Vet What are your thoughts?

[Catahoula]

(broken link removed)

I came across this site for the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians. Is anyone familiar with this site and feel confident that the vets listed are good in the field of exotic mammal medicine?

It says it was founded by exotic mammal veterinarians, but also seems to charge dues for membership. I can’t figure out if they have any other stipulation for being a member other then paying money.

I really want to find a good exotics vet in my area and this site lists 2 that are fairly close to me. I’m just worried about the legitimacy of it.

 

[bpatters]

Most professional organizations do charge dues -- it's how they fund the operation of the association, including continuing education for the members.

The Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians looks legitimate. They've applied for exotic mammal certification to be a specialty of the American Board of Veterinary Practice.

The only thing I can see that you should watch for is that a person can probably join the association so they can get all the journals, information, etc., but not be certified as a specialist. That requires additional study and sitting for a certification exam.

Just check with your vet and see whether they're certified or not, and how much experience with small furry animals they actually have.

 

[C_Elise]

I know I am weeks behind, but I did want to tell you to proceed with caution to some extent.. The vet I took one of my pigs to is a founder of AEMV so I was initially thrilled taking my suddenly sick pig to be examined by him thinking he was the best of the best. Wrong.
She was seen Thursday and died Monday. It was not entirely his fault, on her final day she legitimately refused to eat no matter how hard myself and his nurses tried, I think it was just her telling us it was her time..
But, he was awful and it was a horrible experience.. each visit I was in the room with the man for 2 minutes tops. The vibe he gave off was, it made me feel like I was wasting his precious time, he had someplace else to be, and that it was just a silly pig is pretty much how I interpreted the situation..
My girl was said to have 3 possible illnesses, Bladder Infection, Bladder Stones, and a Uterus infection, he hardly looked me in the eye as he was quickly throwing out his information and like I said, he was in and out and then his nurse came in and stayed to talk for 10+ minutes with me..
The second visit I was ready for a more serious course of action, my pig had stopped eating on her own since being on antibiotics and she didn't seem to be getting better. I knew she would need an x-ray or ultrasound to rule out the Stones option and the Uterus Infection. Again, 2 minutes tops he was in the room, and he again just said it seemed like she had one of the 3 illnesses he originally told me about before and said an x-ray could be done but he sort of just told me to keep up with the meds.. How frustrating, going back and being told the same thing but not taking action in ruling out some of the options so we could pinpoint the exact illness!
So definitely be careful.. even the "best" can totally not give a crap.. I don't doubt the guys knowledge, but his desire just isn't there and it's really sad I had to experience it and find out the hard way :-/

 

[bpatters]

Most professional organizations charge dues for membership -- it's how they pay for their programs, educational offerings, websites, etc.

Most "real" professionals, of whatever kind, will be a member of their professional organization. But unless the organization requires evidence of certification to belong, other people can pay the money and join.

I'd say you've got a better chance at getting a qualified vet by choosing one that belongs to AEMV, but no guarantee.