The veterinarians  at Rocky Point Animal Hospital have years of combined experience taking care of everything from rabbits to eagles, snakes, wildlife, lizards, parrots, rats, guinea pigs, and more.  Let us help you keep your feathered, furred, or scaly pet healthy and long living!

We DO NOT provide care for:

• Venomous reptiles (snakes or lizards), or amphibians (frogs)
• Arachnids (spiders)
• Primates (monkeys)
• Native Wildlife (which require a permit to keep, unless you are a permitted rehabilitator for the species)
• Insects (like Madagascar Hissing Roaches, etc.)

Please call us if you have any questions about the species of exotic pets that we provide services for.

EXOTIC AFTER HOURS CONSULTING
[email protected]

Rocky Point Animal Hospital offers after hour and emergency consultations  for current EXOTIC PETS as a benefit of being clients and family at RPAH.  If your EXOTIC PET has been seen with one of our veterinarians within the last 12 months, you are able to correspond with us via email for questions or concerns you may have while we are closed or on holidays.

​We can be reached at [email protected]

Once an email is sent, one of our on call veterinarians will reply to you via email.  Emails received after 10pm and prior to 8 am will be returned the following business day.

If your pet needs to be seen on emergency basis is a veterinary setting, we will do our best to help guide you in that decision and recommend referral to an after hour exotic emergency practice.  ​

AFTER HOUR EMERGENCY CARE

Exotic Animal Medicine Service (EAMS)
North Carolina State University
1052 William Moore Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-513-6999
[email protected]​​

Common Questions Asked Regarding Exotic Pets

1)      When should I take my exotic pet to the vet?

·         Annual exams are recommended for all exotic animals.  As animals become older, your veterinarian may recommend bi-annual exams.  It is recommended to establish your exotic pet as a patient as soon as you get your pet.  This allows you to develop a relationship with your veterinary clinic as well as allows the veterinarian to know what your pet’s personality is when it is healthy. Even if you have had your pet for several years, it is never too late to start bringing your pet in for annual exams.  You and your veterinarian can establish a plan to help your pet live the longest healthiest life possible.

·         If your exotic pet is showing any signs of illness or even changes in it’s normal routine, it is recommended you bring your pet into the vet.  Examples of this could be: reduced appetite, lethargy, changes in urination or defecation etc.  Since most exotic animals are prey species in the wild, they often hide their signs of illness until they can not hide them any longer.  Often times, once you start noticing signs of illness, they have been sick for a few days.  It is very important that the minute you notice that your pet is not acting normally, you make it a priority to bring your pet to the vet.

2)      What can a veterinarian do for my exotic pet?
​
·         A veterinarian will perform a full physical exam on your pet from head to toe.  They will be able check for any abnormalities, such as dental issues, masses etc.  If your pet is an established patient, they will be able to monitor your pets weight over time and investigate cause for changes if needed.  They will be able to discuss diet, husbandry, behavior etc. to help you make any changes needed.

3)      Why does my pet need a fecal test if they only live indoors?

·         Although your pet may live indoors, your pet can still be exposed to parasites via food items, hay etc.  If your pet has outdoor playtime, they may also be exposed at that time.  It is recommended that most exotic pets have a fecal performed yearly, particularly babies/juveniles.  To make it easier on your pet and your veterinarian, if possible, please bring in a fresh sample prior to each visit.

4)      How do I know if my pet needs grooming/nail trims?

·         Bringing your pet in annually will allow your veterinarian to get an overview of your pets nails, beak etc.  Overgrown nails can cause discomfort in animals and also can get caught on items, causing injury.  Sometimes overgrowth of nails can indicate an underlying problem.  Visiting your vet regularly for grooming will help prevent any injury.  Sometimes husbandry changes can help reduce rate of nail growth.  Discussing this with your vet and a regular schedule for grooming will benefit your pet.

5)      What can I do to prevent an illness in my exotic pet?

·         Prevention is the best tool to keeping your pet healthy.  Bringing your pet in for annual exams and diagnostics will help your veterinarian keep your pet healthy and possibly detect any diseases early.  Good hygiene and appropriate husbandry are a must!

6)      How should I prepare to add an exotic pet into my family?

·         Education is the key to successfully raising an exotic animal.  Your veterinarian will likely be your best source of information.  There is a lot of bad information on the internet and from breeders.  You can set up a consult with your veterinarian to discuss the addition of a new exotic animal.  Your vet can discuss what you need from environment to diet to handling to enrichment etc.

7)      Why do I need an exam to get a refill of medication?

·         If your pet is on medication long term, your pet will need an exam yearly to ensure there are no changes to your pet’s condition and no additional clinical concerns going on.  Depending on the medication, it may be recommended to have yearly bloodwork to assess how your pet’s kidneys and liver are handling the medication as well as your animal’s response to the medication. Sometimes changes may be needed to the dosage or frequency of a medication. 
​
·         Often times, clinical symptoms can be very similar for multiple issues.  For example, a pet may stop eating from simple GI stasis vs dental disease vs. obstruction.  Administering the same medication that “worked last year” may not be appropriate this time.  Your pet will need a proper evaluation.  Sometimes medical conditions can become life threatening in only a few hours. 
​
8)      How do I know if a wildlife animal needs help?

·         Shows signs of flies, maggots, mites, worms
·         Caught by predator even if there are no obvious lesions
·         If it is a baby and the parent is KNOWN to be deceased
·         Trauma – fall from nest, predator, impact with car
·         Lethargic, cold, shivering, blood loss
·         On ground and unable to move or is not fully furred or feathers