Small Mammal Animal Hospital in Arlington MA
Guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, chinchillas, and other small mammals make wonderful companions. Each one has its own personality and its own set of health needs. At Arlington Animal Clinic, we are glad to be a trusted resource for small mammal owners in Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Belmont, and surrounding communities.
Our team has been caring for small exotic animals alongside dogs and cats for over 45 years. Small mammals tend to have shorter lifespans than larger pets, which makes each wellness visit especially meaningful. Regular care gives us the best chance to catch problems early and help your companion stay healthy for as long as possible.
From routine checkups to emergency care, we are here whenever your small mammal needs us.
Guinea Pig Veterinary Care
Guinea pigs are social, gentle animals that can live five to seven years with attentive care. They are prone to a number of health conditions, and many of these are much easier to treat when caught early.
Common concerns we see in guinea pigs include dental disease, respiratory infections, skin and coat problems, bladder stones, and ovarian cysts in females. Guinea pigs are also susceptible to scurvy if they do not get enough vitamin C in their daily diet.
Signs that your guinea pig should be seen include not eating, weight loss, drooling or difficulty chewing, labored breathing, hair loss, and unusual sounds. If something seems off, please call us.
Guinea Pig Wellness Exams
We recommend a wellness exam for your guinea pig once a year. During a visit, we assess body weight, teeth, coat, eyes, and overall condition. We also go over diet and habitat to make sure your guinea pig is getting everything they need.
Guinea Pig Dental Care
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in guinea pigs. Like rabbits, guinea pigs have continuously growing teeth. When those teeth become misaligned or overgrown, they can cause significant pain and make eating very difficult.
Signs of dental problems include weight loss, dropping food, drooling, and a preference for softer foods. A dental assessment is part of every guinea pig wellness visit.
Learn more about our approach on our small mammal dental care service.
Ferret Veterinary Care
Ferrets are playful, curious animals that form strong bonds with their owners. They typically live five to eight years and are prone to several health conditions that become more common as they age.
The most significant concerns in older ferrets include adrenal gland disease, insulinoma, and lymphoma. These conditions are common enough that we consider them part of routine monitoring for ferrets over three years old. Regular visits allow us to detect early signs and discuss options before things progress.
Ferret Wellness Exams
We recommend annual exams for younger ferrets and twice-yearly visits for ferrets over three years old. During an exam, we check weight, teeth, coat, lymph nodes, and abdominal organs. We may also recommend bloodwork to screen for common ferret diseases.
Ferret Dental Cleaning
Ferrets are quite prone to tartar buildup and dental disease. Professional cleanings help prevent painful gum infections and support overall health. If your ferret has noticeable bad breath, seems reluctant to eat, or shows discomfort around the mouth, a dental visit is a good place to start.
You can learn more on our small mammal dental care service.
Ferret Emergency Care
A ferret that is weak, drooling, staring blankly, or unable to walk normally needs to be seen right away. These can be signs of low blood sugar related to insulinoma, which requires prompt care.
Hamster Veterinary Care
Hamsters are small and active companions with a typical lifespan of two to three years. Their shorter lifespan makes health monitoring especially worthwhile during the time you have with them.
Common health concerns in hamsters include dental problems, respiratory infections, wet tail, tumors, and in some breeds, diabetes. Cheek pouch impaction, where food becomes stuck in the pouch, is another condition we occasionally see.
If your hamster seems lethargic, is not eating, has a wet or soiled area around the tail, or has any visible swelling, please give us a call.
Chinchilla Veterinary Care
Chinchillas are quiet, gentle animals that can live fifteen years or longer with proper care. Their exceptional longevity makes consistent veterinary oversight a genuinely worthwhile investment.
Dental disease is one of the most significant health concerns in chinchillas. Like rabbits and guinea pigs, chinchillas have continuously growing teeth, and molar problems in particular can be very difficult to detect without a proper exam. Other common concerns include fur ring in males, respiratory infections, digestive problems, and heat stress.
Chinchillas are highly sensitive to heat. They should always be kept in a cool, well-ventilated environment, especially during warmer months.
Chinchilla Dental Care
Chinchilla molar problems are often invisible from the outside. A chinchilla with dental disease may gradually lose weight, stop eating enthusiastically, or begin dropping food. By the time these signs appear, the problem has often been present for some time.
We include a dental assessment in every chinchilla wellness visit. If we detect a concern, we will explain what we found and discuss the options clearly.
Learn more about our approach on our small mammal dental care service.
Small Mammal Emergency Care
Small mammals can become seriously ill very quickly. Please call us right away at 781-646-0758 if your guinea pig, ferret, hamster, or chinchilla is showing any of the following signs.
- Not eating or drinking
- Labored or noisy breathing
- Sudden weakness or loss of coordination
- Visible bleeding or injury
- Unresponsiveness
- Signs of significant pain or distress
Small Mammal Surgery
We perform a range of surgical procedures for small mammals, including spay and neuter, mass removal, and soft tissue surgery. Small mammal anesthesia requires careful monitoring and an experienced, attentive team.
If your small mammal has been recommended for a procedure, we will walk you through everything and make sure you feel prepared. Learn more on our small mammal surgery service.
Your Trusted Small Mammal Vet Near Arlington MA
Arlington Animal Clinic is located at 191 Broadway in Arlington, MA. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We serve small mammal owners throughout Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Belmont, Lexington, and surrounding towns.
Small animals are just as deserving of thorough, experienced veterinary care as any other patient. We believe that, and it shapes how we approach every small mammal who comes through our doors.
We would be honored to care for your small companion. You can also explore our full range of exotic pet care services.