At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center, our avian, small mammal and exotic patients are carefully examined by Dr. J.C. Burcham and Dr. Anthony Carrier. Our experienced veterinarians treat a variety of birds, rabbits, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, ferrets, lizards, snakes, turtles and other pocket pets as well as the occasional goat and pig. For safety reasons, we are unable to treat venomous animals or primates.

With two avian/exotic veterinarians on staff, Mariposa offers experience, compassion and dedication to provide the best care possible for your unique companion! Both doctors own exotic animals and regularly attend continuing education courses specifically highlighting these species, their special considerations and medical needs. There is a lot to know when treating non-traditional pets, and the Mariposa team is dedicated to providing the best care possible to those with fur, scales, feathers or scutes.

Our veterinarians enjoy examining non-traditional pets and providing education on husbandry, nutrition and the specific needs of your animal to ensure optimal health and enhance the human-animal bond between you and your pet.

 

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: