Process for treating imported snake?

I have something scheduled to arrive this week that is an import. Not WC, but CB on a farm. I will treat the enclosure and the snake for mites/ticks with Nix and will do regular treatments. What is the best way to go about treating for internal parasites? I have an exotic vet by my house listed under ARAV. I've called and they said that I can either collect a fecal sample and schedule an exam for at the same time, or as long as the snake has been examined I can bring in a fecal sample whenever for testing. But if medications are needed, the snake will need to be seen at some point regardless. Does this sound like the typical process? This is my first imported animal. I could also go to any exotic vet in the Chicago land area as well. Thanks!

Particular treatment depends on the results of the fecal test. Typically importers push panacur and flagyl on recent arrivals since in addition to treating for internal parasites, they have the side-effect of increasing appetite which encourages stressed imports to start eating.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bcr229

Particular treatment depends on the results of the fecal test. Typically importers push panacur and flagyl on recent arrivals since in addition to treating for internal parasites, they have the side-effect of increasing appetite which encourages stressed imports to start eating.

---

Thank you, I will have to see what the eventual fecal test comes back with. My thought is to let her settle and make sure she's had at least 3 meals before I take her to the vet for an exam. Would you say that is reasonable, or should imports be brought to the vet right away? From photos she appears very healthy, and I am confident in the seller. I'm just a bit nervous about my local exotic vet, as they said on the phone they want to ideally see reptiles every year for an exam. Why??? Other than to make more money... If a snake is not showing signs of illness I do not see the point in bringing them to the vet due to the stress it can cause.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WhompingWillow

Thank you, I will have to see what the eventual fecal test comes back with. My thought is to let her settle and make sure she's had at least 3 meals before I take her to the vet for an exam. Would you say that is reasonable, or should imports be brought to the vet right away?

---

I would wait until she's had a meal or three and had a bowel movement so there's something for the vet to test.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bcr229

Particular treatment depends on the results of the fecal test. Typically importers push panacur and flagyl on recent arrivals since in addition to treating for internal parasites, they have the side-effect of increasing appetite which encourages stressed imports to start eating.

---

I agree with bcr229...
I have in the past used both Panacur & Flagyl safely & with good results, & as mentioned, they tend to increase appetite, which then helps to settle down a new snake-
just letting them relax, digest & settle in. I also don't agree with yearly visits to a vet for snakes (seriously folks, what can they see that we very-experienced keepers
didn't see???) and I wouldn't rush to the vet with a newly imported/arrived snake either. Keep the stress low & their immune system functions better. Some vets do
literally practice "over-kill" when it comes to meds, including antibiotics. Trust your gut on this...:gj: "First, do no harm..."

I typically have never treated wc or farmed animals in the past unless they present health issues such as diarrhea or not eating properly, although knowing what I know now, it probably is a good idea. In my opinion, regular vet visits are not necessary for most reptiles, as they tend to be pretty healthy as long as they are cared for properly. I only take mine in as needed.

Thanks everyone! I will definitely let the snake settle and have several meals before taking her to the vet unless I notice something is off. Unfortunately my vet won't do a fecal without an exam, so I will eventually have to bring her in if I want them to test.

I will keep Panacur and metronidazole in mind as medications and will compare to what the vet recommends, depending on what the fecal shows. I agree that finding a good regular vet is difficult, let alone an exotic one. I mean, vets are still pushing Science Diet as a good dog food. Makes me a bit skeptical of their other recommendations sometimes.

So what is the animal you are getting?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 67temp

So what is the animal you are getting?

---

Suriname BCC :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...he-Suriname-BC

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 67temp

So what is the animal you are getting?

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WhompingWillow

Suriname BCC :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...he-Suriname-BC

---

very cool!

i was hoping for something more uncommon like a Madagascar Giant Hoggie tho but Rhubarb is quite pretty. congrats!