First exotic vet bill.

[Dianna]

My BP is my first exotic pet, and I've just experienced my first vet bill. Here is what it looks like:

Physical Exam: $68.00
Gender ID (probe): $49.60
Fecal testing: $41.85
Biohazard Waste Mgmt: $4.99
---------------------------
Grand Total: $164.44

I'm concerned I was slightly hosed by my vet's bill... Especially since the three major questions which lead me to their office were left unanswered. For my 165$ I learned my snake is male (I feel stupid now for believing the previous owner when they told me he was female). I also learned that he does not have any parasites, and his overall health "seems okay".

I was surprised to see them passing along the waste management fee to me, and was also surprised a probing cost almost 50$. Plus, I can have my cat's poop tested for less than 15$ and it's far more foul than my snake's poop!

So am I just a big crybaby, or am I justified in feeling a little raw about the bill considering the service I received? Any feedback would be appreciated

[dreese88]

My vet bill seemed a little pricey too, but it was also my first.

$42 for the exam
$50 for a course of antibiotics

$50 for a probe seems kind of asinine to me though

[JMartin]

I need to go in the snake probing business for that kinda dough

[SS4Luck]

i know two or three well respected exotic pet stores that probe for under 10$ i think you got hosed a bit

[2kdime]

Hosed in my opinion as well!

My prices for the following tests are....

Physical exam-20 bucks
Probing-Free
Fecal float and smear-15 bucks
Biohazard waste mgmt-uhhh free

My BP is my first exotic pet, and I've just experienced my first vet bill. Here is what it looks like:

Physical Exam: $68.00
Gender ID (probe): $49.60
Fecal testing: $41.85
Biohazard Waste Mgmt: $4.99
---------------------------
Grand Total: $164.44

I'm concerned I was slightly hosed by my vet's bill... Especially since the three major questions which lead me to their office were left unanswered. For my 165$ I learned my snake is male (I feel stupid now for believing the previous owner when they told me he was female). I also learned that he does not have any parasites, and his overall health "seems okay".

I was surprised to see them passing along the waste management fee to me, and was also surprised a probing cost almost 50$. Plus, I can have my cat's poop tested for less than 15$ and it's far more foul than my snake's poop!

So am I just a big crybaby, or am I justified in feeling a little raw about the bill considering the service I received? Any feedback would be appreciated

[J.Vandegrift]

Yep you got taken pretty hard. IMO the probing fee should just be part of the physical exam fee. The float fee is insanely high. For what they did the total should not have been more than around $50-$60 and I think that is even a bit high. Take it as a lesson learned. Find a new vet in the future, and only take him to the vet if he is sick. There is no need for checkups on ball pythons. I hope the vet was one of the few that actually knows something about reptiles at least. Good luck with your new snake. You might want to try to find a breeder in your area. Becoming friends with a good breeder will do you and your snake far more good than going to a vet (and it's free).

[singingtothewheat]

That is ridiculous. I'd write that vet a very nice, straight forward letter and let her know that she / he will not be getting any more of your business nor will you encourage any of your NUMEROUS reptile keeping friends to visit that clinic due to the outrageous nature of the billing.

as an edit. I would also like to let anyone in the Colorado springs area know that i took one of my pets to the Dublin Animal Hospital and got an exam, and wonderful care for a fairly decent price.

[GoingPostal]

My vet didn't even charge anything for probing.

[BPelizabeth]

Well I have not yet been to the exotic vet .....but my breeder did recommend one ...just in case.

I can't even imagine what the price tag on that will be. I LOVE my dogs vet...LOVE LOVE LOVE him...however....I rarely get out under $350-

With that being said...I could find someone cheaper for the dogs...but they are amazing and thorough and really take the time with you.

I will pay more for excellent service and knowledge. But that Bio hazzard charge was crazy. Throw the poo out!

[Dianna]

Thanks very much for the feedback, folks. The more I review my invoice and re-play the vet visit in my head, the more I feel I was financially abused by them. It is my fault for not asking the cost of the probing, but I truly was not expecting to be charged 50$. I was assuming (shouldn't have) it would be 20 dollars tops. I would feel a LOT better about the money I spent if my vet was actually able to answer my questions. She truly did not seem very experienced.

I was not taking my snake to the vet for just a check up, I was taking him in because I have been finding tiny pinpoint marks of blood on his substrate. He also has a small red mark under his chin. My vet was not able to help me with either of these issues. I also admit I was curious to find out his gender for sure.

I don't want to burn any bridges in case of an emergency as I do believe they may be the only exotics vet in my area, but I think I will write them a polite letter describing my feelings about their fees.

Thanks again folks