11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com   Hamsters are generally active, inquisitive pets. With proper care, they typically reach 2-3 years of age, though some individuals may live longer. They are naturally nocturnal animals. Caging and Substrate Hamsters enjoy their space. Large

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com Natural History The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is a descendent of the wild cavies that live in the Andean region of South America. Domestication of these personable rodents began as early as 5000 BC by South American

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com   Quick facts: The scientific name of ferrets is Mustela putorius furo, which means “mouse-eating smelly thief” Ferrets are friendly, mischievous pets that develop strong bonds with their owners. They have been domesticated for thousands of years,

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com Encephalitozoonosis, caused by the parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi, is a disease that affects primarily rabbits and is a common cause of kidney disease and/or central vestibular disease. The most common symptom seen by rabbit owners is the classic

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com Chinchillas are fun and unique pets that can live up to 20 years with good care. They are herbivorous rodents similar to guinea pigs & rabbits, but have several unique differences. Natural History and Biology: Chinchillas are

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com History The domestic rat is descended from the Norway rats, Rattus norvegicus. They have been selectively bred for decades for a variety of traits, such as different colors, patterns, and friendly personality. Rats are generally active,

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com Pet ferrets suffer from an unusually high incidence of cancer. The most common types are insulinoma (islet cell cancer of the pancreas), lymphoma (cancer of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells), adrenal cancer, and various

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com Biological Facts African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris ssp x Atelerix algerius, hereafter referred to as APH) are interesting exotic pets with relatively simple care requirements. They display a variety of interesting behaviors, and many hedgehogs will

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com Birds benefit greatly from regular veterinary check ups. Since birds commonly mask signs of illness for as long as possible, a regular yearly veterinary exam is important to help detect problems early, and to establish a

11401 NE 195th St. Bothell, WA  98011 (425) 486-9000 PHONE  (425) 486-9002 fax www.theexoticvet.com   Using positive reinforcement and practice, you should be able to train your pet to: Willingly enter a travel carrier to come to the veterinary clinic Willingly step onto a scale to be weighed Willingly leave