Exotic Species

At the Lodi Veterinary Hospital we provide routine care for rabbits, guinea pigs and pocket pets such as hamsters, chinchillas, gerbils and rodents through small animal services. We also provide routine care for camelid species (such as llamas) and cervid species (such as elk) through large animal services. Other large animal exotics may be able to be seen on a case by case basis at the doctor’s discretion.

Exotic animal care requires additional training in husbandry, nutrition, management as well as knowledge and proficiency in surgery and medicine. Certain doctors have special interest in each of these species and have the skills to provide their veterinary care. Depending on the availability of these doctors and the nature of the care desired, sick or injured animals may be referred to a specialist to assure that your animal receives the best care available.

Please feel free to call if you have any further questions about veterinary care for exotic/non-traditional pets.

Rabbits:  We offer full veterinary care to rabbits including wellness exams, advice in husbandry and nutrition, medicine, and surgery. Spays and neuters are recommended for all pet rabbits – when scheduled please remember to bring along their food and water. Dr. Bogdanske enjoys working with rabbits and would be happy to provide your veterinary care.

Pocket Pets and Guinea Pigs:  Guinea pigs are unique pets and Dr. Bogdanske enjoys working with these animals. Diet and husbandry are essential for good health and wellness exams are an excellent way to be sure proper care is being provided. Hamsters, mice, rats and other pocket pets are also offered routine care. For advanced procedures, you may be referred to a specialist.

Cervid Species:  We offer herd health consultations including vaccination and parasite control programs. Dr. Etter is certified to perform chronic wasting disease and tuberculosis testing.

Camelid Species:  Llamas and alpacas are cared for through our large animal department. Services offered include wellness programs involving nutrition, vaccination and parasite control, diagnostic and surgical procedures. Our large animal hospital is equipped to house camelids if needed.

Other Species:  Other species may be seen on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the doctor. Please call to inquire regarding any care that your animal may need and we will have a doctor review the information to determine whether or not it is a case that we can accommodate.