I have a number of animals (cats/dogs) and I would like to share some knowledge to pet owners in Mauritius, regarding Vets. This is not advertising (i get no commission out of this. I will mention names and places so just google for location details of said vet) but I just need to share this knowledge, as I understand the frustrations when you love an animal, it is hurt or injured and you DO NOT KNOW the pros and cons of the vets on this island (I have been in such desperate situations myself sometimes, to the point of nearly crying). Some charge big figures, some may not even charge, some are good, some very inexperienced (my cat lost her eye through inexperience), some I would classify as GREAT and worth every penny - and would travel across the island if need be.
Up north in Pointe Aux Cannonier, there is Dr Bourdet. He's qualified UK (Reading University). Many says he has a 'bit of a character' but, in my own experience, I like this guy. He's just straight-forward and frank that's all... so take no offense. He's very trained with Horses. He is on 'top scale' of payment but does a good job with cats and Dogs and has x-ray machine. Does not work Sunday and have strict opening hours, so much ring and confirm first.
Also up north (Trou Aux Biches) there is a young lady russian vet (married local man) newly qualified from Russia. A very nice lady..She works for MSPCA but has private practice after 4pm. Personally i would go to her in emergencies (where time is a matter of life or death, and you cannot find anyone and u live up north), or for simple stuff. She has no xray, operating equipment and lack a lot of supplies, however she has nice clean room for animals. She only just started so things will improve. She is Dr Anastasia Sohatee. She will not do house visits.
In Tamarin is a great doctor by name of Dr Eric Bestel. Not sure but I think he's qualified South Africa. I have seen him perform surgery and he is precise and to the point. I ran over my cat (both legs and part back body) with my 4X4 Double Cab. As a last resort I took her to Dr Bestel (after considering sending my cat to South Africa for operation if nobody could fix her in Mauritius). Interestingly, after two visits to other vets, he was the only one to hold my cat in the air and say 'NO.. your cat spine is not broken or injured... we can try and fix her'. I immediate got worried and thought either he was a VERY clever guy, or he was a total idiot. Others, including myself, thought severe spinal injury had occurred. It turned out HE was VERY CLEVER... fixed my cat after several operations (this cat now runs faster than my other 5 cats). You can see this man has genuine love of animals. Twice also allowed me in at 3am for emergencies (Many vets will not pick up the phone at that time). And he won't hesitate to tell you off if you've done something wrong. My advice is if it's serious, and you need confidence, go to him.
Calebasse has one doctor (Dr Jaumally) who is also a government vet. He's a very nice guy but always has a long queue. Many bring cats and dogs there. Charges less than others, sometimes it could be free for something very minor. His method of speying female cats is the old method... hence cats can take several days (could be up to 5 days) to recover. Dr Bestel uses newer methods (cut under the belly, not from the side) and cat takes few hours, maybe 1 day max, recovery.
Port Louis has a guy called Dr Abdullah (from Plaine Verte). The good thing about him is he does house calls (must ring and confirm a day before). I used him in an emergency situation when i found stray dog by the road, with a big hole in rear end, full of maggots eating the dog bit by bit. I brought to Dr Abdullah, he filled this massive hole with some strange petroleum like thick substance, put lots of medicines on this dog. I have to say this dog recovered in a day (I was charged approx Rs 600) Great work and generally cheaper than expensive vets. Good for emergencies on stray animals.
Note:- I'm not a vet and all my opinions above are that of a simple pet owner. Whatever I say is based only on my own first-hand experience only. Some of you may have had different experiences which I respect. If any of you require more information, just send me a private mail message.