Small Mammals

Love Knows

No size.

Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital is proud to have the expertise to treat your ferret, chinchilla, hedgehog, guinea pig, rat, mouse, gerbil, hamster or any other small pet! Just like dogs and cats, your furry pocket pet needs ongoing veterinary care, balanced nutrition, human interaction, and appropriate management of his or her environment. Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital strives to meet the medical needs of all pets. Some of the veterinary care services we offer include:

• Annual preventative-care physical examinations
• Diagnostic testing including radiographs (x-rays), endoscopy, blood tests, skin tests and biopsies
• Surgeries for growth removal, dental disease, fractures and internal problems
• Medications and supplements tailored to the needs of your pet
• Nutritional counseling
• Behavioral counseling
• Habitat and husbandry counseling

Most exotic pets are not domesticated, meaning their bodies and behavior are very similar to what is found in the wild. In the wild, these animals must appear strong and healthy to avoid predators or challenges from other animals. When they are ill, they may not show outward signs of illness. Additionally, signs of illness in exotic pets may be difficult to notice because they are often different from the signs dogs and cats show. An annual exam will help spot these hidden signs of illness to ensure a healthy life for your pet.

If your exotic pet exhibits signs of illness, please call right away as it may be an emergency. Learn to recognize signs of a sick pet, and also recognize things that are abnormal for your pet in particular. Some signs of illness include:

• Changes in behavior such as decreased activity level or decreased vocalization
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea or abnormal droppings
• Too much fluid in the urine or droppings
• Coughing, sneezing or abnormal breathing sounds
• Weight loss
• Regurgitation or vomiting
• Changes in water intake
• Weakness

Vaccinations

Ferret Vaccines

• Rabies Vaccine.
• Distemper Vaccine. The distemper virus is an airborne virus that can be fatal to ferrets if not vaccinated. It can be picked up from grass, weeds, trees, shrubs and other pets. The distemper vaccine is administered according to a schedule determined by your veterinarian, then is usually boostered annually.