Small Mammals

The category of "small mammals" covers many species with very different needs. The most commonly kept include rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, mice, various gerbil species, rats, hamsters, ferrets and dwarf hamsters — plus an increasing range of more exotic small pets.

Advice Before You Get a Pet

We're happy to advise you even before you acquire a small pet — on choosing the right species, compatibility with your lifestyle, and the equipment you'll need, especially cage size and a species-appropriate enclosure.

Nutrition

Feeding is another extremely important topic. Since the front teeth (and in some species the back teeth too) of most small mammals — except ferrets — grow continuously throughout their life, diet has a major impact on health. We provide detailed advice on species-specific nutritional needs.

Social Housing

Many small pets only really thrive in pairs or groups. We advise you on individual versus group housing and the best way to introduce companions.

Vaccinations

Only rabbits and ferrets need vaccinations. We put together an individual vaccination plan for them.

Specialised Treatment Areas

We treat species-specific conditions such as encephalitozoonosis in rabbits (most common symptom: head tilt), adrenal disease in ferrets, ovarian cysts in guinea pigs, and mycoplasmosis in rats and mice (which often initially presents as a respiratory illness). Dental procedures include correcting malocclusion and extractions for abscesses.

Diagnostics

Blood work, urinalysis, faecal testing, X-ray, ultrasound and surgery are all available using modern, gentle anaesthesia, including inhalation anaesthesia.

Do you have further questions on these or other topics? Please get in touch — Dr. Glöckner and Mr. Schäfer are happy to help.