Be loyal to your snake...not your Vet

[icygirl]

On the contrary, exotics medicine is a much higher paying field (at least that is the trend in the Houston area). Unfortunately, therein lies part of the problem...a client will often "take what they can get" from their small animal veterinarian to avoid paying more at an exotics practice.

It is the exact opposite around here. Cat and dog vets are where the big bucks are. Exotics vets are more of a fringe group, and very difficult to find.

Another thing: Just because a vet CLAIMS to be an exotics vet, doesn't mean they actually are! I have personal experience with an "exotics vet" who didn't know jack about snakes... Don't just read the sign outside the vet's office. Do what BG said, call and ASK QUESTIONS!!

[GoBoilers]

Well said, CritterVet (fixer)!

[Mike Schultz]

I've heard about random RIs that pop up

Truly "random" RI's usually pop up when an infected snake from another breeder is introduced to the collection, and whether improper quarantine was practice or it just got missed, it spreads on.

While you can usually avoid vet visits with proper husbandry, the truth is if you have a large collection you will once in a while run into problems like infected hemipenes, rat bites that get infected, etc that you simply cannot predict and can't always treat yourself. SO it's always good to at least know of a vet who can help you in the rare event you need it. (even if you are a ball python god who has perfect husbandry and cleans all his cages every other day)

[jimbravo9]

Very well stated BG. I've gone to several vets over the years who've claimed to know reptiles and found they really didn't know anymore than I did.

[Big Gunns]

For people who don't have qualified herp vets in their area, keep in mind that non-qualified vets can be open-minded and willing to work with you. I have no problems being schooled by clients when it's a species I've never seen before. I am trained in the nitty gritty of physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, surgery, etc, but not the details of husbandry, natural history, and diet of all the thousands of herp species out there. Combining my skills (and prescription pad) with an owner's knowledge of a certain species can make a great team. I also have no problem calling other vets who are more experienced with me in certain species to consult with. Better yet is when the client brings me the phone number. That said, I also know my limits, and when I'm out of my league I will help the owner find a better-qualified vet if possible.

Regarding fees, I agree that vets charge more for exotics -- as they should. It's a specialty that takes more training and investment of time, energy, and money for special equipment. Also, exotics appointments almost always take longer than dog & cat appointments.

Of course they're "willing to work with you". They're basically getting paid to go to school. BG did have Vet years ago that did just that though. She "worked" with BG. Since BG knew other "qualified Vets" and large breeders in other states, BG knew what was "cutting edge". Not many Vets used "Fortaz" years ago. BG heard about it from Pete Kahl and his Vet. She called the Vets and got advice and could prescribe it to BG. She would do it for next to nothing since BG was basically "taking her to school". Fortaz also works great when boas get an RI during breeding season. Someone always will..... they are not as strong as Balls.

BG is gonna give you some good advice CV. Scott Stahl in Virginia is a great knowledgeable Vet. If you ever have a question with something give him a call and BG is sure he'll help you out. If you tell him you met Big Gunns on line(sounds kinda gay) he'll be able to tell you how great The Man, The Myth, The Legend in his own mind really is. One problem though. Only forum losers like Big Gunns and the rest of us know who he is. Scott probably doesn't know Big Gunns as Big Gunns.

[pavlovk1025]

Truly "random" RI's usually pop up when an infected snake from another breeder is introduced to the collection, and whether improper quarantine was practice or it just got missed, it spreads on.

Thats just ignorant, RI's aren't contagious. Dont believe me, ask Dr. Scott Stahl.

[mrmertz]

Good point and post. At least find out what your vets capabilities are. In my area, most of the vets won't even see reptiles, but two of them will, as long as the animal isn't over 7 ft, and they are honest up front about what they can do. Physicals, fecal exams, RI's, and minor scale rot. Anything bigger or more in-depth then they recommend the exotic animal hospital about 2 hours away...


Rob

ROFL!

That has to be THE funniest avatar! Oh man...

[Mike Schultz]

Thats just ignorant, RI's aren't contagious. Dont believe me, ask Dr. Scott Stahl.

Go ahead and throw your mucus-bubbling males in with all your females then and see what happens

[West Coast Jungle]

This thread is soo true. I had a reccomended vet kill a nice morph by severly overmedicating it. Today it would be obvious to me but back then I didnt know as much. He was cocky and bragging about all his experience but obviously had no idea what he was doing and gave my snake 5X the recommended dosages because he wanted to stamp out the very minor RI before it got worse!

I have talked to Dr. Stahl on different occasions ( he has taught me alot!) and one very helpful thing he told me is that although he cant prescibe medication over the phone, he can do conference calls/phone appointments with you local vet to help them treat your animal and make sure they the best diagnosis. This way you and your vet get educated dy Dr. Stahl and your animal gets the best treatment even if you dont live close to a good herp vet. Yes you pay more(both doctors) but you and your vet get knowledge and experience from one of the best that you have forever. I have talked to my current local vet and he was more than willing to do conference calls with Dr. Stahl if the need arose.

BG speaks the truth!

[CritterVet]

Of course they're "willing to work with you". They're basically getting paid to go to school. BG did have Vet years ago that did just that though. She "worked" with BG. Since BG knew other "qualified Vets" and large breeders in other states, BG knew what was "cutting edge". Not many Vets used "Fortaz" years ago. BG heard about it from Pete Kahl and his Vet. She called the Vets and got advice and could prescribe it to BG. She would do it for next to nothing since BG was basically "taking her to school". Fortaz also works great when boas get an RI during breeding season. Someone always will..... they are not as strong as Balls.

BG is gonna give you some good advice CV. Scott Stahl in Virginia is a great knowledgeable Vet. If you ever have a question with something give him a call and BG is sure he'll help you out. If you tell him you met Big Gunns on line(sounds kinda gay) he'll be able to tell you how great The Man, The Myth, The Legend in his own mind really is. One problem though. Only forum losers like Big Gunns and the rest of us know who he is. Scott probably doesn't know Big Gunns as Big Gunns.

Charging professional fees for a species I'm not familiar with varies with what the animal needs. If it's just a routine health check or minor infection, that's one thing, but if the animal needs an abscess drained, a biopsy, sedation for a radiograph, etc, I'm not dropping fees. Even if I've never seen the species before and don't know much about it, I'm still charging for specialized professional services. An exception would be a surgery that I haven't done before, or have very limited experience with. In that case I'll probably charge a lower rate.