Veterinarian for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Small Mammals

    AhojVet is a specialised veterinary and training centre for small mammal medicine in Bratislava. We provide professional preventive, diagnostic and medical care for rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters and other small mammals.

    Small mammal medicine has its own specific requirements. These species differ from dogs and cats in their anatomy, physiology, metabolism, nutritional needs and the way in which diseases may present. Health problems can also remain subtle for a long time, while the clinical condition may deteriorate relatively quickly.

    For this reason, our approach to diagnosis and treatment takes into account not only the current clinical signs, but also the species, age, husbandry, nutrition and previous health status of each individual patient.

    Veterinary Care for Small Mammals

    We focus particularly on:

    • preventive examinations and long-term health care
    • internal medicine for small mammals
    • gastrointestinal diseases
    • respiratory diseases
    • urinary and reproductive system disorders
    • dental diseases in rabbits and rodents
    • skin and parasitic diseases
    • laboratory diagnostics
    • X-ray and ultrasound diagnostics
    • soft tissue surgery
    • anesthesia and perioperative care
    • pain management and supportive therapy
    • advice on nutrition, husbandry and disease prevention

    Rabbit or Guinea Pig Not Eating

    Reduced or complete loss of appetite in a rabbit or guinea pig is a serious clinical sign that should not be underestimated.

    Possible causes include dental disease, gastrointestinal disorders, pain, urinary tract disease, infectious diseases or other health problems.

    During examination, we therefore focus not only on restoring food intake, but primarily on identifying the cause of the loss of appetite and stabilising the patient’s overall condition.

    Depending on the clinical findings, we may use laboratory tests, X-rays, ultrasound or other diagnostic methods.

    Dentistry for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Rodents

    Dental disease is an important health problem in small mammals.

    Signs of dental disease may include:

    • reduced or selective food intake
    • preference for soft food
    • dropping food from the mouth
    • drooling
    • weight loss
    • changes in the amount or appearance of feces
    • swelling around the upper or lower jaw
    • discharge from the eyes or nose
    • behavioural changes associated with pain

    When diagnosing dental disease, we use a detailed examination of the oral cavity and X-ray imaging of the teeth and their roots when appropriate. Treatment is based on the specific findings and may include treatment of the incisors, cheek teeth or another dental procedure.

    Internal Medicine for Small Mammals

    Small mammals may suffer from diseases affecting the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, endocrine and other organ systems.

    We recommend paying particular attention to signs such as:

    • loss of appetite or changes in food intake
    • weight loss
    • lethargy or changes in behaviour
    • changes in the amount or appearance of feces
    • diarrhea
    • changes in urination
    • difficult or rapid breathing
    • discharge from the nose or eyes
    • excessive drooling
    • abdominal bloating or pain
    • changes in the skin and coat

    Based on the clinical examination, we select the next diagnostic steps according to the individual patient’s needs.

    Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging for Small Mammals

    When diagnosing diseases in small mammals, we use hematology and blood biochemistry, urinalysis, microscopic and cytological examinations, X-rays and ultrasound as indicated, as well as other available diagnostic methods.

    We do not evaluate the results in isolation. They are interpreted in the context of the clinical examination, medical history and physiological characteristics of the particular species.

    Small Mammal Surgery and Anesthesia

    At AhojVet, we also perform soft tissue surgery in small mammals.

    For these patients, an individually selected anesthetic protocol, monitoring of vital functions, maintenance of body temperature, adequate pain management and careful postoperative monitoring are particularly important.

    Before a planned surgical procedure, we assess the patient’s health and recommend appropriate preoperative examinations when necessary.

    Preventive Care for Small Mammals

    A veterinary examination does not need to wait until an animal becomes ill. Regular preventive check-ups allow us to assess the patient’s overall health and nutritional status, teeth, skin, coat, nails and other parameters specific to the individual species.

    Preventive care also includes advice on appropriate nutrition, husbandry and disease prevention.

    For rabbits, we also provide preventive care including vaccination according to current recommendations and the individual needs of the patient.

    When Should You See a Veterinarian?

    For small mammals, we recommend not delaying a veterinary examination, particularly in cases of refusal to eat, severe lethargy, breathing difficulties, abdominal bloating, sudden changes in fecal or urine output, bleeding, neurological signs or significant pain.

    Early diagnosis can be crucial to the further course of disease in these patients.

    AhojVet – Specialist Veterinary Care for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Rats, Hamsters and Other Small Mammals in Bratislava

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