you want HOW MUCH for an ELISA test????

[BettaDragon]

Welcome to my world when I have to listen to angry customers from other places and I have to bite my tongue to keep me from saying my opinion of the place they came from. I'm like, "I just clean things, I'll get you a technician."

 

[OSUgecko]

A lot of reptile vets are in it for the money. They know no one else does exotics so they charge a lot for it. That's at least what I've seen in this area.

sounds about right... but it wouldn't be so bad if they ACTUALLY knew what they were doing WHILE charging an arm and a leg!!!... i HATE that!
I've lost several geckos due to lying vets!

"Reptile vets" who do not regularly see exotics are NOT exotic animal vets IMO. Most exotic veterinarians see at least 30% exotic animals in their daily practices. Some of them may have gone through exotic animal internships and/or residencies after graduating from vet school, spending up to 10+ years of their life in college to become experts in their areas of interest.

I think that calling yourself a reptile vet when you are severely under-qualified is unethical, and most veterinarians out there would agree with me. Unfortunately, there are bad apples in every barrel. I'm sorry that you both seem to have had such poor experiences with the veterinary community so far.

HOWEVER... (Soapbox time)

Veterinary college is one of the most highly competitive post graduate programs in existence, with only ~30 vet colleges nationwide that take around 100 students/year on average. Those who make it into vet school must complete one of the most rigorous academic and professional training programs out there. It is extremely difficult, stressful, time consuming... and expensive. Veterinarians are graduating with 8 years worth of school under their belts and an average college debt load of $100,000.00+. But their average starting salary is only $50,000.00.

The great majority of vets went through this because veterinary medicine is what they love, not because they are "in it for the money." Most vets try to cut costs for their clients at every opportunity, while giving their patients the best of medical care. However, they have to make a living, and they SHOULD be adequately compensated for their work.

Check what your human doctor charges for the same procedures veterinarians provide... I guarantee you will be astounded at the price difference. The skill level involved is typically no different. Actually, a lot of human doctors are vet school dropouts. Comforting, eh? :main_no:

(Stepping off of soapbox) :main_thumbsup:

 

[daniellebluetoo]

I don't think any one think anyone here is bashing reputable vets, I think the consensus is that were pretty tired of vets lying to us about their qualifications/ experience, and being charged for it!

I certainly have NO problem in paying above and beyond regular prices for a good vet, as most know a good one is worth their weight in gold.

LOL, I DIDN"T know that veterinary drop outs become poeple dr.s.. That cracks me UP!....... I have to say that i use people doctors EVEN LESS than I use vets!

I've known about antibiotic resistance for at least 20 yrs, and yet STILL hear things like pediatricians are ROUTINELY prescribing them for babies with ear infections!:main_thumbsdown:

 

[OSUgecko]

Yup, sad but true. It's a lot easier to get into human med school than it is to get into vet school. And for those students who couldn't make it in vet school, but still want to work in the medical field, human med is a "great" second option... Although that's certainly NOT the only career option out there for those who drop out of vet school, and many vet students drop out for reasons other than poor academics.