Veterinary Avian & Exotics Medicine & Surgery

Avian & Exotics Team Members

Veterinarians
Jonathan Mehlrose, DVM

Veterinary Technician

Lauren Prochera, LVT

The avian and exotic medicine and surgery department of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island is devoted exclusively to the care of birds and other small exotic pets, such as ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rodents, reptiles, snakes, turtles, and amphibians. The facility provides complete services including well care, exotic-only intensive care unit, dentistry, ultrasound, CAT scan, x-ray, and surgical procedures.

We are proud to boast of our state-of-the-art avian and exotic intensive care unit and treatment area. Our treatment area and ICU were designed with the most progressive specifications and was the first of its kind here on Long Island. Even the lighting and paint were chosen with the special needs of our avian and exotic patients in mind. Each cage can be heated individually or have oxygen delivered directly, and our patients are monitored closely 24 hours a day, with a veterinarian on premises at all times.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality care to our patients and clients, and to share as much information and education with our clients as possible. We understand how hard it is to get good care information on avian and exotic pets. Much of the information available in books, pet stores, and on the Internet can contradict itself. Because of this, we welcome questions on behavior and care at home, and we try to make every scheduled appointment an opportunity to help you learn more about your pet and their everyday needs.

Appointments, Referrals & Emergencies

The avian and exotic medicine and surgery department is available for scheduled appointments and procedures, as well as for referrals, consultations, and emergencies.

Regular Veterinary Appointments

You can schedule a well or sick pet appointment with our front desk staff by calling 631-587-0800. Appointments are available during weekdays, weekends, and evenings in an attempt to accommodate today’s busy lifestyles. All pets should be seen for well visits on a regular basis- if you are not sure how often that should be for your pet, please contact our office and we will provide you with that information. Common scheduled appointments include (but are not limited to):

• Well visit
• Bloodwork
• Spay or neuter
• DNA sexing
• Animal care/diet evaluation
• Behavior
• Grooming
• Health Certificates
• Vaccinations

Veterinary Referrals
Veterinarians or other emergency facilities that wish a second opinion or more extensive testing, surgery, or ICU care may refer exotic animal patients to our department. We will work closely with both the referring veterinarian and clients to establish a treatment plan in the best interests of the patient. We will provide regular updates and coordinate continued care with the referring veterinarian whenever possible.

Your trust in us is appreciated and we value your referral. All referring veterinarians will receive a letter with description of services provided and current plan for treatment. Any test results will be forwarded as they become available. If the patient becomes hospitalized at the Veterinary Medical Center we will provide a complete summary of that care and all test results on discharge.

Veterinary Emergency Services
If possible, please call the hospital at 631-587-0800 to notify us that an avian or exotic pet is on the way with an emergency. This notification allows us to be better prepared for the specific emergency you might be coming in for, and to notify our board-certified specialist that you are on your way during non-appointment hours.