vet visits

[ineedmore]

just wonderin how often i should take my bp to the vet for a check up or whatever? is this important if it doesnt show any signs of bad health?

[littleindiangirl]

I think an initial check up is important. I see no reason why to take them in if they aren't showing any signs of illness unless you just have a gut feeling you want to take care of.

[lord jackel]

I think an initial check up is important. I see no reason why to take them in if they aren't showing any signs of illness unless you just have a gut feeling you want to take care of.

I would add to this that having a relationship with a Vet is a very prudent thing...it is like insurance you hope you don't need it but if you do you will be glad you took the time to understand it and get it.

I have 30+ balls now only 2 have been seen by my Vet. Neither were sick but I wanted to start building a relationship with my vet in case I needed here. This relationship has allowed me to have all my animals tested (fecal and such) without having them seen (saves a ton). I also feel comfortable with the Vet that if I needed something she knows me well enough to trust what I am telling her.

Hope this helps.

[starmom]

I would venture to say that a vet visit is also predicated on who you purchased your snake from. If the purchase was made at a pet store, I would make an appt with the vet and take a fecal sample as well.
I purchased my snakes from three breeders who are reputable, respect their animals enough to maintain excellent health, and in whom I place my trust; therefore I have not felt the need to go to the vet.
That said, I do have an 8 year long relationship with our vet and she is well aware of my snakes and standing at the ready should a problem occur.
May I ask why you are inquiring? Are you getting that little unnerving feeling that you might feel more settled if you were to get your snake a clean bill of health? If this be the case, by all means, take your snake to the vet!

[ineedmore]

May I ask why you are inquiring? Are you getting that little unnerving feeling that you might feel more settled if you were to get your snake a clean bill of health? If this be the case, by all means, take your snake to the vet!

A little. I was just unsure and wanted to be safe. she has been once and i didnt know if check ups were a must. the vet i take my dogs to no longer deals with reptiles so i might have to change where i take the dogs as well.

[Gloryhound]

We have eleven Ball Pythons currently and every single one of them have been to the vet and all tested. Most of our bp's are from very reputable dealers. (Ball Pythons South, VPI, RDR, and Graziani) Yes it costs money, but we have a really good relationship with the vet. Also we have made an arrangement for bringing in clutches of babies for initial check ups. As far as follow ups go the vet said they only need to be seen if we think something is up and that we should call first and give him the symtoms and he would tell us if a visit was needed or not.