Re: Looking for an iguana vet I can trust in the SFBay Area, CA

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Posted by Guy on January 12, 2002 at 11:56:22:

In Reply to: Re: Looking for an iguana vet I can trust in the SFBay Area, CA posted by cwatbay on January 11, 2002 at 22:25:26:

: Dr. Madden at Bascom Animal Hospital in San Jose was regarded as one of the best, but he is no longer there and I don't know where he went.

Yes, I saw his name mentioned on Melissa Kaplan's site and another place too. I would have felt comfortable going there, and it would have been very convenient (and less stressful for my iguana) because it is not far from where I live. Too bad he's not there anymore. I'd think that if he had a large list of clients that liked him that someone would have tracked down his current whereabouts. Didn't anyone at Bascom Animal Hospital know where he went? I'll try calling there and see what they say.

: Just yesterday I took my tegu to Dr. Kent Littlehale at Santa Clara Pet Hospital in Santa Clara (408) 296-5857. He was recommended by the people at Bascom Pet Hospital. He seemed pretty good and was genuinely interested in helping out my tegu and was good at going over the x-rays and stuff with me ( I kept quiet about my background in biology, anatomy and physiology as I had been working in the college animal lab since I was 12 ).

That sounds fairly promising. Was this the first time you took your tegu to Dr. Littlehale for treatment? If you don't mind me asking, how much did the visit cost? Feel free to email me directly.

I'm aware that the price of everything in the Bay Area is generally higher than most other parts of the country. In addition to money being tight, part of my concern is that I'm not sure what charges are considered "reasonable" for certain services, and I don't want to be ripped off. Is there a site somewhere that gives general price ranges for reptile/iguana vet services? For example, what is considered a reasonable charge for a blood test, fecal check, x-ray, etc.? My other concern is me not knowing if the vet is recommending the proper tests in the proper order and not just running up the bill by doing unnecessary tests. I also don't want to stress out my iguana anymore than I have to by taking him to multiple vets.

: Nonetheless, the charges were reasonable and I believe were a little less than Bascom. Dr. Littlehale also told me he would be available on Saturday if I needed him - which I thought was good too.

: I might suggest calling him and let him know that I referred you to him ( I don't get a kickback or anything, but it sometimes helps if the doc knows that he is being referred by clients and maybe he could cut you some slack on payment terms ).

Thanks for letting me use your name as a referral.

: You might also try calling Dolphin Pet in Campbell and talk to Genaro who is the reptile expert - he also can recommend a vet based on your situation, Dolphin's number is (408)379-7600.

OK, thanks.

: There is another store that had a gal there that seemed to know reptile vets ok, it is called Reptile Ranch also in Campbell, I don't have the phone number and rumor has it the Health Dept. has them temporarily closed (not a good sign). But she ( one of the owners) seemed to know rep vets ok- so you might give it a try. Good luck

That doesn't sound as promising, but at least I can try it and see who they recommend. I feel more comfortable going to a vet that several people highly recommend.

: Clifton J. Wilder (aka: cwatbay)

Thanks for all the info. Feel free to email me directly. Is it ok if I email you directly if I have more questions?

Guy

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: : Dr. Madden at Bascom Animal Hospital in San Jose was regarded as one of the best, but he is no longer there and I don't know where he went. : : Yes, I saw his name mentioned on Melissa Kaplan's site and another place too. I would have felt comfortable going there, and it would have been very convenient (and less stressful for my iguana) because it is not far from where I live. Too bad he's not there anymore. I'd think that if he had a large list of clients that liked him that someone would have tracked down his current whereabouts. Didn't anyone at Bascom Animal Hospital know where he went? I'll try calling there and see what they say. : : : Just yesterday I took my tegu to Dr. Kent Littlehale at Santa Clara Pet Hospital in Santa Clara (408) 296-5857. He was recommended by the people at Bascom Pet Hospital. He seemed pretty good and was genuinely interested in helping out my tegu and was good at going over the x-rays and stuff with me ( I kept quiet about my background in biology, anatomy and physiology as I had been working in the college animal lab since I was 12 ). : : That sounds fairly promising. Was this the first time you took your tegu to Dr. Littlehale for treatment? If you don't mind me asking, how much did the visit cost? Feel free to email me directly. : I'm aware that the price of everything in the Bay Area is generally higher than most other parts of the country. In addition to money being tight, part of my concern is that I'm not sure what charges are considered "reasonable" for certain services, and I don't want to be ripped off. Is there a site somewhere that gives general price ranges for reptile/iguana vet services? For example, what is considered a reasonable charge for a blood test, fecal check, x-ray, etc.? My other concern is me not knowing if the vet is recommending the proper tests in the proper order and not just running up the bill by doing unnecessary tests. I also don't want to stress out my iguana anymore than I have to by taking him to multiple vets. : : : Nonetheless, the charges were reasonable and I believe were a little less than Bascom. Dr. Littlehale also told me he would be available on Saturday if I needed him - which I thought was good too. : : I might suggest calling him and let him know that I referred you to him ( I don't get a kickback or anything, but it sometimes helps if the doc knows that he is being referred by clients and maybe he could cut you some slack on payment terms ). : : Thanks for letting me use your name as a referral. : : : You might also try calling Dolphin Pet in Campbell and talk to Genaro who is the reptile expert - he also can recommend a vet based on your situation, Dolphin's number is (408)379-7600. : : OK, thanks. : : : There is another store that had a gal there that seemed to know reptile vets ok, it is called Reptile Ranch also in Campbell, I don't have the phone number and rumor has it the Health Dept. has them temporarily closed (not a good sign). But she ( one of the owners) seemed to know rep vets ok- so you might give it a try. Good luck : That doesn't sound as promising, but at least I can try it and see who they recommend. I feel more comfortable going to a vet that several people highly recommend. : : : Clifton J. Wilder (aka: cwatbay) : Thanks for all the info. Feel free to email me directly. Is it ok if I email you directly if I have more questions? : Guy

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