Need care after hours? We’re here for you! Urgent Care now available Thursdays & Fridays from 5PM – 9PM.
Need care after hours? We’re here for you! Urgent Care now available Thursdays & Fridays from 5PM – 9PM.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we provide gentle, species-specific care for small mammals including guinea pigs, gerbils, and hamsters. These small pets are popular companions, especially for families and individuals in urban environments, but they still need attentive veterinary support to maintain good health and prevent disease.
Our Sacramento clinic offers medical exams, nutritional guidance, X-rays, and diagnostics for these rodents, helping detect common issues such as vitamin C deficiency, bladder stones, or kidney disease. Whether you’re visiting for routine care or illness evaluation, our team is here to support your animal’s comfort, safety, and well-being.
Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!
Though they’re fairly easy to care for, gerbils, guinea pigs, and hamsters require proper diets, housing, and regular checkups. Many health problems stem from poor nutrition, lack of adequate ventilation, or unclean cage conditions.
Key preventive steps include:
A balanced diet of high-quality pellets, fresh foods, and small amounts of vegetables
Access to fresh water from water bottles, changed daily
Use of solid flooring and soft bedding – never wire cages, which can cause injuries
Avoiding direct sunlight, drafts, and poor airflow – ensure good ventilation at all times
Monitoring for signs of parasites, fur thinning, or hair loss
Guinea pigs care specifically includes vitamin C supplementation, as they cannot synthesize it on their own. Lack of vitamin C may lead to lethargy, swollen joints, or dental issues. We may recommend alfalfa hay or alfalfa-based pellets in appropriate cases, especially for young or pregnant females, but excess calcium can lead to bladder stones, so moderation is key.
Despite their small size, these animals are susceptible to a range of illnesses and injuries. We treat:
Teeth that grow continuously may cause eating difficulties
Diarrhea caused by a poor diet or bacterial imbalance
Mites, lice, and other skin parasites
Infections of the nose, ears, or urinary tract
Digestive problems and weight loss due to improper foods or environmental stress
Fractured bones or trauma from falls, rough handling, or larger animals like dogs or cats
These social animals often hide discomfort, so any sign of decreased activity, not eating, or aggression may indicate deeper issues. Our veterinarians are trained in handling and assessing these pets safely, always supporting the animal with two hands and minimizing stress during exams.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we understand that small mammals require delicate and species-appropriate diagnostic approaches. When your guinea pig, gerbil, or hamster shows signs of illness, early evaluation can make all the difference in ensuring a positive outcome.
Our diagnostic services for small pets may include:
Comprehensive physical exams with careful handling
Fecal testing for parasites or bacterial imbalance
Skin checks for mites, lice, or signs of infection
Urinalysis and sample-based testing for urinary tract concerns
Nutritional consultations to assess diet and rule out deficiencies
Visual inspection of teeth for overgrowth or chewing difficulties
Because these social creatures often hide symptoms until a condition worsens, we encourage owners to bring their pet in at the first sign of unusual behavior, weight loss, or changes in appetite. Our team provides compassionate, thorough evaluations designed to minimize stress and guide appropriate treatment with your pet’s comfort in mind.
Comprehensive, compassionate care for your pet’s health and happiness, delivered by our experienced medical team.
Our experienced veterinarians provide many surgical services at our clinic, ranging from routine to advanced procedures.
Our skilled team delivers comprehensive medical care, equipped to handle everything from routine visits to complex conditions. Our state-of-the-art facility offers:
Regular wellness exams and vaccinations are essential to your pet’s long-term health. Our comprehensive wellness programs include:
Our experienced team provides specialized care for exotic pets, from routine checkups to advanced treatments. We offer services for:
Our fully equipped veterinary hospital brings together advanced medical technology and skilled veterinary expertise to handle all your pet’s healthcare needs.
Whether it’s preventive care or complex procedures, we’re here to provide exceptional treatment at every stage of your pet’s life.
Your pet’s health is our expertise, which is why local news outlets like Fox40 News and Good Day Sacramento regularly invite Dr. Sam Varon to share essential pet care information, from emerging health concerns to answering everyday pet questions. When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital, you’re choosing care backed by expertise that Sacramento trusts.
We understand the unique needs of small, sensitive pets – especially those adopted from pet stores or rescue environments. Our staff offers thoughtful, low-stress exams and tailors care based on species, age, and living conditions. Whether your guinea pig, gerbil, or hamster needs routine care or help with a specific concern, you’ll find a dedicated team ready to help.
We work closely with owners to ensure your small pet’s environment, diet, and medical care support their best possible health. If you have concerns about chewing, biting, or unexplained behaviors or are simply due for a checkup, we’re happy to help. Call 916-446-6154 or use our contact form to schedule
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Urgent Care: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Urgent Care: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Closed from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
*Holidays and staff training may affect these hours
