Reptile & Amphibian Forums

does anybody know a way for someone like my (a rescue group) to get meds cheaper than going to the vet every time something i get is sick? there are only 2 vets that 'see' reptiles in this area- one's exam charge is 41 the other is 65. then i have to pay for meds (like to get rid of URI's) or calcium shots for iguanas. is there a way to get the meds with out going to the vet constantly?!?!?! its just crazy to be spending so much on 20 $ animals- i'm still willing to do it, but if there's an alternative- i'd love to know about it..... thank you!
Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

in most cases meds are prescription, that why you need to see a vet, it can be dangerous to give some meds in some situations. i would speak to the vets and see if they can give you a "rescue" discount. the practice i work for give the local HS, beagle and boston terrier groups big discounts. im a tech and i get stuff for my rescue by proving to the DVM's what the drug is for and calulating the dosage myself, because they dont see herps. i have to do this becasue if i adopt it latter and there is a side effectthe new owner could sue the vet, i do the reseach to protect them. and this is why they have to do what they do.
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hanging out under heat lights burns up my brain cells!!

>>does anybody know a way for someone like my (a rescue group) to get meds cheaper than going to the vet every time something i get is sick? there are only 2 vets that 'see' reptiles in this area- one's exam charge is 41 the other is 65. then i have to pay for meds (like to get rid of URI's) or calcium shots for iguanas. is there a way to get the meds with out going to the vet constantly?!?!?! its just crazy to be spending so much on 20 $ animals- i'm still willing to do it, but if there's an alternative- i'd love to know about it..... thank you!
>>Beth
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Prescription medications doled out in doses that are safe for reptiles is available only through a veterinarian. Using similar medications meant for other animals like dogs and horses that might be available over the counter (only a few are) is very dangerous - you can easily kill a herp by overdosing because they were never prepared in a concentration meant to be used in a reptile and it's far too easy to make a mistake in the calculation.

Your best bet is to negotiate with the vet for a discount of some kind due to the nature of you running a rescue. Most vets will offer a discount as a professional courtesy when the need is legit. I once had a vet (before she moved across country) who never charged us for exams or walk-in emergencies, but I was expected to pay for lab work, partial surgeries, and partial medications.
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PHWyvern

thanks for your advice- i usually just take them to the vet- i can't bring myself to just 'write off' the 20 $ lizard because it will cost me 100 to fix it- thats not why i do what i do. i've talked to the vet and she did cut me a deal on the last trip- i got 6 snakes from a guy that all had horrid gurgling, snot nosed, tank smearing, gross URI's and she only charged me one office visit of 48$ to see all 6 instead of 41 per snake and then i paid full price for the meds- 3.75 per syrenge at 5 shots per snake- all but one is doing better- back to the vet tomarrow for 3 more injections for the one thats not 100 % yet. she said she could give me a discount if i had 501 (c) 3 status (which is next years goal) but thats so far cost around 3500$ to "get" and i've not even "got" it yet....
Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue