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Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS)

Veterinarian Holding & Feeding Three Orange/Yellow Small Birds

Avians & Exotics

Special Care for Unique Pets

At Long Island Veterinary Specialists, we understand that your feathered, scaled, and unconventional companions hold a special place in your heart. Our dedicated team specializes in the unique needs of avian and exotic animals, providing compassionate, expert care tailored to their distinct requirements.

From routine wellness exams and nutritional counseling to advanced diagnostics and treatments, we are here to support the health and happiness of your extraordinary pets. Trust us to deliver exceptional care for birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other exotic species, ensuring they live vibrant, healthy lives.

If your exotic or avian pet requires emergency care and your regular veterinarian isn’t available, Long Island Veterinary Specialists is available 24/7.

Bunny Sitting In Grass

Exotics we Treat

  • All birds

  • Small mammals: Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils, degus, chinchillas, hamsters, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and ferrets.

  • All reptiles

  • Amphibians: Frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.

  • Fish

Services Offered

Primary Care

  • Wellness exams + Preventative Medicines

  • Vaccines

  • Gender identification

  • Spay/Neuter

  • Behavior counseling

  • Grooming (corrective and routine beak trims, nail trims)

  • Husbandry & nutritional counseling

  • Medical boarding

Surgery & Dentistry

  • Spay / Neuter

  • Emergency Surgery & Critical Care

  • Soft tissue surgery

  • Orthopedic surgery

  • Routine & Surgical Dental Procedures

  • Endoscopy and Laparoscopy

Diagnostics

  • Radiology (X-Rays)

  • Computed Tomography (CT scans)

  • Bloodwork – yearly diagnostics and specialized tests

  • Ultrasonography

  • Endoscopic Sex Determination of Birds and Reptiles

Emergency Services

Emergency services are offered 24/7 through our emergency department.

What are considered emergencies for your exotic animal?

As an owner of an exotic pet, it’s important to understand that when these animals are critically ill, they often don’t show overt signs of illness. So if you notice your pet isn’t behaving as usual, it might need care right away.Getting the appropriate emergency care immediately can make all the difference in your pet’s recovery. If you think your pet may need emergency intervention, please bring them to the LIVS emergency center any time, day or night.

Exotic Cane Toad

  • Lethargy or weakness

  • Anorexia >12 hours in small mammals or >24 hours in birds

  • Unresponsive or inappropriate mental state

  • Respiratory distress

  • Trauma: bleeding, bite wounds, self-mutilation, fracture bones

  • Persistent diarrhea or blood in droppings

  • Straining to urinate, defecate, or pass an egg

  • Seizures

  • Prolapsed tissues

  • Toxin exposure

  • Bloated abdomen