Exotics: Specialist-led Care for Extraordinary Pets
At Willows, we believe that extraordinary pets deserve extraordinary care.
Our Exotics Service is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of unusual and non-traditional companion animals, including small mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, ornamental fish and invertebrates. We are proud to be the only specialist-led multidisciplinary referral hospital in the Midlands offering dedicated care for exotic species.
When your pet is referred to Willows, they are supported not just by one clinician, but by an entire hospital of experts.
A collaborative approach to complex cases
Exotic animals often require highly specialised knowledge, equipment and handling. At Willows, our Exotics Specialists work alongside colleagues across 14 specialist disciplines, including:
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Anaesthesia
- Soft Tissue and Orthopaedic Surgery
- Oncology
This collaborative approach ensures that even the most complex or unusual cases benefit from a comprehensive, 360-degree treatment plan.
A safe and calm hospital environment
We understand that many exotic species are particularly sensitive to stress. That’s why we provide:
- A routine and emergency referral service
- 24/7 on-site hospitalisation
- Two dedicated Exotic wards, separated for prey and predator species
Our facilities are designed to create a secure, low-stress environment tailored to the unique needs of each species, supported by a highly trained nursing team experienced in exotic patient care.
What is an “Exotic” pet?
In this context, an exotic pet refers to species not typically seen in traditional dog and cat practice.
This includes rabbits, rodents, ferrets, sugar gliders, birds, reptiles, amphibians, ornamental fish, invertebrates and some zoological species. While animals such as rabbits are common pets, their medical and surgical care requires dedicated training and specialist knowledge.
What to expect if your pet is referred
If your pet is referred to the Exotics Service, they will be assessed by a Specialist in Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery.
Following a thorough clinical examination, we will discuss:
- Our findings
- Recommended diagnostic tests
- Treatment options
- Likely outcomes (prognosis)
Willows is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, including:
- Comprehensive laboratory testing
- Digital radiography
- Advanced ultrasonography
- Endoscopy
- Intra-operative fluoroscopy
- CT scanning
- MRI scanning
Once a diagnosis has been reached, we will work closely with you and your primary care vet to agree on the most appropriate treatment plan.
Species we treat
Our team manages a wide range of species, including:
Small Mammals
Rabbits, Ferrets, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, African pygmy hedgehogs, sugar gliders and other small mammals.
Birds
Parrots and other psittacines, passerines, birds of prey, poultry and waterfowl.
Reptiles
Tortoises, turtles, lizards and snakes.
Amphibians
Frogs, newts and other amphibians.
Invertebrates & Fish
Spiders, snails, insects and ornamental fish.
We also work alongside zoological collections and wildlife organisations, providing advanced diagnostics and treatment support.
Conditions commonly treated
We manage a broad range of medical and surgical conditions, including:
- Dental disease
- Respiratory disease
- Middle and inner ear disease (otitis media/interna)
- Ferret adrenal disease
- Avian reproductive disorders
- Metabolic bone disease in reptiles
- Heavy metal toxicity in birds
- Fractures (simple and complex)
- Oncology cases
- Specialist surgical procedures
Our Exotics Service offers advanced surgical procedures tailored to the needs of different species, including:
- Exploratory laparotomy and coeliotomy
- Routine and complex dental procedures
- Ear surgery, including TECA and lateral bulla osteotomy
- Management of facial and odontogenic abscesses
- Reproductive surgery in reptiles and birds (including poultry)
- Ferret adrenalectomy and pancreatectomy
- Thoracotomy (including thymoma removal)
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy
Meet The Team
Sara Dias
DVM Msc DipABVP-ECM DipECZM-SM MRCVS
Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners
Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine
RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Head of Exotics
Sara graduated from the University of Lisbon, Portugal in 2010 before going on to complete a one-year Exotic Animal Medicine and Zoological Medicine Internship at Los Sauces in Madrid, Spain, followed by two years of Small and Exotic Practice in Portugal before starting her European College of Zoological Medicine Residency at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 2015.
After finishing her residency, Sara moved to the USA to work as an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University for two years and in 2019 moved to the UK to work at a Private Multidisciplinary Referral Hospital and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham. Sara joined the team at Willows in 2025 to lead the new Exotic Pets Service.
Sara loves teaching and empowering new generations and is a member of the Education and Examination (leader for the Small Mammals group) Committee of the European College of Zoological Medicine. She is also actively involved in several Zoological Medicine Organisations and is currently working towards her PhD at the University de Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, Spain.
Sara is a regular speaker at both national and international conferences, CPD courses and post-graduate certificate courses, publishing regularly at national and international indexed journals.
When not working Sara enjoys spending time with her family, playing the piano and the violin, and exploring nature and camping.
