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I truly understand herp keepers complaint about unqualified vets and the expenses etc, however, It is against the veterinarians oath and most state veterinary practice acts for a vet to prescribe medications for animals they have not performed a physical examination on. That is the bottom line. Although I know once some vets get a doctor/client/patient relationship established they may do these things as "favors", but it is against most states regulations and they could get their licenses pulled for doing that. Also, it really is for the protection of your animal for them to want to see them before prescribing meds. This is because some of the commonly used (sometimes overly used) antibiotics in herps CANNOT be administered to herps that are dehydrated, so they need to check hydration status. Also, they need to make sure that what is ailing your sick herp will be "covered" by the antibiotic they prescribe. Antibiotics (such as Baytril) that are overly prescribed are eventually going to cause huge problems. Many bacteria that cause illness ( such as upper respiratory infections in herps) can become resistent to antibiotics if overly used and not given properly, or given the full duration of the prescribed dosage.
i have been a licensed veterinary technician (specializing in exotics) for over 10 years. Just know I understand your concerns, just understand where the vets are coming from. As a reptile owner, you need to make sure and do some research on local vets in your area and see who has experience with exotics. That is your responsibility. Not every veterinarian is trained to handle exotic animal species including herps. Most usually only see dogs and cats. That is usually not part of their course of study in vet school..
I know that must of us that are experienced can certainly medicate are own animals, but in cases of illness, I think you should see a vet for proper diagnosis.
Just my .02
Shannon Richards LVT
&
Christian Wright
C&S REPTILES
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