Clinical examination of chinchillas, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, and sugar gliders

Veterinarians in small animal practice are being presented with an ever-increasing number of exotic species. It has become critical that veterinarians expand their professional knowledge to include the basic procedures necessary for the proper diagnosis and therapy of these animals. Yet the husbandry, temperaments, physiology, and anatomy of many of these species make extrapolation from our well-developed techniques in dog and cat medicine inadequate. This article discusses some of the major species concerns and clinical findings of chinchillas, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, and sugar gliders presented to the veterinary practitioner. Practical techniques for evaluation of these animals with minimal stress (to the animal, the practitioner, and the client) and maximum efficiency are addressed.