I was researching reptiles vets today just for general checkup purposes in the future or if an emergency situation would arise and I started making a few calls to registered veterinarians on the ARAV (Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians) database. I have the recommendation of a qualified vet but he is approximately two hours away, so I figured ....."Well, if I can find someone equally as qualified, but closer to me it's a win-win".
I contacted a vet that was approximately 20 minutes away from me and the receptionist informed me that two docs deal with reptiles at this particular clinic. I asked laundry list of questions that would satisfy my checklist for a quality vet that deals with snakes. So I asked, "do these doctors probe?" I was told no and given no explanation. This seemed fishy to me, but maybe it's common practice?
Let it be known that I do know how to probe/pop but it makes me nervous, I simply don't like doing it if I can leave it to more experienced hands. I've been told male/female by the breeders I purchase from (and trust) but I feel it's always a good thing to double, if not triple check.....If I'm paying the $60 some odd bucks for a check up, and the vet KNOWS what he/she is doing....why not have them check?
What are your experiences?