BP to the vet?

[BrianaK]

I'm a new owner, and saw someone say to another new owner "be prepared to pay lots of vet bills". Do these guys need to see a vet once in a while like a dog? Or only if there's something wrong with them...?

Thanks!

[Tochigi_R]

You should have annual vet visits, just like with every other pet you own. I take mine twice a year, and whenever I think something may be wrong. Really learn the body language of your bp, because they don't show distress the way a cat or dog might.

[unspecified42]

I must be a bad pet owner then, because none of my pets (including the dog) go to the vet annually.

I take mine when something is wrong, but I don't stress them out just to pay a $90 office visit for a vet to tell me my snakes look ok, no. Unless they are drawing blood, there's not much the vet can do to evaluate my snakes that I can't do myself.

[Tochigi_R]

I must be a bad pet owner then, because none of my pets (including the dog) go to the vet annually.

I take mine when something is wrong, but I don't stress them out just to pay a $90 office visit for a vet to tell me my snakes look ok, no. Unless they are drawing blood, there's not much the vet can do to evaluate my snakes that I can't do myself.

I wasn't trying to put anyone down. I just think that because snakes aren't as emotional as other pets, it's harder to tell if there's something wrong with them. I just like to walk on the cautious side, so I take them twice a year just to make sure nothing has popped up, and if it has I'd be able to catch it prematurely. Honestly, I think it's worth the $90 to know my snakes are healthy. My spider is special in the sense that he's been handled enough that he doesn't stress out as dramatically as my mojave would, and calms down within the day. My mojave is the one I'm more careful about, he usually only goes once a year because he'll rocket around his tank for a few days after the vet visit.

If, at the scheduled time of year I don't have the money to take them, they don't go. It's not like I'm a vet nazi or anything I understand that the entire world can't all go to the vet a bagillion times due to money, time, or any other reason (including myself), but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be prepared for a vet bill. And since I'm not breeding them and I don't have the medical materials or experience, I have to take them to the vet because I can't do it myself (I wouldn't trust myself either... I have a phobia of medical tools... they all look like torture weapons in my mind ). I wouldn't expect someone who's new as a bp owner to be able to, either. Although, I do treat my snakes for parasites myself as I have the means to do so.

I wasn't trying to put anyone down, so sorry if I came of as if I were. I was just throwing my own two cents in.

[j_h_smith]

You should have annual vet visits, just like with every other pet you own. I take mine twice a year, and whenever I think something may be wrong. Really learn the body language of your bp, because they don't show distress the way a cat or dog might.

I have to respectfully disagree with you. Why would you spend the money to take a healthy snake to the vet? What purpose does this serve? What do you have done while at the vets? Is there a reason you do this or is it just to have peace of mind?

Jim Smith

[Clementine_3]

I don't do annual exams or 'well visits' for my reptiles. I do for the dog though
They all have had fecals done, when I first got them, to be sure they were good and parasite free. Once I was established at my herp vet I didn't even have to bring them in, just the poop for a quick test.
I do and will take them in if there is an issue or concern. Ira (IJCP) had a swollen snout...off the vet for Baytril. Loretta (Leo gecko) had an internal bleed...off to the vet even though I knew there was nothing that could be done (she survived it). Turtle (Greek tort.) wasn't eating or pooping...off to the vet for x-rays (he was just being naughty).
If they seem fine there is no need (IMO) to take them, if they don't seem fine then bundle them up and take them.

[Tochigi_R]

I have to respectfully disagree with you. Why would you spend the money to take a healthy snake to the vet? What purpose does this serve? What do you have done while at the vets? Is there a reason you do this or is it just to have peace of mind?

Jim Smith

Eh, well to each their own I suppose. I do it just to be safe, and for a piece of mind. I've dealt with very unhealthy bp's in the past, and so I guess I'm just a bit overkill with keeping them healthy.

I'm one of those over protective mommas

[Kaorte]

I don't take my animals to the vet unless there is a problem. I feel knowledgeable enough about my animals that I know when something is wrong.

-some- people get their snakes de-wormed every year but honestly, it isn't required or anything. If your snake has parasites or worms, get it de-wormed. If it doesn't well. "Why fix something that isn't broken?"

[Arsinoe]

I agree with everyone else. I don't waste money onvets unless there is a problem I can't solve.

You know going to the vet as well as human doctors.....You expose yourself and your pet to all the germs from prior patients. I've yet to EVER see anyone disenfect the waiting room in a vet office though out the day. They seem to forget that area entirely.

You know I have to commend the people who own snakes. They seem to be a bit more sensible about things. I've been on various pet forums where they go so overboard about stuff that they are rediculous. I've even seen, as a good example, some people say to use paper towels in their bird cages so everytime the bird poops they can change it. Do you know how neurotic you would make your bird doing that.........And heaven for bid if your ferret burps!

[MissLeMew]

I only ever take mine when something's wrong - which is hardly ever. I too have had a snake that was very ill when I got it, and I rehabed him myself. He is now thriving - perfect sheds and all - and eats more than any other bp I own.

Only ever take your snake to the vet if you have to. A lot of the things they do at the vet's office you can do at home, and It saves you a trip to the vet that will make your bp freak out and not eat for a week and a half.