Small Mammal Care

Routine Small Mammal Wellness Services

Because small mammals are prey species that naturally hide illness, proactive routine care is essential to detecting hidden health issues early. Our comprehensive services include:

• Annual Wellness Examinations: Full physical evaluations to monitor weight changes, body condition, and overall vitality.

• Dental Evaluations: In-depth checks of continuously growing teeth (incisors and molars) to identify overgrowth, spurring, or malocclusion.

• Nutritional Counseling: Customized guidance on species-appropriate diets, high-fiber hay requirements, and healthy foraging choices.

• Parasite Screening: Diagnostic evaluations to detect and treat internal and external parasites safely.

• Husbandry Guidance: Practical advice on safe housing, bedding substrates, environmental enrichment, and temperature control.

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care If Your Pet:

Due to their delicate digestive systems and prey instincts, small mammals can decline rapidly when ill. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Stops eating or exhibits a sudden drop in appetite

• Stops producing feces (or shows a significant decrease in droppings)

• Has difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, or loud wheezing

• Appears unusually weak, lethargic, or collapsed

• Has severe, watery diarrhea or a soiled hind end

• Sustains trauma, animal attacks, or active bleeding

• Experiences tremors or seizures

• Is straining to urinate or cannot urinate

Preparing for Your Visit

To help us deliver the most efficient and gentle care possible, please complete our Small Mammal History Questionnaire prior to your appointment whenever possible.

This detailed form provides Dr. Achtel with crucial background information about your pet’s diet, cage environment, daily routines, behavior, and medical history.