All birds and exotics are examined by Dr. J.C. Burcham. She has the experience, compassion, and dedication to provide the best care possible for your non-traditional pet! Dr. Burcham is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) and Association of Reptile & Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), and she regularly attends CE specifically regarding these species. There is a lot to know when treating these non-traditional pets, and we are dedicated to providing the best care possible.
Birds
Examples of birds treated at Mariposa include all kinds of parrots (cockatoos, African Greys, Amazons, macaws, Poicephalus spp., conures, and many others), finches, canaries, chickens, ducks, geese, toucans, birds of prey, and just about anything with feathers. Services include: comprehensive physical exams, wing trims, nail trims, beak trimming, blood work, fecal analysis (gram stains and direct exams), DNA sexing, microchipping, and testing for various diseases and toxicities. We can also perform laser therapy (see photo–Dr. Burcham is treating an extensive bruise on the bird’s back, which was the result of trauma).
Ferrets
We understand the special nature of ferrets and the range of medical problems they can develop. We offer comprehensive physical exams for all ferret life stages, and we recommend routine bloodwork to screen for various problems. Treatments available for ailments such as adrenal disease include Lupron injections and deslorelin implants, as well as surgery.
Rabbits
The unique needs of rabbits requires that a veterinarian have familiarity and experience with their physiology and behavior. Dr. JC Burcham has the experience and bunny compassion that all vets who treat this species should have (but unfortunately, not all do!). Preventive care (including examination of the teeth to check for abnormal molar or incisor growth) and proper nutrition are the key to keeping your bunny healthy, and we would love to discuss these needs further with you.
Rodents
Guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, and other rodents all have specific needs regarding their diet, cage set-up, and environment. Wellness exams and preventive care are a must to ensure a long, happy life. Every exam includes thorough examination of the teeth, as dental care is especially important in these species!
Reptiles & Amphibians
Snakes, geckos, bearded dragons, iguanas, chameleons, turtles and tortoises, monitors, tegus, salamanders, frogs–these are just a few of the types of unusual species we see at Mariposa! As with most exotics, a review of proper husbandry (cage setup, heating, lighting, diet–including feeding methods) are a necessity when it comes to providing the best comprehensive care. Review our “Reptiles” posts for examples of care sheets and more.
Other Exotics
Sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and exotic cats don’t fit into the categories above, but all are welcome here. Don’t see your type of pet listed in the above categories? Call us! Just about the only kinds of animals we don’t treat are: fish, venomous snakes/lizards, pot-bellied pigs (though we can provide a referral for you–just call us), and primates.
Resources
Some links you may find useful:
- Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians (ASGV) – Great resources for sugar glider owners and veterinarians!
- GuineaLynx – Medical & Care Guide for Guinea Pigs
- GuineaPigCages.com – Instructions on how to build your own cage for guinea pigs–even better than what you’d buy in a store, and costs less too!
- Rat Guide – A guide to health, medication use, breeding, and responsible care of pet rats
- Oxbow Animal Health – A great company committed to providing great products for small, furry critters!
- House Rabbit Society – an international nonprofit that rescues rabbits and educates the public on proper care of rabbits
- Anapsid.org – Melissa Kaplan’s Herp Care Collection, filled with excellent information
- Tortoise Feeding & Nutrition
- UV Lighting for Reptiles – More information that you ever wanted to know about UV lighting for reptiles!
- MyToos.com – Important site to visit before getting a cockatoo