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How to choose a vet for your sugar glider
When seeking a vet, it's a good idea to ask questions, to ensure you are getting the best care for your suggie. Just because a vet is an exotic vet or sees gliders, does not mean they will treat your glider the way you want. Remember, you can also ask for a second opinion from a different vet.
There are questions you should ask before you have an emergency. They help you determine whether or not to utilize a particular vet's services. There is no time for these questions in the middle of an emergency. You need to find a regular and 24-hour emergency vet!
Here is a list of questions to ask and answers to look for....
- How many gliders have you seen?
The more, the better
- How long have you cared for gliders?
The longer, the better
- Will you consult with experienced glider vets? (from list below)
Yes
- When would you feel out of your comfort area and do a consultation?
When confronted with a new situation/procedure or if the glider isn't getting better with what has been done up to that point
- Do you do SNAP fecals?
Yes
- What do you consider to be a checkup?
SNAP fecal, urinalysis, listen to heart & lungs, look at nails, eyes, ears & teeth, check body for any physical abnormalities (lumps, being thin/overweight), injuries of any kind, check abdomen, look at fur for cracking, thinning, over grooming and get a weight.
- Do you anesthetize gliders for routine exams?
No, (unless it is too stressful for the glider to be examined otherwise. Some gliders are so terrified and have never been handled, so it's better to be anesthetized.)
- Do you trim/float gliders teeth?
No
- Do you trim nails?
Yes
- What kind of neuter procedure do you use?
Pom on/Pom off, stitches, glue, fluids, pain meds (given there and sent home) and antibiotics
- How much is a neuter?
Rates may differ and meds may be extra
- Do you use an ejacket or ecollar or should I bring one?
They should know what an ecollar is, how and when to use it. (You may need to educate them about the ejacket, how and when to use it.)
- Do you keep a glider overnight after a neuter?
No, (unless major complications)
- Do you send home pain medication/antibiotics for neuters/UTI's/surgical procedures?
Yes
- How often do you suggest for normal checkups?
At least every 6 months and no longer than every 12 months
- Are you available for emergencies after hours?
If not, who/what clinic/hospital do they recommend?
- Will you show me how to sub-q?
Yes, (if owner is comfortable with sub-q'ing)
- May I talk to other glider owners whose gliders you've treated?
Yes
- Do you recommend using a heat rock?
No
- Do you keep gliders in the same room with other animals before a big procedure like neutering?
No
- Are you willing to take time to explain what's wrong, what treatment you want to do and get my opinion/approval before you do it?
Yes
- What kind of diet do you recommend?
Make sure you have done your research as diets are a personal choice and bring your research to your vet so you can both discuss the best choice.
- If you aren't familiar with gliders, are you willing to learn how to care for them, trust my experience/knowledge, as well as, experienced members of GC and consulting vets?
Yes
Other things to think about
- Do you like the way they handle your suggie, I.E., their "bedside manner"?
- Do you like the staff?
- Is their office/exam room clean?
- Are they friendly?
- Will they take payments in an emergency situation or let you pay ahead and have a credit with them or accept Care Credit/post dated checks or credit cards?
- Will they allow you to be with your glider during surgery and take pictures/video?
- Can you afford their rates?
- What does your 'gut' tell you about them?
You can't have too many vets, in case one goes on vacation or is unable to see your suggie for any reason. If you're going out of your area, find out what vets are available where you're going. Ask for recommendations from fellow suggie owners. For a list of vets in a particular state, go here Sugar Glider Help Vet Database, PM me on GC or email suggiemom_1980.
Vets who will consult with other vets
Dr. Tim Tristan
OSO Creek Animal Hospital
361-994-1145
Dr. Bradley Walsh
Village Vet Animal Clinic/All Creatures Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Walsh's number is 918-258-0040
Dr. Andrew Grzanowski
Canton Center Animal Hospital
734-459-1400
Dr. Kate Zimmerman
TriCounty Animal Hospital
(has 24hr emergency contact info on her office answering machine)
423-391-0303
Dr. Teresa Bradley
Belton Animal Clinic
816-331-3120
Dr. Kristen West
Mandel Veterinary Hospital
216-321-6040
The list of consulting vets can also be found here, on Sugar Glider Help. If you forget to take the list, you can have the vet go online.
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If you feel your glider is sick, please seek immediate veterinary assistance. The information on this page and in the correlating articles is for general educational purposes and is not intended to replace proper vet care. Please do not try to self-diagnose or self-treat your glider.
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