Articles

Small Mammals + Parasites

  • The most common conditions affecting pet prairie dogs are: obesity, dental problems, cardiac disease and intestinal parasites. Regular scheduled veterinary examinations will be of great benefit to help discover problems or diseases before they cause a critical illness.

  • Rabbit syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a spirochete organism called Treponema cuniculi. Infected rabbits will develop sores that are confined to the mucocutaneous junctions, such as the external genitals, anus, lips, nostrils, and eyelids. Treatment involves two to three weekly penicillin injections. Humans cannot contract this disease from rabbits.

  • Fly strike is basically a condition where flies are attracted to the fur or exposed skin on a rabbit, whereby they lay eggs that hatch into maggots that subsequently cause extensive skin and deep tissue damage. The attraction to flies comes from urine or fecal soiled hair or skin that has been damaged by fight wounds, fleas or skin mites. Treatment requires veterinary attention and potential hospitalization. Prevention is attained by keeping your rabbit INDOORS and clean.

  • Sugar gliders have become popular pets over the last decade. There are several well-known diseases or conditions that owners of sugar gliders should be aware of. Tooth decay from tartar build-up can lead to tooth root abscesses. Improper diets can lead to low blood calcium, obesity, and tooth decay. Intestinal problems may be caused by an improper diet, a bacterial infection, or a flagellated protozoal infection. It is essential to consult a veterinarian familiar with sugar gliders to select a proper diet and keep your sugar glider healthy.

Location

  • Our Hospital

    24650 South Point Drive, Suite 140

    Chantilly, Virginia, 20152

Location hours

Monday: 7:30am – 7:00pm
Tuesday: 7:30am – 7:00p
Wednesday: 7:30am – 7:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am – 7:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday: When Dr. Hendrickson is working, hours are 8am-4pm, when Dr. Chau is working the hours are 8am-1pm.
Sunday: Closed

For after-hours emergencies, please contact Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Fair Oaks at 703 591-3304 Or TLC in Leesburg at 703 777-5755