When looking for a reptile vet, ask for information on his education and experience. Reptiles are exotic animals and they require special care and attention. Make sure that the practitioner you select is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of reptile care. The perfect reptile vet should possess both a formal education and extensive experience in the field.
It’s not surprising that there are a large number of veterinarians who specialize in only one or two species of exotic mammals, amphibians or reptiles. You can find an expert who will take care of any reptile pets you might have as long as he has an academic qualification to do so. A comprehensive education allows the specialist to effectively diagnose the problem in both wild and domestic animals. Proper diagnosis enables the physician to administer the appropriate treatment.
The right reptile veterinarian will not only be able to identify the type of reptile sickness or disease but also he will be capable of determining the best course of treatment for the ailment. Some common ailments reptiles suffer from include lacerations, broken bones, internal or external parasites, cancer, tumors, dry skin and severe burns. An experienced specialist will be able to identify these symptoms in time and will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment method.
Rabbits and hamsters are another category of exotic pets. Many breeders keep them as pets but a vet who keep a lot of hamsters and rabbits will have a lot of experience with these animals. He will also know their nutritional requirements and how much care they need. You may want to opt for a rabbit breeder who is also an experienced reptile vet. A pet shop which specializes in exotic pets will be able to give information on both types of animals.
All exotic pets are prone to suffering from diseases and conditions. A reptile vet may include specific books on amphibians, reptiles and mammals which will enable you to recognize the symptoms immediately. If a condition affects only one or two of the pets, it will not usually have any serious long term effects on them. However, if a condition affects the whole group, then it could cause serious complications. The effects of some diseases in reptiles may include paralysis, dehydration, intestinal blockage, congenital abnormalities, etc.
There are several factors that you should consider when choosing a reptile veterinarian clinic. First of all you need to make sure that the clinic has well trained and experienced doctors. It will be best if you choose a clinic that is close to your home so that you can visit them easily. The next important thing you need to check is whether they have a wide range of veterinary services including all types of treatment for reptiles.
You must ensure that the doctors understand the entire responsibility of providing reptile and other pet care. They should have expert knowledge about lizards, salamanders, turtles, crocs and iguanas. You must make sure that the doctors are experienced enough in reptile medicine and that they are qualified to provide all types of medical attention for your pets. Make sure that the facility where you will be taken care of is clean and comfortable. Also try to find a clinic that is willing to provide specialized treatment for reptiles.
Reptiles and lizards are great pets. They can be very loving and loyal, however, they also have their own set of needs that cannot be met easily. Specialized veterinaries are required to give them proper care and medication. A reptile specialist can be very useful if you have a number of reptiles at home or you plan on breeding reptiles.
