2200 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Oakland Park, FL 33311 US

2200 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Oakland Park, FL 33311 US

(954) 731-4228

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What to Expect

What to Expect from Our Exotic & Pocket Pet Vet in Oakland Park

Here at Oakland Park Animal Hospital, our vet, Dr. Spencer L. Ratnoff, has more than two decades of experience caring for the needs of exotic and pocket pets. Vet visits with an exotic or pocket pet can be a little different than visits with a cat or dog; be prepared to spend a lot of time talking with Dr. Ratnoff about your pet's history, health, habitat, and diet.

Red-eared Sliders, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, and More -- Getting Through Your Vet Visit

Two Ferrets Kits Exotic Pets The specifics of your vet visit will depend on what exotic animal or pocket pet you own. Some of the most common exotics and pocket pets we see at Oakland Park Animal Hospital include:

  • Red-eared slider turtles
  • Hamsters
  • Rabbits
  • Guinea pigs
  • Bearded dragons
  • Ferrets

When you bring a reptile or amphibian such as a bearded dragon or red-eared slider to our veterinarian, be prepared to discuss in detail your pet's history and husbandry (or breeding). If possible, try to provide the following information about your red-eared slider, bearded dragon, or other amphibious or reptilian pet:

  • Where you got it and how long you have had it
  • What other pets you have, including cage mates
  • Details of your pet's housing, including size and type of cage, bedding, heat sources, light sources, cage furniture, cage plants, and hygiene
  • Diet and feeding frequency
  • Samples or description of the pet's urine and feces
  • Reproductive history
  • Behavioral changes
  • Exposure to other reptiles or amphibians
  • Shedding history
  • Medical history

Small mammals like ferrets will need vaccinations just like dogs or cats. Ferrets need to be vaccinated to protect against rabies and canine distemper. Our vet may be able to help you with any behavioral problems your ferret is having. We will need to discuss your pet's medical history and origins. Our vet will recommend that many small animals, like ferrets and rabbits, be spayed or neutered if they have yet to undergo the procedure.

If you have a guinea pig, your pet may attempt to "fake out" the vet by refusing to act sick at the start of the exam. This is a holdover from the animal's survival instincts. After 15 to 20 minutes, symptoms should reappear, but X-rays and blood work may be necessary to identify illness. Rabbits, too, can be good at hiding symptoms of illness, so diagnostic procedures may be necessary for these pets.

Our veterinarian will make careful observations before diagnosing your pet. Dr. Ratnoff will perform a physical exam, which will include examining the animal's skin or fur, nails, eyes, rear end, nose, and, particularly in the case of rabbits and hamsters, teeth. He may spend a long time talking to you about your pet's habits and history. That is because many problems in exotics occur due to problems with diet or habitat, of which well-meaning owners are unaware. If your pet has any distressing health symptoms, seek care right away.

New patients receive $25 OFF First Exam.

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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  • "AWESOME, Dr. Spencer Ratnoff is the best he treated my cat for a fractured top k9 tooth, when He finished with him, he looked like he was born without a k9 tooth. He did that surgery so well it’s refreshing a Dr that actually cares, his team is wonderful and very attentive, I left a message and not even 10 minutes later, I got a call back. My family is forever grateful .thank you for everything."
    Maryem K.
  • "I initially had a bad experience due to the Doctor that was in on that day. I returned for a checkup for my girl 'Cali' 'Cat' and the energy Dr. Ratnoff had was much better with my girl as she can be very temperamental. I was very pleased during this visit as Dr. Ratnoff had more patience and better vibe as our pets sense negative energy. Its a shame my first experience was not pleasant but I will be back and only ensure Dr. Ratnoff with my girl. Thankyou Doc!"
    Jeff G.
  • "Probably the best Vet experience I’ve had! They listened and took great care of my dog. I felt like I understood everything that was being done, and was given an estimate beforehand."
    Joana A.
  • "Very professional, friendly and nice clean environment. I highly recommend coming here for all your pet needs!"
    CorJames S.
  • "Dr. Ratnoff has always gone above and beyond for the care of our family's pets for several years."
    John / Oakland Park, FL

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