Chinchilla, hedgehog, and other small mammal care in Nashville

Dr. Logan Kopp sees exotic companion mammals at Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital in Nashville. Besides rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets, that includes chinchillas, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, rats, mice, degus, and other companion mammals. He does not treat birds or reptiles.

Species and the problems that bring them in

• Chinchillas: dental disease, drooling, and a drop in appetite or fecal pellets
• Hedgehogs: weight loss, skin disease, and masses that need a real workup
• Sugar gliders: nutrition problems, injury, and a glider that is suddenly weak
• Rats and mice: respiratory disease, mammary masses, and dental issues
• Degus: dental disease and diabetes risk tied to diet

These animals are small, and they decline quickly. If one has not eaten since yesterday, call (615) 361-4646 rather than waiting for a routine opening. The hospital is at 2445 Morris Gentry Blvd, Nashville, TN 37013. In-house lab work, digital radiographs, ultrasound, and CT are available through the hospital when the case needs them.

Rats are commonly seen for mastectomy when a mammary tumor needs to be removed. Dr. Kopp is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Exotic Companion Mammal Practice and a Fellow in Companion Animal Pain Management. He is the only veterinarian currently practicing in Tennessee with that specialty title.

Call (615) 361-4646