First vet visit

[rothsauce]

Was finally able to get the girls in for their first vet visit, mostly a general physical and to see if I like this particular clinic or not.

Both seem to have a healthy weight.

Grimm is my fatty and weighs in at 29 gm.
Ere is smaller, at 21 gm. I'd like to see her put on more weight, especially in her tail, though that might be a bit of a battle since I'm wondering if she is an enigma. She has a tendency to 'star-gaze' and it can take her a moment to notice food, no matter how lively it might be.
She also has a red/brownish tint to her eyes, though I haven't been able to get a good enough look to determine if they are enigma or another morph type.

As for the vet, it was interesting to be told that Leo's needed a UVB source. Not sure how often this particular vet gets a reptilian visit, so can let that slide. Simply discussed that through researching these critters it's not a necessity, and she seemed content with that.
Wasn't able to get a fecal, but am hoping to do so in the next few days.

All in all, not sure how I feel about this clinic. Though finding another Herp vet in the area might prove to be difficult.

 

[Olympus]

My reptile vets sometimes say things that don't apply to my species too, and I also let it slide. I get that it's difficult to remember everything about all species all the time, so if they tell me something like "your chameleon will regrow its tail if we amputate" (no, no they won't) then whatever, I just ignore it. As long as they can give me the correct doses of the correct meds I need for a certain thing, I'm happy!

It's hard to find a really competent reptile vet! Here in Florida I've only met 2 so far that are true reptile lovers and hobbyists as well out of the dozen or so vets that I've seen.

 

[rothsauce]

Agreed, as long as there is a feeling of comfort while talking to the vet about different information sources and they're open to it, then it's not too big a concern.

One of my cats has feline cystitis, and that was quite an experience having it diagnosed with a trusted vet clinic (a shame, as I really miss them. Always hate that possibility when you end up moving).
I'm sure with the amount of more exotic critters, and probable infrequency with many clinics, it can be a nightmare. Will have to keep an eye out and maybe find some others on this board who are in the Minneapolis area, and see if they have any recommendations.

 

[indyana]

Yep, totally agree that sometimes you have to take the vet advice for husbandry with a grain of salt. What I liked about my vet is that he admits when he doesn't know the answer and actually gets in touch with reptile specialists outside our area for advice before presenting treatment. Someone willing to do research and learn when your pet has a problem is even better in some cases.

If you aren't comfortable, then you should keep looking, but as you said, you can't hold them accountable for detailed husbandry of every lizard species...

 

[rothsauce]

It will likely take a few more visits for a decision. Still going to explore options though!
Social anxiety can skew things like this for me, and admittedly I've never taken a reptile to the vet before.

@ Indy - That's what I liked about my previous vet. For the cystitis diagnosis, he asked many other vets as he had never encountered a case of it before. He even recommended the local University as their veterinary branch wasn't too far away. Very upfront and honest about the whole situation.
Hope to find a herp vet with the same qualities.

 

[rothsauce]

Got their fecals in this morning, and both came back negative for parasites. Yay!

Least now I know Ere has a case of the derps, and is not sick.

 

[indyana]

Yay, congrats on the negative fecals!

I hope to have a couple at my house soon... ^_^;