Every pocket pet Soft tissue mass/tumor removals A tumor (or mass) is an abnormal growth of tissue which can be either benign (a localized growth that does not tend to act aggressively and tends to not spread to other areas) or malignant (a cancerous growth with the potential to spread to other areas of the body). Due to the potential of any abnormal growth to be cancerous it is often recommended to surgically remove the growth if it is growing rapidly in size, changing shape or color, in an area of high motion that could affect the pet’s ability to move comfortably, causing pain or irritation to the pet, or bothering the owner.
Medical & surgical care
Medical & surgical care for pocket pets
Caring for pocket pets can be complicated, both by the pet’s small size but also by the fact that they often hide their illnesses.
Small patients
More critical than we can see
Because pocket pets often hide their illnesses, a sick exotic pet is often much more critical than we can see.
For surgical procedures we reduce stress and provide the best pain management options for them to help ease recovery.
Surgical procedures
Procedures for our small patients
Guinea pigs, hamsters & gerbils, mice & rats, rabbits, pigs Spaying and neutering An ovariohysterectomy is commonly referred to as a spay surgery. During a spay surgery the ovaries and uterine body are surgically removed. Spay surgeries are frequently done for many reasons including to prevent unwanted litters/mating and to reduce the risk of certain hormone associated cancers such as ovarian/uterine/mammary (breast) cancer. A neuter is a surgery in which the testicles are removed. Neuters are frequently done for many reasons including to prevent unwanted breeding, reduce the risk of certain hormone associated cancers such as testicular cancer, and decrease hormone associated marking or aggression behaviors.
Ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters & gerbils, mice & rats Abdominal exploratory surgery An abdominal exploratory surgery refers to a surgery into the abdomen to look for what may be causing problems noted with a pet. While performing an exploratory surgery biopsies, or samples of organs, may be taken for further testing to help diagnose a specific problem. Other things that may be found during an exploratory surgery include foreign bodies in the intestines or stomach and tumors such as splenic or liver masses.
Signs your guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, mouse, rat or rabbit may be having problems with their teeth
- Visibly overgrown teeth
- Difficulty eating or a decreased interest in favorite foods
- Weight loss
- Drooling
- Swelling around the mouth or face
Ferrets
Surgery for ferrets
- Soft tissue mass/tumor removals
- Abdominal exploratory surgery, where tumors such as splenic, liver, or adrenal gland masses may be found
Guinea pigs
Surgery for guinea pigs
Dental procedures. A guinea pig’s teeth are “open rooted” and grow continuously and thus may become overgrown or abscessed. It may be necessary to trim overgrown teeth, or perform dental extractions (removing a tooth) for recurring abscesses.
- Soft tissue mass/tumor removals
- Spaying and neutering
- Dental procedures
- Abdominal exploratory surgery
Hamsters & gerbils
Surgery for hamsters and gerbils
Dental procedures
Hamsters and gerbils have continuously growing incisors (front teeth) and are prone to overgrowth especially if not provided with things to chew on. If the incisor teeth become overgrown trimming of those teeth may be needed to allow your pet to eat more comfortably.
What we offer
- Soft tissue mass/tumor removals
- Spaying and neutering
- Dental procedures
- Abdominal exploratory surgery
Mice & rats
Surgery for mice and rats
Dental procedures
Mice and rats have continuously growing incisors (front teeth) and are prone to overgrowth especially if not provided with things to chew on. If the incisor teeth become overgrown trimming of those teeth may be needed to allow your pet to eat more comfortably.
What we offer
- Soft tissue mass/tumor removals
- Spaying and neutering
- Dental procedures
- Abdominal exploratory surgery
Rabbits
Surgery for rabbits
Dental procedures A rabbit’s teeth are “open rooted” and grow continuously and thus may become overgrown or abscessed. It may be necessary to trim overgrown teeth, or perform dental extractions (removing a tooth) for recurring abscesses. What we offer
- Soft tissue mass/tumor removals
- Spaying and neutering
- Dental procedures
Pot-belly & mini pigs
Surgery for pot-belly and mini pigs
Entropion (eyelid) surgery Entropion refers to an inward rolling of the eyelid or portion of the eyelid. This causes hair and eyelashes to rub on the eye causing irritation and can potentially lead to ulcers on the eye (scratches or wounds to the corneal surface of the eye). Surgical correction involves removing excessive skin near the affected eyelid to allow the eyelid to be reshaped and pulled away from the eye.
What we offer
- Spaying or neutering
- Entropion (eyelid) surgery
- Soft tissue mass/tumor removals
From our blog
Reading for small-pet owners
Chew on this...Dental Care for Small Mammals is Important Many of us have joked about terrible dog breath. That breath usually reminds us to brush our dogs’ teeth or schedule dental cleanings. We might even… Read more 
Is a pet rabbit right for your family? Consider these four factors: With their fluffy, cute faces and their big ears, rabbits are, no doubt, adorable. However, there are many things to consider when deciding whether or… Read more 
Exotic pets need love, too! Don't overlook their veterinary needs. The term “exotic pets” can be confusing to people. You might envision wild animals from deep in the jungle that were smuggled out of a country far… Read more In their words
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“I arrived with a bag of pills and not much hope for Fina’s quality of life. Dr. Strickfaden listened, and within weeks my German Shepherd was on the road to recovery.”
“Years ago when all other vets gave up on my older dog Katy, Dr. Strickfaden got her back to agility competition form with acupuncture. I’m a big fan!”
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