all species, usually at the Whitchurch or Brislington surgeries. Jemma is currently working towards her General Practitioner Certificate (ESVPS).
Polly and Jemma are assisted by our dedicated exotics nurse, Kati Heddington VN and by Janine Fletcher VN, who has a special interest in wildlife.
We are also fortunate to work with Rowena Killick BVM&S MSc DZooMed MRCVS and Richard Saunders BVSc BSc (Hons) CertZooMed CBiol MIBiol MRCVS of Bristol Zoo Gardens Veterinary Services. They run regular clinics here at Highcroft Veterinary Hospital, which means that we can deal with virtually any exotic species inhouse.With our extensive diagnostic facilities, and enthusiastic and knowledgeable nursing staff, here are some examples of the service we can offer for exotic pets:
- Thorough clinical examination of new pets and advice for new owners;
- Routine health checks, including clinical examination, review of husbandry, weighing and measuring;
- Surgical procedures including neutering and laparoscopy (keyhole imaging);
- Dental care, both routine prophylactic care and treatment of tooth problems;
- Further investigations: blood, urine and faecal samples are analysed in house and or sent to laboratories specialising in exotic species for evaluation; radiology (x-ray); ultrasound; endoscopy;
- Sevoflurane anaesthetic and a ventilator to provide ideal conditions for small mammals, reptiles and birds under general anaesthetic;
- A separate dedicated ward for exotic species with specialist hospitalisation equipment, including vivaria;
- Excellent surgical and nursing skills for the less commonly encountered pets
For more information or to book an appointment please contact your branch surgery.
