Thank You for the referral!

Question
Sandra,
You recently referred a woman named Becky E. to me who's rats had mites.  We're treating the ratties.  I think with a good environmental clean up plan and Revolution we'll kick the buggers!
Thanks much,
Dr. Ron Beatty
My Pet's Vet LLC
11422 N. Port Washington Road, Ste 103
Mequon, WI 53092
Ph:
www.mypetsvetmequon.com

Answer

Hi Dr. Beatty!

Thanks for writing and letting me know that Becky indeed brought the rats in for treatment. I do my best to find a suitable Veterinarian that will give the proper treatment to rats. After scoping through the Association of exotic mammal veterinarians and not feeling satisfied enough to make a referral, I found you and read your bio and knew you would be perfect for the rats!

We need more vets out there like you that take the time to do what you do and that is to attend continuing education events/conferences and never stop learning. We are making new discoveries about these small mammals all the time as far as links to their health problems and ways to resolve them. By educating the pet owner on proper health care and husbandry(which is part of my job) and have Vets that are easily obtained to treat our mini pets, these critters are actually living longer than their normal life span. Not long ago, domestic rats were living to be around 18 months with 24 months being considered old age. Now, with proper education of the pet owner and the Vets caring for them, we are seeing them live easily to be closer to 3 years old. Problem is, their bodies are not really made to live that long, which is why we see so many degenerative changes in their skeletal system such as hind leg paralysis due to nerve root compression among other problems that can be treated even if it is simply to keep the rat comfortable with the use of medications and environmental changes such as putting the rat in a single story cage etc...and providing NSAIDS or even steroids short term just enough to help the rat get on the right track.
 
Right now I am thrilled that there is finally going to be more of a chance now for our small rodent friends and other mini mammals will finally have their own "category" in the Veterinarian world. I am speaking of the fact that the American Veterinary Medical Association has finally given recognition to the a new veterinary specialty, which is known as the Exotic Companion Mammal Practice. The new specialty will focus on our little furry friends which I have fondly nick named "mini mammals" since I didnt care for the term "pocket pet". It made them seem to disposable or something and I dont know about other people, but I know my bucks could never fit in any pocket of mine, thats for sure!!  :)

In closing, I want to thank you for being one of those wonderful
Vets that are out there that provide proper and current/up to date treatment on our little mini mammal friends.  I know I use revolution on my rats when they have had mites and the ratty should be feeling better soon! Thanks for taking the time to write!

Sincerely

Sandra Todd
Sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com