Veterinary Care For Small Mammals

RABBITS

Rabbits have been domesticated for centuries, and make lively and attentive pets with the proper care. Rabbits can even be house trained and learn (with patience!) to obey commands.

Pet rabbits should be spayed or neutered before two years of age if not used for breeding. Females are highly susceptible to cancer of the reproductive tract, and spaying will prevent this disease. Neutering will help curb aggressive tendencies in the male.

Proper diet is essential since most rabbits are overfed, leading to obesity. Use high quality timothy hay along with a limited amount of pellets, dark green and yellow vegetables and fruit. The roughage in the hay is the best hairball preventative and helps regulate digestion.

Schedule an examination for your rabbit when you first bring your pet home, then every 6 months. A fecal examination is advised, since rabbits are succeptable to intestinal parasites. Fleas may be a problem, so flea control may be necessary. Have your rabbits teeth checked for overgrowth, since this condition requires regular trimming of overgrown teeth. Rabbits do not need vaccinations.

SMALL RODENTS

With proper care, mice, rats, hamsters and gerbils can be hardy and fun pets to own. No vaccines are needed, however, since these pets are relatively short-lived, problems can develop quickly. Check for hair loss and skin problems, since mange, fleas, infections and allergies are common.

A small scale is a good investment, and changes in your pet's weight may indicate an internal problem before you notice that your pet is ill. Call for an appointment as soon as you detect a problem, since treatment is often more successful if started early.

Any lumps or bumps should be checked by the veterinarian, since tumors are another disease seen in small rodents. If caught early, surgical removal of tumors is possible.