As some of you remember I was working on a list to put on my website on how
to find a good gerbil vet. Here is the finished list. I stated before that
instead of keeping track of who said what...I was just going to put a message
after the list that it was compiled with the help of GML members. (GML would
be a link to the GML site) Hopefully that will be OK with the people that
helped me out...if not just email me and say that you want your name added
after your contribution and what number(s) on the list belong to you. If I
don't hear anything I'll post it as is. Thanks! :)
Angie
1. Call around and see what vets will treat your gerbils if the need arises
2. Ask other exotic pet owners/breeder if they've taken their pet to the
vet, who it was and their opinion of the place. (Look on bulletin boards at
pet shop..breeders often post business cards there)
3. Look for cleanliness in the vets office..if you're not satisfied...look
for another vet.
4. Try searching online for a local vet, or visit
www.vin.com/PetCare/Main.htm or http://www.gerbils.co.uk/gerbils/vets.htm and
www.vetulike.co.uk if you live in the UK. You can also try searching for
other places online where you can talk one on one with a vet or leave a
message on a message board if you're in a location where a suitable vet
cannot be found.
5. See if the vet has treated gerbils before, perhaps has even owned gerbils.
6. Pick a vet that values all animals and has respect for them all. Not one
that can't understand why you'd spend so much money on a 5 dollar pet.
7. See what kind of emergency services they have and if they meet your needs.
8. If a knowledgeable vet cannot be found, try to find one that is
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. They should show an interest in identifying the problem and treating
it specifically.
9. A busy waiting room is a good sign that the vet takes his time with each
patient.
10. Find a vet BEFORE you need one. In an emergency, you won't have the time
to find the proper vet.
