Referred to an Exotic Animal Hospital? Here’s What to Expect
If you’ve been told your pet needs an exotic pet referral, you might feel slightly worried and confused. After all, what could be so serious that your pet needs to go somewhere beyond your regular vet’s office?
Here’s the thing: sometimes, when you live with a unique companion like a parrot, rabbit, reptile, or ferret, they just need care that’s focused on their species. Advanced exotic vet care can fill this gap.
Here’s what the team at South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital wants you to know about taking your exotic pet to a specialized animal hospital after a referral.
Why Referrals Happen
General practice veterinarians are skilled in providing wellness exams, preventive care, and treatment for a variety of species. But exotic pets can experience more complicated health needs specific to their species. A referral doesn’t mean your vet can’t handle your pet. It just means your vet wants the very best for your exotic companion.
For instance, say you have a pet bird with breathing issues. Or a reptile that needs advanced imaging. Or a rabbit who must undergo a specialized surgery. At a hospital equipped for exotic pets, these issues can be handled with ease.
What Does a Specialized Animal Hospital Offer?
At a specialized animal hospital, you’ll find veterinarians with dedicated additional training in caring for specific species. Many of these professionals obtain board certification in zoological or exotic animal medicine.
These facilities typically also include:
- Advanced diagnostic tools like CT or MRI imaging
- Surgical suites made just for small and delicate patients
- Staff trained in handling exotic pets without causing them extra stress
It’s this level of support that makes advanced exotic vet care so valuable for your unique family member.
What to Expect at Your First Exotic Pet Hospital Visit
Like it will in most other initial veterinary visits, a first visit to an exotic pet hospital will most likely begin with a thorough history of your pet. Expect to answer questions about everything from diet and enclosure setup to recent behavior changes and symptoms.
You may get asked detailed questions about humidity levels and lighting, for instance, especially if you have a reptile or amphibian. For small mammals, your exotic pet vet might ask about enrichment activities available to them.
After this initial exam, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests, imaging, or treatment customized for your pet’s species.
Supporting Your Pet’s Unique Needs in South Texas
At South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital, our skilled team of doctors is all board-certified in various avian and exotic specialties.
We are here to work with you, your exotic family members, and your general practice veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy and happy. We accept patients both with and without referrals. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call our office at (210) 424-1871.