Referring an exotic companion mammal

Dr. Logan Kopp, DVM, DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), FABVP-CAPM, sees referral cases at Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital, 2445 Morris Gentry Blvd, Nashville, TN 37013. He is the only veterinarian currently practicing in Tennessee as a Diplomate in Exotic Companion Mammal Practice. Call (615) 361-4646 or send the hospital referral form.

Cases that are a good fit

• Rabbits with ileus, suspected obstruction, dental disease, or urinary disease
• Guinea pigs and chinchillas that need dental imaging and treatment
• Ferrets with adrenal disease, insulinoma, or a surgical question
• Hedgehogs, sugar gliders, rats, mice, degus, and other companion mammals
• Pain that is hard to recognize or hard to control in these species

Birds and reptiles are not part of this practice. Priest Lake is a general hospital that includes this Exotic Companion Mammal Practice. It should not be described as a specialty hospital, because not every veterinarian on staff holds ABVP certification.

What to send

A short history beats a full chart dump: timeline, diet, last meal, fecal output, current weight, drugs already given, and any radiographs or bloodwork. If the animal is painful, bloated, or shocky, call before transfer instead of finishing the workup. Patients are sent back to you for ongoing care.

After hours, Dr. Kopp consults with Veterinary Emergency Group in Franklin, Murfreesboro, and West Nashville and can provide surgical care for exotic companion mammal emergencies when that team asks.

Clinical notes: suspected GI stasis and dental disease in rabbits and guinea pigs.

Submit a referral