Veterinary Recommendation Needed

[jessica]

Hi

I found what I believe to be a scent gland tumour on my boy Dexter today, which will obviously require surgery.

I was hoping that someone on this forum could recommend a vet that either specialises or is very good with gerbils and this sort of surgery. I have just moved to this area and do have a vet that we are registered with for my dog, but I have never needed to take my gerbil and don't want to put Dexter at any risk. If I ask my vet they will obviously say they will treat him but will they offer the best treatment?? Lots of vets seem to think that rodents/small animals are not worth the same level of care as larger pets and I don't want Dexter treated by someone like this.

I hope someone can offer some advice - otherwise I will take him to my vet, I just want to get the best vet available. I'm based in Berkshire - but will travel.

Thank you in advance.

Jessica

[Lauryn]

Hi Jessica, sorry to hear about Dexter.

You may be fortunate enough to find there's a member in your area with a good small animal vet, but in the meantime have a look at this thread if you haven't already: gerbilsuk.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=vet&action=display&thread=1964

It will give you listings in your area and any small animal specialists you might have nearby.

You may need to make a few phone calls and see who sounds confident performing the operation. Be cautious of those who want to remove the tumour only and make sure that the whole gland is removed so that there isn't a risk of return. Have you looked at www.egerbil.com/neoplasia.html ? It will give you an idea of what you should expect from your vet.

Good luck.

EDIT: Sorry, you're too slow.

[Loz]

Hi Jessica,

The best thing to do is to ask your vet personally how they do the operation, what their standard procedure is, have they performed it before and are they comfortable doing it. If they don't answer your questions to your satisfaction, you can search for a RCVS vet local to you through following the link here and follow the same procedure until you find somebody you are comfortable with.
gerbilsuk.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=vet&action=display&thread=1964

Edit: Tsk, Lauryn, you pipped me!

[jessica]

Lauryn & Loz

Thanks so much for the link and advice, I'll do some research tonight and make some calls tomorrow.

Thanks again

Jessica