Home treatment of various ailments?

[Skyrivers]

Hey guys. I do not plan to treat any of my reptiles myself for any serious issues. But I am curious. I used to live next to an animal research hospital that came highly recommended from many people. But they still were lacking in care and knowledge for reptiles. It seems like the more experienced breeders in the hobby are far more qualified to diagnose and treat issues often times. I have heard a lot of stories from people who have sought out vet care and end up with a $300 bill and a dead reptile. Is it just a better option to treat illnesses at home under the guidance of an experienced keeper? Can you do things like fecals yourself and have them sent to a lab to be evaluated? Have any of you purchased non-vet prescribed antibiotics or other medicines for your reptiles?

If you wish to treat them yourself then spend the 7 years in vet school as well as a lifetime of education or re-education ,as understanding is grown, to get educated and purchase all the medical equipment and lab equipment to do so properly.... or.... Pay an experienced vet who did all that that is qualified in reptiles. If you ask a breeder that has been doing this a while, I have friends that are long time breeders, they (my friends) all have a vet in their area that they can recommend or know of and were happy to share the information. All of a sudden $300 doesn't seam so bad.

Also, A good experienced herps vet will have more experience than you to care for them.