1st trip to the vet coming up

[OlliesFamily]

My daughter's bearded dragon has his first vet visit coming up this Friday. He has some tail damage that needs to be looked at.

What are some good things I can ask the vet to make sure that the vet knows what he's talking about? I would also like some ideas of things to look for when going to the veterinarian and what should I put him in to take him to the vet?

He is very small a juvenile and I don't have really anything to put him in besides like a shoebox or something. Do I have to put in a hot water bottle or something so he doesn't get too cold during the trip?

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions and information!

 

[JessPets]

Are you going to a normal vet or an exotics vet? Normal vets probably won't know what they're doing

 

[OlliesFamily]

I made sure they handled exotic pets. One of the vets actually has a bearded dragon so I feel pretty confident that way. Initial visit is $61. Can anyone tell me if that's normal?

I want to make sure I cover any common concerns as well.

 

[CooperDragon]

$61 sounds reasonable to me. The costs of vet visits varies wildly depending on where you are. My vet charges about $40 for a visit and that's on the very low end from what I've seen. If you are comfortable with the vet and they have the experience to treat a dragon then it's worth even paying a premium if needed (in my opinion).

 

[Taterbug]

Some Questions: How long has the vet treated reptiles, how frequently do they see beardies. What other reptiles do they see. It can be tricky starting out to screen a vet :/ I mostly ask my vet questions about what and why she recommends things and don't really care for a vet who is dismissive or won't satisfactorily explain what they are doing (and what I am paying for).

New client intake visits usually cost a bit more than followups or annuals since your vet needs to spend more time with you and your pet. That price seems reasonable. What to expect at a intake visit: my vet has an exotics form that you fill it with husbandry info. Your lizard will get a physical exam similar to what a dr would give a person - the vet will poke and prod your lizard and it may piss them off. They will feel their abdomen to check for abnormalities with organs, fat stores and so forth. They may look in their eyes, ears and nose with a flashlight. They may pry the mouth open to check the mouth tissues and teeth (pepper hates this part. there are tools for this, one vet I saw used a soft quotation pick, or simply pull the mouth open). Some pinching or the toes/tail to test reflexes. They will get a weight. Most likely they will want a fecal sample for screening. They will probably sex the lizard to confirm or determine if its male or female.

For the tail, depending on the severity they may suggest x-rays, antibiotics or a "wait and see" approach. Tail damage is common and not always a big deal. Ask them any follow up questions you have likenhow long should treatment take and what to do if it's not working.

Transport: A shoebox is fine, anything secure and with some ventilation would do. Line it with a towel and you can use a warm water bottle or rice pack to help keep him warm.

 

[OlliesFamily]

Taterbug thank you so much for the information... Definitely answered my questions. Helps to know what to ask and/or expect.

The damaged part of his tail is hanging at 90 degrees about to fall off. It's not bleeding and he's running around eating crickets and pooping in his kale as usual so I'm just trying to get to his appointment Friday as I don't need an emergency vet bill (who does right).

Thank you thank you thank you!!

Sarah (Ollie's grandma)