Plymouth Veterinary Hospital offers a referral exotic animal medicine and surgery service focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care of exotic animals such as rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and other small mammals. Our expert team provides advanced support to first opinion veterinary practices, offering comprehensive investigations, medical management, and complex surgical procedures tailored to the unique anatomy and physiology of exotic species. Working collaboratively with referring vets, we aim to deliver evidence-based care using diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and minimally invasive techniques where possible. We provide clear communication and detailed case feedback to ensure continuity of care, helping first opinion practices achieve the best possible outcomes for their exotic patients after patients return to their primary practice.
Plymouth Vet Referrals is currently the only practice in Devon to achieve Gold Level accreditation by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund as well as being shortlisted for Rabbit Practice of the Year 2025.
With a separate fully enclosed waiting area and consult rooms for our exotic patients, Plymouth Veterinary Hospital is able to accept referrals in exotic veterinary medicine/surgery for all commonly encountered species including:
- All birds including raptors, parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, budgerigars & poultry (chicken, duck, geese, etc.)
- All small mammals including rabbits, ferrets, skunks, sugar gliders and rodents (chinchillas, guinea pigs, degus, rats, etc).
- All reptiles including tortoises, snakes and lizards.
- All fish and amphibians.
- All invertebrates.
For any animals outside of this list (for example large zoo animals), please liaise with the practice as facilities may limit what is possible with these individuals.
Exotic referral services include:
- Dental treatment including intraoral and extraoral extractions
- Abscess management including marsupialisation
- Ear disease management (both medical and surgical)
- Orthopaedic repair
- Soft-tissue surgery including neutering
- Post-hibernation anorexia management
- Surgical endoscopy (e.g. coelioscopy)
- Non-surgical endoscopy (e.g. tracheoscopy)