Shadowing an exotic animal vet!!

So, I just found out I'll be shadowing an exotics vet for a whole day in a couple weeks. I'm very excited but also nervous because I have no idea what to expect! :P I know he works with reptiles (he is the go-to vet for my local reptile rescue) and is a big fan of them, so I think we should get along pretty well.

Just thought I'd pop in and ask you guys what the heck a herp/exotic vet does during their day, and some things I might see/do/expect. And any tips for people who have shadowed before (my first time) about how to act, dress, speak, and generally avoid being annoying or awkward.

Thanks. :)

I would say mostly he does what other vets do AVOID GETTING POOPED ON :D

Dress nicely - but not dressy. I wore some nice slacks and a nice shirt my first time - but the rest of the times I just wore scrubs. Avoid getting pooed/peed on, or bit. Try to ask questions when it seems appropriate - not when they pop into your head.

And if he hands you something - take it :P

Haha, thanks!

I was thinking I would wear either scrubs or slacks+nice shirt. Hmm...

Avoid getting pooped on? Impossible. :P

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Originally Posted by rebelrachel13

So, I just found out I'll be shadowing an exotics vet for a whole day in a couple weeks. I'm very excited but also nervous because I have no idea what to expect! :P I know he works with reptiles (he is the go-to vet for my local reptile rescue) and is a big fan of them, so I think we should get along pretty well.

Just thought I'd pop in and ask you guys what the heck a herp/exotic vet does during their day, and some things I might see/do/expect. And any tips for people who have shadowed before (my first time) about how to act, dress, speak, and generally avoid being annoying or awkward.

Thanks. :)

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General rule of thumb: don't get in the way of the vet :P

Best advice for me to give: Do not panic if something goes wrong. (i.e if an animal starts going crazy and what not)

Dress appropriately. Nothing too fancy, but comfortable. I wouldn't wear anything baggy as it could get caught on something or hinder movement. If you have scrubs, wear those. Closed toed shoes is a must, especially when around sharps and needles. You'll be standing a lot so maybe tennis shoes or something with good padding/support.

If you have questions, ask. Don't be afraid to ask even if it sounds silly. You're there to learn after all.

If the vet is examining an animal, ask what he's doing and why. If he feels something funny or odd, ask if you could feel it too.

I'm sure every exotic vet does something different throughout their work day. Most vets just do exams and treatment so you'll observe general physical exams. If you're lucky, maybe you'll see a surgery. If you're uncomfortable with something, don't hesitate to tell the vet or vet tech. I've done a few surgeries myself and I've had classmates pass out from the sight and smell of blood. (Don't lock your knees)

I hope that helped. If I think of something else, I'll add on later.

Sounds like it's going to be an exciting day for you. Hope you have fun! :)

Wow! Great advice, thanks a lot. That's what I need to hear. :D

I'm so jealous! Good luck and have fun!

So, I'm finally shadowing tomorrow. I'm excited but anxious. Any last minute advice?? :)

I'll let you guys know tomorrow evening how it goes.

Good luck!

Good luck and have fun!