Finding a vet (or, where to get fecals?)

Hey all,
I don't have any particular problems at the moment, but I was reading about worms and fecals and whatnot. I've never had one done on my snakes, and I figure maybe I ought to, if they're not too expensive. I think I read a quote of $15 each somewhere? That sounds quite doable I also have access to decent microscopes. Are they easy to do yourself, or do they require expertise/special stains?

Also, I'm wondering how to find a decent vet, just in case I should need one sometime. How do I find a good one? Are there any particular buzzwords or search terms that are commonly used with snakes? Is there such a thing as a reptile, or even snake, specialist, or is it all just "exotics"? Are there any specific questions you'd ask beyond the obvious, like "have you treated many snakes?" Maybe some specific questions about how they'd deal with ___ to see if they know their stuff?
Sorry if this puts anyone off, but I've had some very mixed experiences with vets. Sometimes they don't seem to consider what stress and invasive procedures can do to an animal... for example, a snake with a minor RI that's feeding well; would you a) give antibiotic injections b) give oral antibiotics with a mouse or c) try to raise temps, humidity, etc and see if the snake improves on its own? Having done A and C, I'd go with C first, A last... :shrugs:

Anyone in the champaign/urbana area can recommend a good snake vet I'd be grateful!

Any help? http://www.herpvetconnection.com/

Yay, there's one posted for Urbana! I'll check it out, thanks!

I got a recommendation from my local reptile store. The guy proved to be great, even though we still lost Lady G. DD & her best friend use the same guy for their puppy.

The guy raised snakes when he was in vet school to help with expenses, so he's very familiar with the critters

There is a book called "Understanding Reptile Parasites" by Roger J. Klingenberg DVM. It is a small booklet, easy to understand and very informative. If you have a microscope and a few smarts, you can do your own fecal flotations. If you find parasites, then you can go looking for a vet.

I've done my own for years and it is really not difficult. The flotation medium can be made with a simple super saturated sugar solution.

Weebonilass - not a bad idea, I'll ask next time I stop in, although there aren't any dedicated reptile shops in the area that I know of. The one I like the most is mostly focused on fish.

Wade - thanks! That looks good, ordering it now

You could try going to the clinic at the U of I vet school.