Choosing a Ferret Friendly Vet part 2
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Fees and payment:
Do not make cost your determining factor when choosing a veterinarian. It is very difficult to compare costs for medical services because every veterinarian practices differently. Expect to pay a fair price for the services received. In a critical situation, cost is usually not your first concern, so choose quality care above all else. Your pet is more than a financial investment. Along with cost, find out:
What methods of payment are accepted?
When is payment due?
Are credit cards accepted?
Services:
What types of services are available?
Medical exams?
Surgery, including orthopedic?
Dentistry?
Radiology (x-rays)?
Ultrasonography?
Endoscopy?
Nutrition counseling?
Laboratory testing?
Are the veterinarians willing to refer pets to specialists? If so, whom?
Do they have auxiliary services such as boarding?
Facilities:
Is the practice clean and neat?
Are there unpleasant odors?
Are the grounds well kept?
Is the facility in a good location and easy for you to get to?
Professional affiliations:
Are the doctors members of professional associations including those related to "exotic" animals?
Is the hospital an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) associated hospital?
Do the veterinarians regularly attend conferences and other continuing education programs?
As part of your search, pay a visit to the facilities you are interested in and have a tour. Make appointments to meet the veterinarians. If your ferret has ongoing medical or behavioral problems, find out if the veterinarian is comfortable in treating those problems.
Hopefully, your ferret will have a healthy life and never need a specialist, but if a specialist is needed, they are available. Some veterinarians will have a special interest in certain areas of medicine or surgery and specialize in it. If they are board-certified, it means that they have studied and have passed board-certification exams in that specialty.
Specialists
The following is a partial list of specialties that have board-certification:
Internal medicine: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that involve the internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
Surgery - orthopedic and soft tissue: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that need surgery to repair such as back surgery, complicated fractures, or abdominal surgery.
Dermatology: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders including allergies.
Oncology: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
Radiology: Specializing in reading x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
Cardiology: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases.
Ophthalmology: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Conclusion
The relationship between you, your pet, and your veterinarian will hopefully last many years, so take time to find the right 'fit.' Since you will need to be able to discuss your pet's symptoms, test results, and treatment options with your veterinarian, good communication is of utmost importance. Find a clinic with veterinarians who you feel comfortable with and have good 'bedside manners.' Once you have found that veterinarian, we strongly recommend regular veterinary visits, or at the very least, annual physical exams.
