Exotic Pet Care, Exotic Pet Hospital
Ferrets & Small Animals

We provide veterinary care for many exotic pets, including:

  • Ferrets
  • Rodents (rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice)
  • Rabbits
  • Reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises)
  • Amphibians (frogs, toads)
  • Sugar Gliders (marsupials)
  • Hedgehogs
  • Potbellied Pigs

Our state-of-the-art exotic pet hospital is equipped to handle most types of exotic pets.

Exotic pets like rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, hedgehogs, and guinea pigs have special care needs and we have Veterinarians who specialize in meeting those needs.

Our animal medical center and pet hospital features DR. DIANA DELGADO. Her extensive knowledge and expertise with small animals and exotic pets combines the best of personal and clinical experience. Located in Dunedin, Florida, we provide exotic vet services for the entire Tampa Bay area.

Our hospital has the capability of serving all sorts of animals and reptiles. Our in-house diagnostic capability includes full blood and chemistry work, cytology, radiology, endoscopy, ultrasound, and surgery. We offer the opportunity for unique species to receive competent and compassionate veterinary care. Cases are seen by appointment, but emergency patients are gladly accepted as the need arises.

Ferret Care: What Every Owner Should Know

Ferrets are intelligent, playful, and highly social animals that require specialized veterinary care. Unlike dogs and cats, ferrets have a very high metabolic rate and a relatively short lifespan of 6–10 years—which means health issues can develop and progress quickly. Annual wellness exams starting at a young age are strongly recommended, with twice-yearly exams for ferrets over age four.

Diet: Ferrets are strict carnivores with a very short gastrointestinal tract. They require a high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. High-quality ferret kibble or a raw/whole prey diet are appropriate options. Avoid fruits, vegetables, and high-sugar treats, which can contribute to insulinoma (pancreatic tumors)—one of the most common diseases in middle-aged to older ferrets.

Housing: Ferrets need spacious, multi-level cages with ramps, hammocks, and enrichment items. They require daily out-of-cage time for play and exploration—at least 2–4 hours per day. Ferrets should never be left unsupervised outside their cage, as they are expert escape artists with an instinct to chew on almost anything.

Common Diseases: Beyond insulinoma, ferrets are prone to adrenal gland disease (causing hair loss and behavioral changes), lymphoma, Aleutian Disease (a viral illness), and distemper. Regular vaccines against canine distemper and rabies are essential for ferrets and are required by law in many states, including Florida.

Rabbit and Guinea Pig Care

Rabbits and guinea pigs are among the most commonly owned small mammals, yet they are also among the most frequently undertreated. Both species hide signs of illness instinctively—by the time visible symptoms appear, disease may already be advanced.

Rabbits require a diet based on unlimited timothy hay (at least 80% of their diet), supplemented with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Their teeth grow continuously throughout life, and dental malocclusion—where teeth overgrow and become misaligned—is extremely common, causing pain, inability to eat, and facial abscesses. Annual dental exams are essential. GI stasis, a potentially life-threatening slowing of gut motility, is another serious and common rabbit emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own Vitamin C and must receive it through their diet. Deficiency causes scurvy, resulting in swollen joints, dental disease, and weakness. Fresh bell peppers, leafy greens, and a guinea pig-specific pellet that contains Vitamin C will meet their nutritional needs. Like rabbits, guinea pigs also suffer from dental disease and should have annual oral exams.

Why Exotic Species Need Specialist Care

The anatomy, physiology, and disease patterns of exotic species differ dramatically from those of dogs and cats. Drug dosing, anesthetic protocols, and diagnostic reference ranges are species-specific. A general practice with limited exotic experience may miss subtle signs of disease or inadvertently cause harm with an inappropriate treatment approach.

Choosing a veterinary clinic with genuine exotic animal expertise—backed by the equipment and experience to handle these patients—is one of the most important decisions you can make for your small animal companion.

At Dunedin Animal Medical Center, proudly serving Dunedin, FL and Pinellas County, we are passionate about providing expert, compassionate care for exotic and small animal patients. Whether you have a ferret with a lump, a rabbit that has stopped eating, or a guinea pig due for a checkup, our team is here to help. Visit us at dunedinamc.com or call (727) 738-2273 to schedule your exotic pet’s appointment.

*Are you a veterinary student looking for an externship? See our externship page for more information.