[Angela] [Hull] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>I have been talking to a friend online about gerbils and vets. We were
>trying to come up with a list of what you should look for in a gerbil vet and
>I'm going to post it on my web site. Any suggestions are welcome! Obviously
>that they specialize in exotic or small animals..but sometimes those type of
>vets are not available to choose from, or that doesn't necessarily mean one
>that specializes in exotics will make a good vet. So Thanks for any input!
They need to be interested enough to still be learning. If you say, "I
have heard from a gerbil expert that ...", they should not just dismiss
what you say, but follow it up through their veterinary sources.
They should also not just inject a steroid/antibiotic/vitamin concoction
for all problems and hope they go away as some vets I have seen. They
should show an interest in identifying the problem and treating it
specifically.
Finding a vet known to other small animal keepers in the area is a good
idea also. Ask in the local pet shop, "Do you know which vet local
gerbil/rat/hamster/ferret owners recommend?"
If the waiting room is always full that is a good sign also. It means
there are a lot of people that trust that vet, and/or, the vet is
prepared to spend time with the animals rather than just running a
conveyor belt.
The vet should be prepared to talk about the animal's problem. Even if
they do not know what the problem is, they should explain to you what
signs they have discovered and discuss the possibilities.
Finally, sort out a vet before you need one!
There is a list of recommended gerbil vets at:
http://www.gerbils.co.uk/gerbils/vets.htm
--
Julian
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* Jackie and Julian *
* [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
* National Gerbil Society *
* http://www.gerbils.co.uk/ *
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