How to find a good reptile vet?

[Sorraia]

Originally Posted by shaunyboy

once you find a local vet surgery...

call and ask if they have a reptile specialist,if so,would it be possible to talk to them via telephone when the surgerys quiet,usually just before it starts or finishes

once you have a chat with the vet,you will then have a good idea just how qualified he is

cheers shaun

I'm not competent in my abilities to really know though. Its been quite some time since I've had snakes, and when I did I did not have a need to take them to a vet. I know what it takes to find a good dog, cat, or even rat veterinarian, but snakes are new to me. For example... I read the thread "is this vet stupid?" about a vet who recommended flushing a snakes lungs to get a culture to determine what kind of infection the snake has. Until reading (including replies) this thread, I did not know was the procedure for snakes. If I have an idea of what kind of questions to ask the veterinarian, I'll be able to gain a better feel for the vet, without taking the risk when my animals need experienced care. The "exotics" vet at the clinic I take my dogs and cats to says, "Oh yeah I treat reptiles! I also treat birds, rats, and other exotics. That's my specialty, I've been doing it for years." But I don't feel confident with that answer alone, and due to privacy laws they can't tell me about specific clients and outcomes for their treatment. If I knew specific questions to ask, that would be helpful.

Maybe I am just asking for too much?

I just don't like the idea of going in without knowing what to look for and what to expect. I've been to veterinarians who said "Oh yeah I can treat these animals, I've been doing it for years!" only to find out they were too "old school" or didn't really know what they were talking about. Some of those veterinarians even had recommendations from other people!

[shaunyboy]

Originally Posted by Sorraia

I'm not competent in my abilities to really know though. Its been quite some time since I've had snakes, and when I did I did not have a need to take them to a vet. I know what it takes to find a good dog, cat, or even rat veterinarian, but snakes are new to me. For example... I read the thread "is this vet stupid?" about a vet who recommended flushing a snakes lungs to get a culture to determine what kind of infection the snake has. Until reading (including replies) this thread, I did not know was the procedure for snakes. If I have an idea of what kind of questions to ask the veterinarian, I'll be able to gain a better feel for the vet, without taking the risk when my animals need experienced care. The "exotics" vet at the clinic I take my dogs and cats to says, "Oh yeah I treat reptiles! I also treat birds, rats, and other exotics. That's my specialty, I've been doing it for years." But I don't feel confident with that answer alone, and due to privacy laws they can't tell me about specific clients and outcomes for their treatment. If I knew specific questions to ask, that would be helpful.

Maybe I am just asking for too much?

I just don't like the idea of going in without knowing what to look for and what to expect. I've been to veterinarians who said "Oh yeah I can treat these animals, I've been doing it for years!" only to find out they were too "old school" or didn't really know what they were talking about. Some of those veterinarians even had recommendations from other people!

you don't have to ask for their client details,but.....

you could say...

to put my mind at ease,what are some of the more complicated treatments you have done on reptiles

ideally,if you could find a reptile keeper in your area,they would be able to reccomend a good vet

i hope you find what your looking for pal

cheers shaun