Small Mammals

We are happy to see and treat a range of small mammals at Abercorn (not just dogs and cats) including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, degus, ferrets and mice.  With rabbits being the third most popular pet in the UK we feel strongly about the welfare and patient care of all small mammals and aim to provide the same level of care that dogs and cats receive in veterinary practice.

What We Offer

Our diagnostic services/equipment for small mammals allows us to work up more complex cases and we have access to;

  • Ultrasonography including the ability to perform echocardiography (a scan of the heart)
  • Digital radiography
  • Microscopy
  • Urinalysis
  • Analysis of biochemical and haematological parameters via blood testing
  • The option to send samples to external laboratories that specialise in exotic animals
  • A dental table for small mammals
  • Incubator
  • Syringe driver capable of delivering small volumes of fluids/drugs to tiny patients

Due to small patient size and susceptibility to stress, sometimes your pet may require sedation or anaesthesia for diagnostic testing.  Rest assured we provide tailored anaesthesia/sedation for every patient taking into account their temperament and clinical condition.  Small mammals are always monitored by a Registered Veterinary Nurse whilst under anaesthesia/sedation.  Our exotics nurse Rachel has completed certificates in both nursing of exotic small mammals and anaesthesia and is currently studying towards a Masters in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. 

Did you know?

We are an approved rabbit friendly practice awarded by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF).  This means our standard of care for rabbits are in line with the RWAF guidelines set out by exotic vet specialist Richard Saunders.  We have to renew this accreditation yearly and stay up to date with advancing rabbit medicine and surgery techniques and knowledge.  Rachel our exotics nurse was also voted Burgess Rabbit Nurse of the Year 2021.  She writes articles quarterly for the RWAF magazine Rabbiting On and has had multiple articles published in peer reviewed veterinary journals.