Ferrets
Ferrets are prone to adrenal disease, insulinomas, and respiratory infections. Their needed care includes:
- Annual exams with bloodwork in older ferrets.
- Regular dental care and parasite prevention is needed for ferrets, with older ferrets often needing bloodwork.
- Spaying/neutering for hormone-related issues.
Vaccinations that ferrets may need are:
- Canine Distemper Vaccination – Protects against a highly contagious, viral disease in ferrets. Because there is no effective treatment once infected, routine vaccination is critical for protection.
- Rabies Vaccination – Protects against a fatal neurologic disease that can be transmitted to humans and other animals through bites.
Please contact our hospital in advance to make sure we can accommodate your ferret’s needed vaccinations.
Guinea Pigs
Considered highly social rodents, it is recommended that guinea pigs live with other guinea pigs to support their mental well-being. Unlike most mammals, they cannot produce their own vitamin C. To prevent deficiency, they must receive it daily through their food or supplements. Guinea pigs are also prone to gastrointestinal stasis, bladder stones, respiratory infections, and dental issues. Their teeth are constantly growing, so they are more prone to dental disease if they do not have proper hay intake.
Because Guinea pigs are prone to these risks, veterinary care focuses heavily on dental monitoring, nutrition counseling (unlimited hay and vitamin C supplementation), and early detection of urinary or respiratory issues.
Hamsters
To prevent fighting and stress, most hamsters typically prefer to live alone. They can be quite the escape artists, so a secure, well-ventilated enclosure is essential. At the same time, providing appropriate bedding (for burrowing) and a balanced diet that supports their continuously growing teeth is just as important, as they require proper nutrition and natural chewing to stay healthy.
One of the most fatal conditions seen in hamsters is “wet tail,” a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease. Veterinary care for hamsters focuses on early intervention for digestive illness, dental monitoring, and parasite treatment when needed.
Rabbits
Rabbits have sensitive digestive and dental needs—so a high-fiber, hay-based diet that supports their continuously growing teeth and an environment that supports natural chewing are important for their overall health. Rabbits are also prone to uterine cancer (in females) and gastrointestinal stasis (when food stops moving through their GI tract), which can be a life-threatening condition if not treated quickly.
Routine veterinary care for rabbits focuses on dental health, nutrition, weight monitoring, and rapid response to appetite or behavior changes.
