Vet Recommendations

[Redstrike]

Hi all,

I'm taking my two cherryheads to the vet for a general check up and introductory visit in a couple weeks. I chose a vet from the list on the forum.
I was wondering if any of you have any advice on what to look for in a good vet, anything that should stand out while he's examining my hatchlings? I have a feeling I'll like the vet, but I'm just looking for some input on what I may want to keep my ears/eyes open for.

Cheers!

 

[exoticsdr]

This is really not so hard and it will ultimately depend on what your expectations are. Do you expect your vet to know exactly what species of tort they are looking at, or subspecies, locale or whatever. I have seen and heard it all, some clients are very happy to find out that you know what species they are dealing with but are offended that you dont know the difference between one or another specimens from different locales..... The best way to guage whether or not you are going to be happy is to ask questions, lots of questions...., experience dealing with torts? ever dealt with the specific species? how do they handle the tort? are you confident with their answers? are you confident with their questions?

Keep one thing in mind, unless you (as a veterinarian) are a specialist dealing with only one species or specialty, you can't remember everything (at least I can't), if I don't know something....I'm not going to blow sunshine up your skirt, i'm going to say, "you know, I don't know off the top of my head, but if you give me a few moments, I can and will find out." I know tons about torts, but if confronted with 3 different Mediterranean torts, I can't say I would know the difference. Put a parrot of any species in front of me in an exam room and I will know what it is and have many times suprised clients with the what species they actually owned. Ultimately, it's gong to depend on you.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Chris:

Good luck with your vet visit. The vets on the list were all contacted and asked if they treat turtles and tortoises, however, most of them have not been checked out by members. So, after your visit if you'll let us know if you appreciated the knowledge your vet showed about tortoises, we can show that on the list.

It would be nice if the vet knew what kind of tortoise you have. They should seem educated about tortoises and easy to talk to you about them. Do you feel comfortable with the vet. I think you'll do fine. Just use your common sense. And keep us informed.

 

[CtTortoiseMom]

I love my vet and she actually keeps tortoises!! You will have to trust your gut. Let us know how it goes and you might want to bring a fecal sample. Good luck

 

[exoticsdr]

I love my vet and she actually keeps tortoises!! You will have to trust your gut. Let us know how it goes and you might want to bring a fecal sample. Good luck

This is why Erin is the "BOMB!!!!"!!!! Definitely, bring a fecal sample, as much as you are going to be determining if you have a good vet, your new vet is gong to be determining whether or not you are going to be a good client....a nice fresh fecal sample in a zip lock will make your stock go up...alot! Doc

 

[Redstrike]

Thanks everyone, very helpful tips and advice! I'm sure I'll be pleased with the Doc we're going to see in a couple weeks.

 

[ascott]

"I'm not going to blow sunshine up your skirt"

Just reminded me ...have not been on a date in a while....LOL LOL

 

[exoticsdr]

"I'm not going to blow sunshine up your skirt"

Just reminded me ...have not been on a date in a while....LOL LOL

Need to get out there girl!!! Naughty, Naughty!

 

[ascott]

*blushing*