General Care Discussion :: Feeling out a new vet

[Starchick]

So Napoleon's going to meet a new vet tomorrow. I'm pretty sure he's got a respiratory infection so I've been on an intense vet-hunt. I found a guy nearby who is a member of ARAV and treats a few area turtles, so I'm trying him out. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should ask? What are some good questions to gauge his knowledge of turtles? I'm taking along all Napoleon's records from his last series of vet visits, as well as an outline of his health and how his habitat has changed over the last few months, and pictures I've taken along the way. Any other ideas for getting to know this vet and getting him to know Napoleon? I want to make the most of this visit, especially if he's good, and if he's not, I want to know for sure by the time I leave Any and all input is appreciated!

[marisa]

I'd want to know if the vet himself has turtles and what species he's treated (the area turtles were pets or wildlife?).

I'd also "innocently" ask some questions I basically knew the answers to (how much to feed, good foods to feed, things of that sort), his take on UVB lights, what you should do if your RES exhibits certain symptoms (like those of an RI, for example), how he'd treat certain problems, like shell rot, etc.---you know, test him (nicely). His answers don't have to match your info (or this forum's) exactly, but you should be comfortable with them.

Watch how he handles and inspects your turtle.

Question anything you don't understand (or ask for clarification).

[steve]

I'd want to know if the vet himself has turtles and what species he's treated (the area turtles were pets or wildlife?).

I'd also "innocently" ask some questions I basically knew the answers to (how much to feed, good foods to feed, things of that sort), his take on UVB lights, what you should do if your RES exhibits certain symptoms (like those of an RI, for example), how he'd treat certain problems, like shell rot, etc.---you know, test him (nicely). His answers don't have to match your info (or this forum's) exactly, but you should be comfortable with them.

Watch how he handles and inspects your turtle.

Question anything you don't understand (or ask for clarification).

I agree 100% with the above post.

Starchick, I did not like the way the last vet I used handled my RES even though they were careful. After I gave very detailed information, they also had what I would call text-book responses and really didn't offer any insight. Let us know how he does!

[Turtle addict]

I agree with the above but also want to add that I had one vet who when presented with possible RI looked at the turtle and perscribed meds. I wasn't comfortable with that so I got a second opinion and the second vet wet paper towel and listened to the shell...they can hear if the lungs are clogged,{placing the wet paper towel helps the stethoscope be able to hear through the shell} he also weighed him and placed him in a sink of water to see if he was lopsided while floating, then pulled out all the legs, and head to check them. I felt this time we got a good exam and went with what this one said...also been taking the rest to him! Ask about their experience with turtle, whether they have just studied or really treated one. You won't offened them {if you do they are not right} ask as much as you can about their schooling and past experience. This is your baby after all and it deserves the best you can find.

[Starchick]

Thanks for all your suggestions! The visit went really well. Dr. Rothman was very knowledgable and competent. He said they treat a lot of turtles with respiratory infections, and that Napoleon seemed extraordinarily healthy otherwise, so he showed me how to give him the medication and even said that if I couldn't do it I could bring him back and he or a nurse would do it for free. He also gave me the names of a few other local vets that he said are good if I had an emergency and he wasn't available. He also said it looks like Napoleon has some mild conjunctivitis, which should also be cleared up by the meds. Overall I was impressed with him, he clearly has had some experience with turts, and he's close enough that's it's not too bad of a trip for Napoleon, who hates riding.

And, semi unrelated, since I had the day off for this visit and another doctor's appointment, I was home in the afternoon to see if he would bask on his old dock. He did, the little booger. So I guess he just didn't like the floating one, and I'll have to rig something up to make this one a bit taller.

Again, thanks for all your help!

[cprcheetah]

Make sure that they know what meds are okay for turtles. My vet has an exotic animal formulary he refers too if he has any questions, it gives doses, injection sites and what's safe and what's not.

Sounds like you found a good vet who knows about turtles. That's great! I know good herp vets can be few and far between.

[Starchick]

I actually started to ask a question about his shell and the doctor misunderstood and thought I was asking if the meds were ok for the shell, so he gave me a rundown of why it was ok. And he did sit down and calculate the dosage based on Napoleon's weight and showed me where to inject and why. It's also the same medication the last vet gave him.