Can i go to the normal vet?

[JemAndScout]

My parents are currently not allowing me to take one of my piggies to the exotic vet. I think she has an eye infection or is sick so I am taking her tomorrow (as it is good Friday today). I try to convince them but they keep saying that the exotic vet will probably cost much more than a normal vet and that it is too expensive. Does it actually cost more than a normal vet? Could you give me some reasons on how to persuade my parents?

 

[PigglePuggle]

I think for an eye infection a regular vet should be fine, eyes are very much the same in all mammals including humans! In the current circumstances when few vets are open and everyone has concerns about going out or travelling far, and also many people face financial difficulties, a trip to the regular vet sooner and your parents being able to afford it is a good compromise. Exotics vets can be more expensive, and while some illnesses require exotic experts, some basic things like eye treatment and getting pain relief or antibiotics should be quite ok from a regular vet.
Hope your piggy is ok!

 

[JemAndScout]

Thank you so much!

 

[Lady Kelly]

To be honest any vet is better than no vet but yes exotics specialists are usually more costly and also not always more knowledgeable as it depends on their piggy experience. As said above, eye infections are common and treated very similarly across species so a regular vet should be sufficient.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Also, have you tried contacting the vet today to see if they are open? Eye problems need urgent care to prevent them going downhill and the longer you wait the more you risk the eye needing removing (if it's damaged and gets worse) which will be an expensive operation

 

[Julezfm39]

A regular vet should be fine for an eye infection, and it's better to get it seen as a matter of urgency. Some vets will be open today I'm sure. Better to call asap and get an appointment. We also have 2 pet rats and one had an abscess on his tummy. I called Pet Doctors and got an appointment within a couple of hours.

 

[JemAndScout]

Also, have you tried contacting the vet today to see if they are open? Eye problems need urgent care to prevent them going downhill and the longer you wait the more you risk the eye needing removing (if it's damaged and gets worse) which will be an expensive operation

We were unable to get to the vet today but we are going as soon as possible tomorrow

 

[Siikibam]

Make sure to try and get an appointment. With the current circumstances they may not just see you when you turn up. Good luck and I hope it’s nothing major.

 

[Freela]

Every vet sets their own fees, the only way to compare is to phone around and ask. Pets that see exotics/small animals are not necessarily more expensive. I drive about half an hour to a vet practice that sees cats and dogs but also exotics (rodents, birds, reptiles) and they are actually LESS expensive than a lot of vets closer to home. It's more than worth the drive. So I would encourage you and your parents to call around and see who treats exotics and what their rates are- they are not necessarily more expensive, and many places that regularly treat exotics will have a fee for smaller animals that is less than a dog/cat exam. Luckily, with an eye issue they are fairly similar across species and a dog/cat vet will probably be able to manage that without too much trouble, but for other issues (particularly teeth) having an exotics vet can be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one, so it's worth shopping around for a vet with more experience. HTH!

 

[JemAndScout]

Sorry for the late update, but it turns out she had an ulcer in her eye (Ouch!). We went to the normal vet and they were very good in that as you did say that they would be good at the eyes. There is a very slim chance of her going blind in that eye or getting it removed. We have to give her medication drops morning and night and so far so well. She has been opening her eye much more and is still very chirpy as always. Thank you all s o much for your advice!

 

[VickiA]

This is good to hear. General vets are usually good with eye issues. It is good to hear that you are already seeing some improvement.