Initial vet visits?

Ok, sounds good. I just wondered if there were any other tests I should make sure my vet does.

And what about annual visits? Another fecal and general once-over?

I've decided to go with the annual visits. I'll just try to take all mine at once to save on the office fee. lol that could be interesting.. 4 snakes and a cham in the car together.

I think that's about all they can do. Things like blood work and lung washes are really only necessary if a problem exists.

Fecals once a year are an awesome habit to get into! ... And yes, a general once over and "feel" to identify any internal problems are generally reccomended.

You can ask about maybe getting a discount on all 4 fecals done at a time as well. I know I pay less per flotation when I have a bunch done at once. Doesn't hurt to ask and I've never had a vet tell me no.

-adam

Thank you, I will. :)

I feel better now, knowing I'll take better care of my animals.

Besides, it's kinda fun showing off all your snakes at the vet's. :P

Oh.. for a fecal, do you have to bring a stool sample, or do they just... get it?

I had to bring one, but that might vary from vet to vet.

Well, technically, they could to a cloacal swab, but that wouldn't be too accurate.

For best results you should bring them in. About a week or so before my exams I start watching for defications from the snakes that I want checked and store them in a zip lock bag (the feces) in the fridge until the visit. The trick is to prevent them from drying out. Sounds gross, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do! ... LOL

-adam

Ok, well that I can do.

I just hope mom doesn't mind those in the fridge. :?

Then again, I've already got bags of rats in the freezer, bloodworms... etc etc

I'm thinking that the warmer months of the year would be the best time for an annual visit. No frozen snakes.

ya know, its kinda sad but vet visits are the one thing people dont tend to take into consideration when purchasing a snake. You really shouldnt buy a snake if you cannot afford a vet visit...

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Originally Posted by green_man

ya know, its kinda sad but vet visits are the one thing people dont tend to take into consideration when purchasing a snake. You really shouldnt buy a snake if you cannot afford a vet visit...

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I totally agree! .... The other thing that usually happens is that new owners don't budget for emergency expenses (URI, stomatis, etc). I always keep a little money on the side for each animal in case something unexpected comes up. That way I don't ever have to decide between money and the health of my animals!

-adam

Most people don't think of a snake as an animal that needs to go to the vet. It can be hard to know where to draw the line. I can't say I'd take my tarantula, or my guppies to the vet you know. It is a learning process.. finding out all that your animals need. You think you know all you need then... nope!

I do have enough money to take them to the vet, it's just nice to know ways to cut the costs if you can, without compromising the health of the animals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shelby

Most people don't think of a snake as an animal that needs to go to the vet. It can be hard to know where to draw the line. I can't say I'd take my tarantula, or my guppies to the vet you know. It is a learning process.. finding out all that your animals need. You think you know all you need then... nope!

I do have enough money to take them to the vet, it's just nice to know ways to cut the costs if you can, without compromising the health of the animals.

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Those comments certainly weren't at all about you. I've been very impressed with the questions you've been asking and you're interest in doing what's right for your snake. Keep doing what you're doing for sure!

I think green_mans comment and my follow up were reffering to our experiences with soo many people that know an animal should be taken to a vet, but would rather spend the money on video games or lottery tickets. Or the people that take on an animal and then complain about all of the associated costs. Asking questions and being frugal is one thing, but buying animal after animal and not having the money to afford proper housing, food, and vet care is damn near criminal and the later is what we were talking about.

-adam