OK, I have a couple questions. I have to get Sasha's beak trimmed. Last time I did that, it cost me over $200.00, which I'm willing to spend. However, I just found out we have a second reptile vet in our area. When I called HIM, I was quoted $25.00 for a beak trimming!!!

Now, that's a HUGE difference in pricing.

So my first question is: For those of you who have been forced to get your turtle's beak trimmed, what did it cost? Is the $200.00 more normal? Or the $25.00? Or should it be somewhere in the middle?

My second question:

I know the first doctor I took her to, Dr. Inayatullah H. Kathio, D.V.M., of the Pittston Animal Hospital and Wilkes-Barre Animal Hospital, Inc., is well known and good. I also know that he tends to be somewhat overpriced (at least as far as visits for cats). This is the doctor who charged $200.00.

His website: Dr. Kathio - Animal Dr.

But like I said, I know he's good. But he's not a doctor I feel extremely comfortable with personality wise. It's not that he's mean or anything like that. We just don't click all that well, if that makes sense.

The other doctor is Dr. Mark Stair at the Trucksville Cat and Dog Hospital. I don't know anything about him. When I called to get a quote, the nurse checked with the doctor who said $25.00. Since she'd never seen him do it, I asked her to confirm with the doctor that this was a procedure he'd done before on a turtle (she's seen him trim bird's beaks frequently). He said that yes, he'd done it before.

I made an appointment, and I figure, if I don't feel comfortable, I can always take Sasha and walk away.

But what kind of questions should I ask (beyond watching how he treats her when he meets her)?

What I want is the best care I can get for my baby girl (and, eventually, Dexter, my ball python, if he ever requires it), and I realize that BEST does not necessarily mean MOST EXPENSIVE (or, for that matter, LEAST EXPENSIVE).

So any advice, suggestions, or if anyone KNOWS either doctor, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I would be worried, simply that it states "cat and dog" hospital and not specifying in exotics. I can't help you on the beak trimming, but I would do a follow up with exactly what his qualifications are for reptiles.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Even though the name is Dog and Cat hospital, in their yellow pages ad, they do specify exotics (specifically says reptiles).

I will definitely ask about his qualifications.

Call and ask them if they have a certified herp vet. If they don't, I'd look further. Often people will advertise that they'll see reptiles, but they haven't been trained specifically for them. That can lead to a lot of problems. See this thread: Unpleasant Vet Experience

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"Let's eat, Grandpa!"
"Let's eat Grandpa!"

Punctuation. It saves lives.

Unfortunately the popularity of reptile keeping has led many basic dog and cat vets to claim that they will see exotics. Yes they see them but often really don't know what they are doing! And usually for a much higher fee!
Try calling your local Zoo and see if the reptile keepers can steer you in the right direction.
You can also check these links for Herp Vets in your area
www.herpvetconnection
ARAV

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

We don't have a local zoo. But I do appreciate the links. I'm checking them now. Sadly, in this area, most of the pet stores, while they SELL reptiles, no little if anything about the animals they are selling.

If I don't feel comfortable with Dr. Stair (who I have an appointment with), the one place I can think to call to find a GOOD and reasonable doctor is Clyde Peelings Reptileland (which is only about 1.5 hours away).

Clyde Peeling's Reptiland

It's a hike if the doctor is near there, but at least I can be pretty sure the doctor would know what he/she is doing.

REPTILAND!

I drive past that every time I go home to Buffalo. Never stopped yet. Is it any good? I always figured it was a weird tourist trap.

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

If it is the place I am thinking of there was a write up on it in Reptiles Magazine.
I'd check it out.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Take it from me,, take the animal to an exotics vet, even something as simple as beak trimming on a turtle can end up a total nightmare,,.the thread that Typh gave you a link to was one of mine. A tail removal is a simple as they come for the most part and mine turned into a total nightmare and I still had to take the trip, lol. I even knew better and went against my gut instincts and it was still a total nightmare.

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I have sucker tattood on my forehead

I'm glad your turtle made it through that OK. Sorry you had to deal with that.

I can't find anything on this guy (good or bad) with regard to reptiles, although people have said he's good with dogs and very nice. I figure I can take her there, and if I feel even slightly uncomfortable with him, his people or his answers to my questions, I'll leave.

The $200 guy is good.....but grossly overpriced (with other animals too) and I just don't feel comfortable with him personally.