As a schooled and graduated veterinary technician myself (as of 5 December 2005) and having worked with many veterinary technicians at so-called herpetological veterinary practices (truthfully, these clinics just decided one day that they would see reptilian patients), I will be the first to acknowledge that even many "specialized practices" have very little experience with reptiles much less any real knowledge of Varanus spp. I recently interned for a local veterinarian who is one of three that specialize in avian and reptilian species in the area. This veterinarian knew little to nothing about reptilian husbandry and would treat patients according to the symptoms and not the underlying problem (never once addressing potential husbandry issues). Sure, a veterinarian can prescribe Claforan or Baytril for a URI but does that actually solve the problem when a two foot lizard is crammed in a filthy ten gallon aquarium with no heat source in the middle of winter? I will not delve into the inadequacies of this particular practice, but it really peeves me when people use the "I'm a Vet Tech" line as their sole summary of qualifications. I've heard this line so many times from so many people who have no idea what they're talking about. The real truth is that most common afflictions of captive Varanids (and certainly other species) can be countered simply by providing for the animal's basic husbandry needs.



In essence, I concur, Bob.



Jennifer Guerra

Jungle Gems Exotics

www.JungleGemsExotics.com

[ Hide Replies ]

• funny little habbit - po, Sun Jan 15 18:31:33 2006
• RE: funny little habbit - odatriad, Sun Jan 15 18:43:12 2006
• Hey odatriad---lighten up! - Pippps, Sun Jan 15 19:10:10 2006
• dude! - po, Mon Jan 16 19:24:57 2006
• RE: dude! - odatriad, Mon Jan 16 20:57:46 2006
• RE: dude! - JungleGems, Mon Jan 16 21:34:31 2006