Andrea
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first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/21 14:12
H everybody!
I am thinking I should schedule a first visit appointment with a local vet (we have two that state experience with hedgehogs) for Spikey so I can develop a relationship with a doctor prior to any kind of illness or emergency.
I have never been to a vet before as this is my first pet. I am wondering if there is anything in particular I should ask about or look out for? What kinds of questions should I ask the doctor? Any red flags I should be looking out for that might indicate that this is not a good vet for Spikey? From reading this board, I already know that I will not change Spikey's food (which I buy from Stasi and Spikey is eating it just fine--no green poops) even if the vet tells me to do so.
Anyway, thanks for the help. I plan on calling both vets and asking about their experience with hedgehogs. I really dont want to hear Spikey do the "hedgie scream of death" like in the youtube video Stasi posted on this board. I think I would probably just have my own meltdown if that happened. (and then the vet would hear the "andrea scream of death").
Thanks.
Andrea
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Stasi
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/21 17:38
Andrea,
Just like you when you first go to a dr - you get a 'feel' for them, and their bedside manner. If the vet comes in and is wearing gloves to handle Spikey, that's a red flag. Or if he/she wants to treat Spikey for parasites with any sort of injection. If the vet comes in and seems pleasant, is willing at least to TRY handling Spikey, those would be good signs to me of a vet who's at least willing to give it their best. See how Spikey reacts to the vet too, while it's not a firm indicator (all hedgies get a bit wiggy at all the smells of a vet office!), it's a start. Mainly, just make sure that the vet seems open to seeing a hedgehog, doesn't suggest crazy stuff, and acts like they've seen one/handled a hedgehog before.
Ok, I've lost my train of thought....
Anyone else with ideas?
Stasi
Terrapin Hedgehogs
Joppa, MD
www.terrapinhedgehogs.com
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Hedgehogmadhatter
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/21 22:04
It's great that you are shopping for vets before Spikey needs one. Also it gives your vet a chance to get to know Spikey.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, never go to a vet who will only see a hedgehog if they are put under (usually with gas). If a vet doesn't have the guts to handle your hedgehog, then run!
Does your vet know how to palpitate your hedgehog's belly? This is good for checking for tumors and bladder infections.
Hedgehog veins are tiny so the use of needles or shots is rare. Your vet should know this.
Hedgehog medicine is a small field so you have to play it by ear. Prevention is the best medicine!
BTW most hedgehogs LOVE the vet because they can smell all the other animals, as Stasi mentioned. 
~Sara
“The fox has many tricks, and the hedgehog only one, but that is the best of all”
Archilochus (Greek lyric poet and soldier, 675-635bc)
There's no love like HEDGEHOG love!
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CThogs
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/22 06:17
The vet and the staff should have a genuine affection for animals and be happy to see their new patient.
Ann
Connecticut Hedgehogs
We had a great time at Hedgehog Fest 2008!!! |
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CandJ327
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/22 09:47
When we went to Ava's first (and so far only) vet visit, she was a celebrity. All the staff came out to the waiting room to see her when they heard a baby hedgehog was there. All their other hedgehog patients are adults so they were genuinely excited to see her. That made me feel like I had picked the right exotic vet (there are several in our area).
Ava's mom!
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Hedgehogmadhatter
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/23 23:35
CandJ327 wrote:
When we went to Ava's first (and so far only) vet visit, she was a celebrity. All the staff came out to the waiting room to see her when they heard a baby hedgehog was there. All their other hedgehog patients are adults so they were genuinely excited to see her. That made me feel like I had picked the right exotic vet (there are several in our area).
Sounds great! It's really good that they have other hedgehog patients. And hedgehogs are always celebrities where ever they go, their charm is infectious!
~Sara
“The fox has many tricks, and the hedgehog only one, but that is the best of all”
Archilochus (Greek lyric poet and soldier, 675-635bc)
There's no love like HEDGEHOG love!
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aislinsadia
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/24 07:23
This reminds me of the first time I took Cotton and Noodles to the vet- it was the same deal. That vet was actually a university run teaching hospital, so I had lots of vet and vet techs coming in to meet them- they had never seen hedgehogs before! They were genuinely curious where the heck I got them from, and what kinds of things they ate and how I took care of them. It was really funny . The new vet (much more experienced and better) though has had tons of experience, and it's a quieter office so the hogs don't get that celebrity status anymore. I don't mind though seeing as they are seeing someone more competent .
*~*Steph*~*
Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittehs), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), and Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs). |
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Hedgehogmadhatter
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/24 09:23
My current vet works in the Banfield in Petsmart so going to the vet is always a crowd.
I had Isabel in for her annual check up and my vet had a visiting vet who wanted to see how you examine a hedgehog. Isabel LOVED my vet and while she was trying to swing from his tie, a la Tarzan, the visiting vet looked at me and made the comment, "This one must be handled frequently." And I said, "Heck yeah."
~Sara
“The fox has many tricks, and the hedgehog only one, but that is the best of all”
Archilochus (Greek lyric poet and soldier, 675-635bc)
There's no love like HEDGEHOG love!
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Andrea
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/24 18:02
Thank you for all of the information and support. It never even occurred to me that the vet could try to put Spikey out with gas--NO WAY I am letting the vet do that. And ditto on shots or anything else strange. I may need to do an emergency call to Stasi (sorry Stasi LOL) if something funky arises during the vet visit and I need help or backing. I am going to print the information on the medications not to use for mites just in case the vet thinks Spikey has mites and tries to push the poison.
I have not scheduled it yet; I need to make the preliminary calls this week.
Andrea
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Stasi
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/24 20:25
I'm here if you need me Andrea!!
Stasi
Terrapin Hedgehogs
Joppa, MD
www.terrapinhedgehogs.com
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Hedgehogmadhatter
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/03/27 09:56
Andrea wrote:
Thank you for all of the information and support. It never even occurred to me that the vet could try to put Spikey out with gas--NO WAY I am letting the vet do that. And ditto on shots or anything else strange. I may need to do an emergency call to Stasi (sorry Stasi LOL) if something funky arises during the vet visit and I need help or backing. I am going to print the information on the medications not to use for mites just in case the vet thinks Spikey has mites and tries to push the poison.
I have not scheduled it yet; I need to make the preliminary calls this week.
Andrea
I wouldn't worry about it, it's not something sneaky they do, they will tell you up front, "Our policy is we don't see hedgehogs unless they are under." Then you say, "Umm no thanks."
One sign you have a good vet is if they can handle Spikey the same way Stasi did, where he's responsive and comfortable.
~Sara
“The fox has many tricks, and the hedgehog only one, but that is the best of all”
Archilochus (Greek lyric poet and soldier, 675-635bc)
There's no love like HEDGEHOG love!
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Aaria
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/04/03 11:22
When would you recommend a first vet visit? Should I wait until she is comfortable with me first? I guess maybe I should pick her up from Stasi first. 
also, how much is a reasonable price to pay for a check up?
thanks!
Becky
Becky
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CThogs
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/04/03 17:11
Know what vet you are going to use before you pick up your hedgehog. Ask Stasi about recommended time frame for a first vet visit. I think we all make slightly different recommendations. She may know of vets in your area if you don't have one. Around here a well pet visit is usually around $40-50.
Ann
Connecticut Hedgehogs
We had a great time at Hedgehog Fest 2008!!! |
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aislinsadia
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/04/03 20:51
I've paid from 36 to 56 bucks, just for a "Yup, he/she is in good health!" It's funny, but I paid 36 dollars for a basic exam, from a more competent vet, for Cocoa when she wasn't eating when she first came home (ie more of a health issue). Of course I ended up getting some meds so the total was more expensive, but the other vet was 56 after raising their price and made me sit in the exam room for almost two hours (this was for Noodles' appointment- it was the second time I'd been to that hospital) and they were way less informed on hedgehogs. Goes to show you that price doesn't always indicate quality. Good luck finding a good vet!
*~*Steph*~*
Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittehs), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), and Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs). |
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Hedgehogmadhatter
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Re:first vet visit--a few questions - 2008/04/05 10:20
CThogs wrote:
Know what vet you are going to use before you pick up your hedgehog. Ask Stasi about recommended time frame for a first vet visit. I think we all make slightly different recommendations. She may know of vets in your area if you don't have one. Around here a well pet visit is usually around $40-50.
That's right! Don't wait, find a vet and get your hedge in there for a 1st check up. Some vets don't know a darn thing about hedgehogs but you can sometimes weed them out by asking questions over the phone prior to booking the appointment. Find out if they have other hedgehog patients and ask how comfortable they are with hedgehogs. MOST vets will admit what they are and aren't comfortable with. However there are a few out there who aren't any good, I've had a very sad encounter with one of these, you just have to use your common sense. Also you have this forum which is a wonderful resource! If a vet seems to have odd ideas, you can always come here and get other opinions! 
~Sara
“The fox has many tricks, and the hedgehog only one, but that is the best of all”
Archilochus (Greek lyric poet and soldier, 675-635bc)
There's no love like HEDGEHOG love!
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