Choosing A Reptile Vet

[Emz3]

So, after having my BTS for a few months I'm finally taking them in for an exam, fecal and bloodwork. I've wanted to take them in for a check-up for a while but cost is somewhat an issue and they've appeared healthy and normal. Now that they are starting to slow down during the cooler months, I thought it was best to take them in for a wellness exam prior to brumation (if they do end up brumating), plus Stubbs has something going on with his mouth.

So, how do I know I have, not just a good herp vet, but a good blue tongued skink vet? I've been extremely picky for my dogs and my lovebird and I expect the same level of care for my BTS. I noticed that somebody had recommended Goldenview Veterinary Hospital in Colorado, which is where I take my bird. They've been wonderful with my bird but, they are expensive and I was a little concerned that they didn't even know that BTS brumate. They also said they only have 2 clients that have BTS. This means they don't see them that often.

So, because of price and some potential lack of experience, I decided to make an appointment with a friend of mine who is a vet. He is the Veterinarian that volunteers his time with the Birds of Prey Foundation (where I volunteer) and he has been a zoo vet for years and has taken care of BTS at zoos over the years. He also was the president of the Reptile and Amphibian Society (or something like that.) Now, all of that is good and dandy, but he too didn't know that they brumate either, he also said the 2 BTS are fine housed together if given enough room and hides and basking spots. (Which is opposite of what I hear on here all the time.)

So anyway, I'm confused. I think I'm over thinking this! I just want to do right by these guys! They deserve it! Do you all have anything you look for in a BTS vet when doing your research? Is there a reason I should go with Goldenview over my Vet friend? (If any BTS owners have had experience with Goldenview, I would like to know!

Thanks!

Sincerely,

Crazy BTS Owner

[Jeff]

The only way to figure out if a vet knows anything about BTS is to talk to them. Just ask them if they have any experience. We have a recommended vet list here that lists 3 vets in Colorado, but honestly, these are just vets that have been recommended by one person in most cases. It is a place to start though. If none of these are close to you, you might give them a call and ask if they can recommend anyone in your area. Good luck!

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[Emz3]

Thanks Jeff,

I do know about the vet list. And one of the vets on the list does come highly recommended as a reptile vet in the area, and this is the same vet I take my bird to, (Goldenview Veterinary Hospital) so I know they are great, at least with birds. If I'm being honest, the only reason I decided to go somewhere else is cost and distance. I also kind of wanted to give my friend a try since he is closer. I do believe in the saying, "You get what you pay for." So depending on how my friend does with them tomorrow I may end back up at my highly recommended, but more expensive vet. I worked in small animal veterinary hospital for 8 years. It took me 3 different vets to find a good one for my bird. I guess I don't want to make the same mistakes with the skinks. I'm still a novice when it comes to reptiles! ...thanks I'm over thinking this...

[Fatal_S]

Almost any vet can manage fecals and basic tests. So even a vet who doesn't know tons about BTS can be helpful. Just don't expect them to be an expert, be willing to agree to disagree, and use them for the experience and knowledge they do have

[El Lobo]

If your friend has experience as a zoo vet he would be a good option, particularly if he is a Certified ZooMed practitioner. Otherwise, my leaning would be towards a vet specialising in avian medicine because reptile physiology is much closed to birds than cats or dogs.

[Spindown]

Try contacting your local herp group (if one exists). I'd also recommend you make the vet that you choose do everything in front of you that he can (ie like taking poo samples or blood etc). If they resist, that usually shoots up red flags for me, esp. since our "exotics" vet that we went through in the past took my Northern away to get a sample, and he was in pain from severely inflamed hemipenes for 2 weeks afterwards. If I could have seen what she was doing, I would have been able to stop her.

My new vet is willing to show me what she's doing, why shes doing it, and is widely acclaimed to be one of the best herp vets by everyone I've ever talked to. I just wish she wasnt an hour and half drive from me! However, its totally worth it, to know my critters (and my sanity) are in good hands. She also sees multiple animals in one visit, so it makes my trips up there very worthwhile.