Exotic Pet Care

Exotic Pet Care at Franklin Animal Clinic

At Franklin Animal Clinic, we’re proud to offer care for a variety of exotic pets. Dr. Davis has a special interest in exotic species and is passionate about continuing her education and experience in this unique area of veterinary medicine. She completed an externship at the Indianapolis Zoo and continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing learning and hands-on experience.

While Dr. Davis is not board-certified in exotic animal medicine, she is happy to provide wellness care, husbandry consultations, and medical appointments for many exotic species. If you prefer to see a veterinarian who specializes exclusively in exotic species, we are happy to refer you to Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic in Indianapolis.

Species We Currently See

Dr. Davis provides care for the following species (this list may expand as her experience grows):

• Ferrets
  Rabies and canine distemper vaccinations recommended; at least annual exams advised. (Ferrets cannot receive the 3-year rabies vaccine.)

• Rabbits
  Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) vaccination recommended; at least annual exams advised.

• Hamsters
  Biannual wellness exams recommended; no routine vaccines.

• Guinea Pigs
  Annual wellness exams recommended; no routine vaccines.

• Chinchillas
  Annual wellness exams recommended; no routine vaccines.

• Birds (Wellness Only)
  We see companion birds for wellness care only (no chickens). Annual exams recommended; no routine vaccines.

If you have another exotic species not listed above, please call us before scheduling so we can confirm whether we’re able to provide care.

Preparing for Your Exotic Pet’s Appointment

To help us provide the best care possible, please bring:

• A fresh fecal sample

• A list of foods, supplements, and treats (brands and amounts)

• Enclosure dimensions

• Type of bedding used

• Photos of the enclosure (if possible)

This information is essential for evaluating your pet’s overall health and husbandry.

Beak Trims & Nail Trims (Birds)

Bird beak and nail trims are scheduled on designated days and require:

• An established client relationship

• A current physical exam on file

• Approval noted in your pet’s medical record

Please call us for details and availability.

Spay & Neuter Consultations

If you’re interested in spaying or neutering your exotic pet, your pet must first be seen for an exam to establish care and determine whether they are a good surgical candidate before surgery can be scheduled.

Exotic Pet Emergencies

Exotic pets can decline quickly, so prompt care is critical.

Dr. Davis may be able to see some urgent cases during regular hours on a case-by-case basis. Please call us immediately if you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency.

If Dr. Davis is unavailable or if after-hours care is needed, we recommend contacting one of the following:

• Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) – Nora, Indianapolis
  463-260-0014

• Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic
  317-879-8633
  (After hours, choose the option to speak with on-call staff.)

• Hillview Veterinary Clinic
  317-736-8880
  (Not an emergency hospital but may see some exotic species.)

You can also visit the Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic’s emergency resource page for guidance on recognizing urgent situations and first-aid steps while arranging care:
https://www.exoticvetclinic.com/emergency

Seek Immediate Care If You Notice:

Small Mammals:

• Labored or open-mouth breathing

• Not eating for 24 hours (especially with lethargy or behavior changes)

• Bloated abdomen or teeth grinding

• Seizures (especially multiple or lasting longer than 5 minutes)

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Rear leg paralysis

• Bite wounds

• Suspected foreign body (especially in ferrets)

• Straining or inability to urinate

• Severe lethargy or minimal responsiveness

Birds:

• Trauma (bleeding, fractures, head injury)

• Burns

• Diarrhea, regurgitation, or not eating

• Difficulty breathing, sneezing, nasal discharge

• Tissue prolapse (especially around the vent)

• Seizures, paralysis, or incoordination

• Beak injuries or wounds

If you are ever unsure whether your pet’s condition is urgent, please call us right away. We’re here to help guide you.