High-tech medical tool? LOL

[Lolo76]

Yesterday I had my first herp-related vet visit ever, when I took in my corn snake Joxer for this (sometimes the mouth was open even wider):



So the vet gave him a thorough once-over, listened to his breathing, etc, and said everything appeared to be perfectly normal. He wanted to get a good look inside the mouth, though, and said he'd go get his "high-tech medical tool." Wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic, or if he actually had something fancy to get a snake's mouth open... definitely sarcasm, as I discovered when he came back in with a small rubber spatula. But hey, it worked!

All in all I was very pleased with the doctor, and the good news is that Jox is fine... most likely he just didn't fix his jaw after the last meal, and might also be hot because we're in a heat wave. Best part? The receptionist waived my entire exam fee (when I gasped at the $65 bill), by *wink wink* giving me the "recent shelter rescue" discount. I did rescue him, to be fair, but that happened 4 years ago. Hehe.

Has anyone else ever had a vet use (or used yourself) a spatula? Kinda brilliant, when you think about it.

[John1982]

All in all I was very pleased with the doctor, and the good news is that Jox is fine... most likely he just didn't fix his jaw after the last meal, and might also be hot because we're in a heat wave.

Is someone suggesting snakes pant to release heat?

[jclaiborne]

We use a soft rubber spatula for opening our lizards mouths, its soft enough that when they clamp on it, it doesn't hurt their jaw.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

I don't understand why heat would make sure snake keep it's mouth open. Isn't it's enclosure regulated with a thermostat??

[CORBIN911]

I don't understand why heat would make sure snake keep it's mouth open. Isn't it's enclosure regulated with a thermostat??

With a heat wave it may be hotter then "what" there thermostat is set for?

[Rickys_Reptiles]

If it is above 30 degrees celsius in the snakes room than thats an issue that needs to be looked into.

I've never seen a snake open its mouth because it's too hot.

[Lolo76]

Okay, guys - settle down. I wasn't implying (nor did the vet say) the open mouth was caused by the heat, it was just my own random thought in regards to his overall behavior. And yes, it is a bit hotter than usual, but still within acceptable ranges. I turn off the corns' heat almost all summer, as ambient temps stay around 80F in their room. Right now it's about 83-84 inside, so they aren't gonna die! It's warmer here than where I used to live (SF), but it's still the Bay Area, not Florida.

I've been doing this long enough, no need to chide or tease me. Also, that was sooo not the point... but thanks for ruining what was supposed to be a lighthearted thread.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

I'm glad to hear that your snake is fine. Thanks for the clarification on the mouth open issue, I misunderstood - and apologize.

[Lolo76]

I'm glad to hear that your snake is fine. Thanks for the clarification on the mouth open issue, I misunderstood - and apologize.

It's okay, and thanks for apologizing... I was just surprised to open the thread, and see that everyone was harping on that one little comment! Actually, it doesn't surprise me - this is the Interwebs, after all.

[Lolo76]

With a heat wave it may be hotter then "what" there thermostat is set for?

Yes, exactly... that's why I usually shut off the heat source (just for the corns, not the pythons), as our summer weather is totally fine for corns. Most of the colubrid keepers I know around here do the same, since it's pointless to regulate & pay for heat that's equal to standing temps. I've been doing that since I moved to the South Bay, three+ years ago, and nobody has croaked yet! LOL