Book Review - "What's Wrong With My Snake?"

Mike and I happened to see this book while browsing through the new publications area of our local Pet Supplies Plus store and were pleasantly surprised with how informative and well laid out it is.

This is the updated version (there is an older version with a different cover) and sells at that particular store for $12.95. The authors are Dr. John Rossi, DVM and his wife Roxanne Rossi. The book is called "What's Wrong With My Snake?" ISBN 9781882770847

http://www.bestwebbuys.com/What's_Wr...?isrc=b-search

It nicely covers a lot of the areas of concern when purchasing a snake, explaining what to look for and specific health concerns (mouth rot, etc.) There are charts at the back of the book that go over the various medicines commonly used for illnesses in snakes.

It's not a book meant in anyway to replace your herp vet but it's one I intend to add to our herp library. I'd recommend it as a good book at a very reasonable price, especially handy for newer snake keepers.

Thanks!

I bought a couple books orginally which were not very helpful - and have been looking for a good general/beginner book that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Can't get a much better reccomendation than one from you! :D

Thanks Stacey. There were some things in it I didn't agree with. The whole feed frozen/thawed because live feeding is so dangerous thing is always something that gets me, but overall it's a really decent book for a very decent price. From what I've seen you can purchase it online for less than the store near me is asking, though I'd make sure you are getting the newly updated version that I linked to.

I have that book also, Jo. I think for a book that's not written by Kevin, it's pretty good. :D There's another one by the same publisher I have that also good. I forget the title though....something like 127 secrets your snakes want you to know or something like that.

Is it this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Lizard.../dp/1580080359

It's a great book for understanding the health issues of snakes. I've used it for many years.

Oh glad to hear that Jim! I was thinking as I looked through it at the pet store that for less than $15 you could quickly learn how to examine a snake you wanted to buy. That $15 dollar book might well help a newcomer to owning a snake from ending up with a lot more dollars spent in vet costs because they didn't really know what to look for when purchasing their snake.

For myself, I really liked the med charts and other features and intend to pop back and pick that book up when I hit the pet store next week.

Thank you Joanna!

I've been looking as well for some snake books, or a company that makes some hardy books and this one has a lot of good sources.

I'm intending on buying more books on Corns, Boas, and ball pythons, and this company seems to be very informative.

You're welcome, Jess. This particular pet store just vastly expanded their book section and I did see a lot of other books from this same series or ones like it. I was short on time last week so didn't get a chance to dig through them but it's on my list for next time. :)