Emergency Veterinary Care is needed by many animal species, not just dogs and cats. Although dogs and cats make up the majority of the species veterinarians encounter, many other pet species can present with cases requiring immediate attention. Orion Oaks Animal Hospital not only sees dogs and cats, but we also see a variety of zoological companion animals such as rats, rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, as well as wildlife species such as foxes and reptiles such as tortoises and bearded dragons.
Although 56.3 million households in the US own dogs and 42.1 million households own cats, 1.1 million household own small mammas according to an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2025 study. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owner Survey found that about 6 million US household own replies. These animals require medical care as well.
Different animals present with different clinical signs. Rabbits and guinea pigs are grazers, if they stop eating their gastrointestinal system can stop working and this can be fatal. Many different things can cause these animals to not eat, ranging from stress to cancer. Reptiles on the other hand, can also stop eating, however it can be less of a concern. Many reptiles go into a state called brumation. It is an adaptive techniques wild reptiles have adapted to help survive when conditions and food become scars or harsh. During brumation many reptiles stop eating or eat very little and this can be normal as long as they do not lose too much body weight. Some snakes can go months without eating and this is normal for them.
Common medical emergencies can vary depending on the species. For reptiles the majority of medical problems are caused by husbandry issues. Getting the perfect temperatures and humidity is vital to these animals for survival. They also require supplantation in the form of powder. Captive diets lack calcium, which is imperative for survival, so supplementation is needed to prevent certain diseases such as Metabolic Bone Disease. Rabbits and Guinea pigs are prone to a condition we previously discussed called GI stasis due to their need to constantly keep their stomach fermenting. Ferrets are more prone to endocrine diseases such as insulinomas and adrenal disease. Insulinomas can present with hind leg paralysis or even seizures.
Exotic animals can require emergency care so it is important to know what to look for and when to seek medical help.
