Beecroft Birds & Exotics Veterinary Clinic offers blood testing, ultrasound and X-rays for disease screening in exotic pets, such as birds, hamsters, rabbits and more. We also provide sexing services for reptiles and avians. Ensure your exotic pet’s health and well-being with our comprehensive diagnostic solutions.
Our clinic understands that diagnostics and imaging are vital for preventive care and appropriate treatment of exotic pets. That’s why we provide a wide range of diagnostic services—including blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds—customized to meet the unique needs of rabbits, birds, reptiles, and more. Our equipment and tools enable us to provide prompt, reliable results to detect health issues early and develop personalized treatment plans for your exotic pets.
Caring for exotic pets presents unique challenges, particularly in detecting signs of illness. Unlike cats and dogs, exotic pets often conceal symptoms as a natural defense mechanism against predators. This makes it crucial to act quickly if you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, eating habits, fecal output, or physical condition—such as feather quality in birds. Early diagnostics and imaging are essential for identifying underlying health issues and ensuring suitable treatment.
Some of the advantages in diagnostics and imaging for exotic pets include:
Routine tests can identify underlying conditions before they develop into serious health issues. For exotic pets, who often hide symptoms of illness, early detection is especially critical. Regular blood tests, imaging, and screenings allow veterinarians to spot potential concerns such as organ dysfunction, infections, or nutritional deficiencies, enabling timely intervention and better outcomes.
Tools like X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests provide detailed insights into a pet’s internal health. These technologies allow veterinarians to identify structural, systemic, or organ-related issues, such as parrot fever in birds or gastrointestinal issues in rabbits and hamsters. Proper assessment eliminates guesswork and lays the foundation for ensuring your pet gets the care that they need.
Every exotic pet is unique, with specific needs based on their species, anatomy, and physiology. Diagnostics help veterinarians design treatment plans that address the exact condition of your pet. Whether it’s administering the right medication, recommending lifestyle changes, or scheduling follow-up care, diagnostics ensure that your pet receives suitable targeted treatment.
Every exotic species requires specific diagnostic techniques based on their unique anatomy, size, and physiology. Beecroft Birds & Exotics Veterinary Clinic offers customized protocols for rabbits, birds, reptiles, and hamsters to ensure dependable results.
Our in-house lab gives us a convenient and rapid way to look into your pet’s health right on the spot. We can perform a range of evaluations for both preventive screening and detection of diseases, from avian and reptile sexing to hamster and rabbit bloodwork.
Bloodwork is an essential part of any comprehensive wellness exam and is often recommended annually. This allows us to establish a baseline for your pet’s health and detect any potential complications early on. We offer a wide range of blood testing services for rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets, including the following:
Early disease screening is important for the early detection and treatment of infectious diseases in exotic pets. We provide comprehensive disease screening tailored to the specific needs of your exotic pet. For birds, this may include testing for Psittacosis, Avian Bornavirus, and Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. We also offer disease-specific testing for reptiles and other exotic companions.
Determining the sex of your avian or reptile companion is important for a variety of reasons. It can be crucial for breeding programs, inform behavioral management strategies, and help us understand species-specific health risks. Therefore, for comprehensive sexing, our exotic animal vet will utilize the appropriate diagnostic assessments to determine your pet’s sex.
Fecal testing is a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing your exotic pet’s digestive health. By examining a fecal sample, we can detect intestinal parasites, yeast and bacterial overgrowths, occult blood (hidden blood), and other abnormalities. These findings allow us to identify and address underlying issues that may be affecting your pet’s well-being.
Cytology is the microscopic examination of cells and tissues. We utilize this technique to analyze samples collected from masses or tumors, the avian crop, and other areas to identify infections, inflammation, and other abnormalities.
Being able to see your pet’s internal organs and skeletal system is important for assessing their overall well-being. To provide a detailed picture of their organs, skeletal structure, and more, we offer a wide range of imaging services:
Digital X-rays are invaluable for assessing skeletal structures and detecting fractures or other abnormalities in exotic pets. For species like rabbits and birds, X-rays provide detailed images of bones, joints, and internal organs. These imaging results allow us to detect foreign objects in birds or injuries in the gastrointestinal tract of rabbits, ensuring prompt intervention for optimal recovery.
Ultrasound technology is used to evaluate soft tissues and organs, making it especially beneficial for diagnosing conditions in species like rabbits, reptiles, and amphibians. For instance, ultrasound is often used to identify digestive issues, such as gastrointestinal blockages, in rabbits. It’s also helpful for assessing the kidneys and spleen of reptiles. This imaging technique allows for detailed insights into the soft tissue structures of these small animals, aiding in proper disease detection and treatment.
Endoscopy involves the use of a flexible tube with a camera to view internal cavities. This is particularly useful for detecting respiratory issues in birds and gastrointestinal problems in reptiles or amphibians.
Not necessarily. We can often perform diagnostic tests during pet wellness exams, especially if you have concerns about their health or if routine screening is recommended.
This integrated approach allows us to efficiently assess your pet's overall condition and address any potential issues promptly.
The need for sedation during X-rays or ultrasounds depends on the species of your pet. Most reptiles can undergo these procedures with just manual restraint, except for snakes, which may require additional support due to their size and movement. However, birds and small mammals, such as rabbits and hamsters, typically require sedation to ensure they remain still and comfortable during the imaging process, as they are more sensitive to stress and movement.
Yes, imaging techniques such as X-rays and ultrasounds are valuable tools for detecting fractures, internal injuries, and other abnormalities in birds and rabbits.
In general, minimal preparation is needed for most diagnostic tests. However, fasting may be required for a certain period before bloodwork to ensure reliable results. For imaging procedures like X-rays or ultrasounds, it is essential to bring your pet in a secure carrier that allows for easy transfer and minimizes stress. Please inform us if your pet has any known medical conditions or is taking any medications.
Fasting is usually not required before an X-ray. However, we may recommend fasting (both food and water) for 8-12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound to ensure optimal visualization of the internal organs.
Follow-up care will vary depending on the specific procedure and the findings. We will provide detailed instructions regarding any necessary medications, dietary changes, or activity restrictions. In some cases, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to review results, discuss treatment options, or monitor your pet's progress.
