Experienced veterinary care for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, snakes, turtles, and tortoises in Overland Park and the greater Kansas City area.
Exotic pets—small mammals, reptiles, and other non-traditional companion animals—have unique health requirements that differ significantly from dogs and cats. They need a veterinarian who understands their species-specific physiology, common diseases, nutritional needs, and environmental requirements. Not every vet clinic offers this, and not every clinic that says they see exotics has deep experience with them.
Dr. Pippin has a particular clinical interest in exotic animal medicine and sees a wide variety of species regularly. Whether you have a bearded dragon, a rabbit, a guinea pig, or a leopard gecko, we're equipped and experienced to provide the care they need.
Annual (or more frequent) physical exams tailored to your pet's species. We assess body condition, skin and scales, eyes, teeth (especially in rabbits and rodents), respiratory health, and overall condition. We'll also review diet, habitat setup, and husbandry practices to make sure everything is optimized for your pet's health.
Many exotic pet health problems are caused by improper husbandry—wrong temperatures, inadequate UV lighting, incorrect substrate, or a diet that's missing key nutrients. We provide evidence-based guidance on habitat setup, temperature gradients, lighting schedules, humidity, substrate choices, and species-appropriate enrichment. Getting the environment right prevents most problems before they start.
We diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions in exotic species: respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues (stasis, bloat, and parasites), metabolic bone disease, dental malocclusion, skin conditions, abscesses, eye problems, and reproductive disorders. Exotic pets often mask illness until it's advanced, so if you've noticed any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy level, it's worth having them seen promptly.
We perform surgical procedures on exotic patients when needed, including spays, neuters, mass removals, abscess surgery, and wound repairs. Anesthetic protocols for exotic species require specialized knowledge and careful monitoring, and we have the experience to manage these cases safely.
Our in-house diagnostic equipment—digital X-rays and microscopy—works for exotic patients, too. Radiographs are especially useful for evaluating reptile bone health, detecting egg binding, and identifying foreign bodies, while the microscope is put to use evaluating fecal samples for parasites and impression samples for ectoparasites or other issues.
Diet is one of the most critical factors in exotic pet health, and it varies enormously by species. A rabbit's nutritional needs are nothing like a bearded dragon's, and even small deviations from the right diet can cause serious health issues over time. We provide specific dietary recommendations based on your pet's species, age, and health status.
We regularly treat a wide variety of small mammals and reptiles, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, snakes, turtles, and tortoises. If your pet isn't on this list, give us a call—we may still be able to help, or we can point you toward the right resource.
We do not currently see birds, large reptiles (monitors, iguanas over 4 feet, or large constrictors), or venomous species. For these pets, we recommend contacting a board-certified avian or reptile specialist.
If you've recently adopted or purchased an exotic pet, scheduling a wellness visit is a great first step. We'll do a thorough exam, talk through proper husbandry and diet for your specific species, and make sure your new pet is starting off healthy. Establishing a relationship with a vet who knows exotic species means you'll have someone to call when questions come up down the road.
Call (913) 469-5869 Request AppointmentWe're here to help. Contact us to schedule a visit or to discuss your pet's needs.