***UPDATE**** Nico's Journey, further deterioration and vet bill

Friends ~

It has been another very busy week working with Nico and her deteriorating state of health. :(

Last week I became concerned that Nico’s infection was getting progressively worse. Initially she exhibited a few areas where her scales looked irritated, but over the course of daily soaks, injections and cream, she had more and more fluid filled blisters and a great deal of more blood coming in to her blisters.

I called the vet on Tuesday and requested that she be seen as I felt that her condition was continuing to decline. I also wanted to confirm that Nico was going blue and inquiring as to whether this was a positive sign of impending recovery.

The tech who I spoke with placed me on hold then returned to the line after what seemed like quite a while. I was informed that another DVM at the practice had reviewed Nico’s case and photos, and determined that she in fact had a thermal burn and not an infection.:mad:

I asked how that determination could be made without this vet treating or seeing Nico? I also questioned why the hospital had not called me once a different diagnosis was made? (Long story)

I then scheduled an appointment to see the vet who treated Nico, but was told that his wife had just had a baby, so I would have to wait until Saturday when he would be in…grrrrr. :rage: They would not allow me to see the other vet who altered the diagnosis, because Dr. C was the vet who responsible for her care. I was further annoyed.

Needless to say, I was very upset when I checked on Nico this morning to find her full of bloody blisters. I called the vet and let them know that I wanted them to look at Nico immediately. Once I got there, they began the process of discussing what the treatment plan would cost, and asked me if I wanted to apply for care credit.:rage:

I became very agitated by this point because it appeared to me that this vet was more focused on getting paid than Nico’s care. I finally said to his staff “We have spent that last 20 minutes discussing payment options and no time discussing Nico or her failing health.” The bottom line is that I paid them quite a bit of money last week and they seemed to really want to stick with me with another big bill. I refused. I explained to them that Nico was improperly diagnosed. That she was assessed by a second provider and I was never notified. I also made it clear that although I understand that this vet is a professional with personal obligations, the clinic had an obligation to ensure that Nico’s medical needs were met, regardless. ;)

This is a very large organization with a dozen veterinarians, so I don’t feel that Nico’s care should be impacted because her case manager is away from the clinic. I found it interesting that once I told them that they could refer me out to another clinic, they quickly decided that the bill was less important than Nico. So, they gave me a new antibiotic which is much more powerful, and I am continuing the current treatment plan she is on.:gj:

The miraculous news is that when I got her home, I gave her 2 injections of 2 different antibiotics. I let her rest for a while, because I can imagine that all of this has to be stressful on her. But later this evening I took a peek at her, and she was shedding and she looks tremendously better. :O

It’s like a miracle….I don’t know if this would of happened anyway because of the shed or if the new, powerful antibiotic really started working immediately. Either way, I was thrilled to see some progress is the right direction. I will continue monitor her, but for the first time since this whole ordeal, I feel like we’re moving in the right direction. :gj:

I’m pleased that I waged my concerns about Nico’s care, and I am thrilled that she looks better after the shed. My prayer is that we have finally reversed course and we are finial on the road to recovery.

I want to that everyone who has supported us through this journey. Your kind words and remarkable insight have been extremely helpful, especially when it came to knowing when to call the vet a second time.

Nico is such an integral part of this family and to see her suffering is just more than an of us can bear. Nico’s temperament has been wonderful, and although I think all of the handling, soaking, shots and strangers would be stressful for a snake, she has remained just as sweet, playful and gentle as always.

I still rock her in my arms most nights and she still lay’s her head on my shoulder and goes to sleep….my baby…. Even the vet and his team kept saying, ‘she’s is such a sweetheart, she is wonderful to work with...she’s really has a connection with you.” Yes she does, and that’s why I’m not messing around with this clinic. In the end, they did the right thing.:banana:

Glad to hear she is getting better, and good on the clinic to finally do the right thing and realize why they do what they do, which is to help sick and injured animals. Keep us updated.

I am glad to hear she is doing better, a good shed really does help with issues like your snake is having and most of the time a you won’t notice a difference until a shed, you vet should have explained this to you. As a veterinary professional I am truly sorry for the nonsense you had to deal with at that clinic, there is no excuse for that type of treatment especially if there is another veterinarian who is comfortable treating reptiles. I would look for another exotic vet in the area if I were you once Nico is doing better.

Thank you for the update. Happy to hear Nico's condition is improving, and hopefully she'll become more comfortable as she heals. I'm sorry you had to battle Nico's condition AND the vet office. Cheers for your tenacity. :gj:

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Originally Posted by ed4281

I am glad to hear she is doing better, a good shed really does help with issues like your snake is having and most of the time a you won’t notice a difference until a shed, you vet should have explained this to you. As a veterinary professional I am truly sorry for the nonsense you had to deal with at that clinic, there is no excuse for that type of treatment especially if there is another veterinarian who is comfortable treating reptiles. I would look for another exotic vet in the area if I were you once Nico is doing better.

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Thank you for saying that. I really was surprised by this, because normally I felt like they did a good job putting patient care first. Folks like you and others in your field are vital to the health and vitality of our pets. I just hope he understands that Nico and Muffin's mamma are nothing to mess with:D

Good to hear that Nico is doing better :) its amazing how resilient and strong these animals are.

They have healing powers like no other animal and the robustness of a robot :D

What happen to her and I am glad that she is doing better.

I am very glad to hear that she is doing better. Keep us updated on her progress.

It is good to here that Nico is doing better. Sometimes it takes a little push to get a vet to do what they should do...:gj:

So happy to hear Nico is doing better. I pray that she continues to improve. Nico is so lucky to have you for a mom :)

Amen to you and get well soon Nico. Prayers for you both.

If it was determined to be a thermal burn, have you figured out what caused it ?
Just so you can make sure, it won't happen again.

Good luck and quick recovery to Nico :)

Yeah! Way to stick to your guns and tell them your pet first, then payment.
So glad to hear Nico is doing better. I really hope you find the true cause of this.

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Originally Posted by rdoyle

What happen to her and I am glad that she is doing better.

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Hi~

Nicole has a thermal burn with a secondary infection. I believe the ReptiTemp 500 I was using malfunctioned or for some reason stopped performing accurately. The second cause is that the glass under the UTH became too hot, I'm guessing and broke. This all happened on the same day. So my theory is that she was burned, and unbeknown to me, until I took her out, she has been laying on a very, very hot substrate. I feel terrible about it. I had no idea. Once I discovered it, I fixed things right away, but she went of feed with no symptoms for about 3 months. Then one day last week, everything presented itself all at once, the burn, the infection, everything...I've been heart sick. I am hoping she has turned the corner with this last round of drugs.

Thanks for the well wishes.

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Originally Posted by DellaF

So happy to hear Nico is doing better. I pray that she continues to improve. Nico is so lucky to have you for a mom :)

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Thank you:) I feel so fortunate to have her and have the means to help her...there was a time not long ago where I would have been in a real bad spot if this had happened.

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Originally Posted by zina10

If it was determined to be a thermal burn, have you figured out what caused it ?
Just so you can make sure, it won't happen again.

Good luck and quick recovery to Nico :)

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Thanks Zina ~

Yes, I fixed her cage the day it happened. I originally thought it was a burn until the vet said it was an infection. So I assumed that he was right. I really gave him a good description of events, but I know now that if I had the knowledge, I would have known that this is how a thermal burn appears, and that it can appear and present much later than the intial trauma.

This experience has taught me a great deal...its a constant learning experience with these amazing creatures.:)

Here's hoping for nothing but better news every day. I wonder if the new meds aren't the reason for the quick turn around? Either way, I'm glad things are going in the right direction.

Jim Smith

So happy to hear that Nico is doing better and kudos to you for standing your ground at the vet's office! That's exactly what I would have done, baby first and then payment! Keep us updated! :)

Awesome news and thanks for the updates! I was wondering how you guys were doing. While you had some bumps at the vet, I think you handled the situation perfectly and it sounds like they at least tried to do right by you and Nico.
I wish a smooth road ahead as she continues her recovery :) Good work, Choco Muffins! :banana:

I am glad that neco is doing good I hope she countue to do good.

im glad she is doing better..:banana::banana: