One Tortoise Changed a Life! Dr. Ming-Hsien Chou Opens Dasha Exotic Animal Hospital After 17 Years of Integrative Medicine

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in keeping exotic pets such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, sugar gliders, amphibians, and reptiles. As the number of pet owners increases, so does the demand for specialized veterinary care. However, due to significant differences in physiology and disease patterns between exotic pets and cats or dogs, many owners still face the challenge of not being able to find a qualified specialist when their pets fall ill.

Recognizing this gap in veterinary services, the Dasha Exotic Animal Hospital, led by Dr. Ming-Hsien Chou—an expert in amphibians, reptiles, and tortoises—officially opened on April 9 in Lingya District, Kaohsiung City. Equipped with comprehensive specialty medical facilities and integrating Western and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), the hospital aims to become a full-service medical hub for exotic pet care.

Dr. Chou shared that his journey into exotic pet medicine began with a memorable clinical experience 17 years ago. At the time, a grandmother brought her grandson and a sick European tortoise to his clinic after being turned away by three other animal hospitals. "In that moment, I realized I couldn't treat the tortoise either, which was a profound shock to me as a veterinarian," Dr. Chou recalled. This experience inspired him to dedicate his career to exotic pet medicine, with the hope that no pet owner would ever again miss a treatment opportunity due to the lack of a qualified specialist.

A graduate of the Veterinary Medicine program at National Chung Hsing University, Dr. Chou previously served as director of the university's Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Yaxing Animal Hospital. Over the years, he has accumulated extensive clinical experience in exotic pet care and research in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. With the establishment of the Dasha Exotic Animal Hospital, he aims to build a comprehensive medical system tailored specifically for exotic pets, offering precise and holistic care for each species.

The hospital features a three-story dedicated medical space: the first floor houses registration and outpatient clinics; the second floor includes specialty examination and diagnostic areas; and the third floor is equipped with advanced surgical suites and an ultrasound room. High-end equipment such as biochemical analyzers, color cardiac ultrasound, Class IV laser therapy, endoscopes, gas anesthesia workstations, central oxygen supply systems, and avian orthopedic surgical instruments have been introduced to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment quality.

Additionally, the hospital offers two distinctive services. The first is an integrative treatment model combining traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, and integrative medicine, providing diversified care for chronic conditions and elderly exotic pets. The second is a species-segregated inpatient ward located in the basement, with dedicated spaces for small mammals, birds, and reptiles. These wards are designed to meet the specific temperature, humidity, and quiet environment needs of each species, reducing stress during hospitalization while maintaining high medical standards and animal welfare.

Dr. Chou emphasized, "Through our professional team and advanced facilities, we aim to ensure that every exotic pet receives appropriate medical care. We also want pet owners to feel supported and no longer helpless when their beloved companions fall ill due to the inability to find a specialist."