Vet Visit

Alright, got the transport out of the way. Have my pillow case and my Rubbermaid ready. Next question, assuming Monty does have a respiratory infection, (which I'm beginning to doubt, thankfully) how much is it gonna' cost to get him fixed up? Just wondering what the damage might be.... Also, will the doc sex and weigh him if I ask? Or does that cost extra? Or doctor by doctor?

Thanks for all the help, folks.

Your best bet is to call the vet and ask them. It varies.

It varies, if he has a RI then expect a charge for the visit, one for the culture, and one for the Meds. My local vet charges about $120 for all three.

All vets price differently, but exotics are typically higher than a companion animal(cat/dog) vet.
The meds are pretty cheap. Its the office visit and tests that are expensive.

When I took a rescue in to treat for RI, the office visit was about $60. The antibiotics were $10. The bacteria culture to find out what kind of antibiotics to use was about $100-150+.

If you suspect RI, you need to get a culture done. If the vet prescribes antibiotics without a culture, request for one or get a new vet.

Sexing may be extra, it may not. Depends on the vet.

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The common misconception in this hobby is that a vet visit is needed for an RI. This is sadly not the case at all, and is a waste of time and money for you, the keeper, and stressful for the animal.

The first thing to do is make sure the husbandry is 100% on par. Everything from heat/humidity to substrate and the like. Whenever I deal with an animal with an RI, I switch it to a hide, water dish, and paper towels. I change this often and disinfect the cage often, just to help get rid of the fact the illness will be in the enclosure, and I don't want the animal to get sick back to back type of deal.. That being said- when humans get sick, we get a fever, warming up helps fight off the yuckies attacking our body. The same is true with your snake, except the snake can't heat himself up to fight it off, you need to help him with that. Bump him up 2-3 degrees, it'll make him active, he may not even "like" it, but he NEEDS it to fight off the infection in his body. Go to your local drugstore, pick up some chlorahexadine, and put a few drops in his water dish. This is a simple antibiotic that in the long run, will help him a good bit.

Now- for the above poster saying "a vet giving meds without a culture" this is rather silly. There are 2 types of RI's found in reptiles. Bacterial and Viral. Obviously, the Antibiotics will treat the first, but not the second. HOWEVER, the antibiotics will help with the possibilities of secondary infections due to a weakened immune system. You must also realize- most of the RIs found in snakes are bacterial and very easy to fix. Should it be a viral RI- there is no cure, the RI will be there and will come back whenever husbandry and conditions fail to suit the proper needs of the animal.

Some vets- the culturing actually will cost more than the antibiotics. Skipping the culture and saving yourself the money and using it towards better husbandry/or whatever else is a far better option than pushing for a culture.

Actually there are 3 types of RI. Bacterial, viral, and fungal. The above poster is correct that there is no treatment for viral RI. However there are many types of bacterial RI. Not all antibiotics can treat certain bacterial RI, which is why you need a culture to target what kind of bacteria the infection is and what kind of antibiotics you need to treat the targeted bacteria. For example, Baytril is often used as a default antibiotic. But the thing is, Baytril may be ineffective towards certain bacterial RIs. So yes. Get a culture done.

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Imma have to go with sato!!!


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Originally Posted by BWyant

Alright, got the transport out of the way. Have my pillow case and my Rubbermaid ready. Next question, assuming Monty does have a respiratory infection, (which I'm beginning to doubt, thankfully) how much is it gonna' cost to get him fixed up? Just wondering what the damage might be.... Also, will the doc sex and weigh him if I ask? Or does that cost extra? Or doctor by doctor?

Thanks for all the help, folks.

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Everyone already addressed the RI questions, so I'll take this one. Your vet ABSOLUTELY should be willing and able to sex your BP, or else he/she does not have the experience you need in a vet. Weighing is part of any animal's standard exam. Any vet that charges you extra for either of these is ripping you off, and you again should not return to.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

Actually there are 3 types of RI. Bacterial, viral, and fungal. The above poster is correct that there is no treatment for viral RI. However there are many types of bacterial RI. Not all antibiotics can treat certain bacterial RI, which is why you need a culture to target what kind of bacteria the infection is and what kind of antibiotics you need to treat the targeted bacteria. For example, Baytril is often used as a default antibiotic. But the thing is, Baytril may be ineffective towards certain bacterial RIs. So yes. Get a culture done.

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Yes, I did forget to mention fungal, mainly because personally I've never dealt with it nor seen it myself in any animals, I suppose this would be treated differently.

Most RIs can be treated just fine with Baytril and good husbandry, and some simple treated water. If your BP can't recover from an RI, you are doing something wrong. I have treated everything from colubrids, to boids, to monitors for RI, and I have NEVER found a case of RI serious enough to need to waste money at a vet.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

Yes, I did forget to mention fungal, mainly because personally I've never dealt with it nor seen it myself in any animals, I suppose this would be treated differently.

Most RIs can be treated just fine with Baytril and good husbandry, and some simple treated water. If your BP can't recover from an RI, you are doing something wrong. I have treated everything from colubrids, to boids, to monitors for RI, and I have NEVER found a case of RI serious enough to need to waste money at a vet.

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Can we make an exception for the guy that's owned a snake for all of three days now and take Monty to the vet if I wanna' waste a little bit of money? :confusd:

I'm honestly hoping that the wheezing is actually just heavy breathing. I don't hear him doing it all the time, generally just sometimes when he's active or when I've had to pick him up. When I got him from my buddy, he didn't have a UTH, just overhead. It also seemed like his cage hadn't been cleaned in quite some time, some of the aspen bedding was stuck to the bottom of the tank, I'm assuming because of urine. I've fixed that up and husbandry is pretty good. Just went ahead and put him in a new tank since I was planning on getting a BP anyway, but I ended up getting him for free along with his cage. Humidity might be a little high, haven't quite got that exact yet, but warm side sits around 89-92 and the cool side is about 77-79.

Should I feed him tonight or wait until after the vet visit tomorrow or wait for a few days? I was told that he hasn't eaten in about 4 weeks. He doesn't appear too skinny to my untrained eyes though.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

Yes, I did forget to mention fungal, mainly because personally I've never dealt with it nor seen it myself in any animals, I suppose this would be treated differently.

Most RIs can be treated just fine with Baytril and good husbandry, and some simple treated water. If your BP can't recover from an RI, you are doing something wrong. I have treated everything from colubrids, to boids, to monitors for RI, and I have NEVER found a case of RI serious enough to need to waste money at a vet.

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How would one go about getting Baytril without first going to a vet? Baytril also has failed before at curing RI's. Why, you ask? Because the type of bacteria causing the RI is immune to that type of antibiotic. Thus, going back to the first point of needing a culture. See how this works?

Congratulations on being a cure all handy man. I, for one, would not put my snakes health at further risk, and even their life, for the simple fact of saving a few dollars.

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Originally Posted by BWyant

Can we make an exception for the guy that's owned a snake for all of three days now and take Monty to the vet if I wanna' waste a little bit of money? :confusd:

I'm honestly hoping that the wheezing is actually just heavy breathing. I don't hear him doing it all the time, generally just sometimes when he's active or when I've had to pick him up. When I got him from my buddy, he didn't have a UTH, just overhead. It also seemed like his cage hadn't been cleaned in quite some time, some of the aspen bedding was stuck to the bottom of the tank, I'm assuming because of urine. I've fixed that up and husbandry is pretty good. Just went ahead and put him in a new tank since I was planning on getting a BP anyway, but I ended up getting him for free along with his cage. Humidity might be a little high, haven't quite got that exact yet, but warm side sits around 89-92 and the cool side is about 77-79.

Should I feed him tonight or wait until after the vet visit tomorrow or wait for a few days? I was told that he hasn't eaten in about 4 weeks. He doesn't appear too skinny to my untrained eyes though.

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I would bring your cool side temps up to 80-82 degrees. I would also suggest holding off on feeding him, since you will be moving him and the vet will be handling him and checking him over. You don't want a regurged rat laying on the vet table.

I would wait until after the vet visit to feed. A day or so more isn't going to be an issue.

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Originally Posted by BWyant

Can we make an exception for the guy that's owned a snake for all of three days now and take Monty to the vet if I wanna' waste a little bit of money? :confusd:

I'm honestly hoping that the wheezing is actually just heavy breathing. I don't hear him doing it all the time, generally just sometimes when he's active or when I've had to pick him up. When I got him from my buddy, he didn't have a UTH, just overhead. It also seemed like his cage hadn't been cleaned in quite some time, some of the aspen bedding was stuck to the bottom of the tank, I'm assuming because of urine. I've fixed that up and husbandry is pretty good. Just went ahead and put him in a new tank since I was planning on getting a BP anyway, but I ended up getting him for free along with his cage. Humidity might be a little high, haven't quite got that exact yet, but warm side sits around 89-92 and the cool side is about 77-79.

Should I feed him tonight or wait until after the vet visit tomorrow or wait for a few days? I was told that he hasn't eaten in about 4 weeks. He doesn't appear too skinny to my untrained eyes though.

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If he's actually a male, a mature one at that- I wouldn't be shocked if he refused food for the breeding season. I've had males go 6-8 months striking on food because they are so intent to breed. If the snake is only doing a little wheezing, it could be a number of things. Some snakes do it when very active. Some for stress, some saying "leave me alone".

If all the previous owner had was an overhead light, it's very possible the air was very dry, and he's simply not hydrated enough, and there is a small piece of shed skin/dust in his nose causing the wheezing as well. Frankly, I'd give him time and wait to see if he improves or if the wheezing gets worse. Based on what you've said, nothing is screaming RI to me right now- and frankly- if I took every snake I've ever heard wheeze or hiss to the vet, I may as well just house my collection there. ;)

I wouldn't feed him anywhere near a vet visit, the stress could induce a regurge and end up being worse overall for the snake. Either feed him now and hold off on the vet, or wait until after the vet for feeding.

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Originally Posted by heathers*bps

How would one go about getting Baytril without first going to a vet? Baytril also has failed before at curing RI's. Why, you ask? Because the type of bacteria causing the RI is immune to that type of antibiotic. Thus, going back to the first point of needing a culture. See how this works?

Congratulations on being a cure all handy man. I, for one, would not put my snakes health at further risk, and even their life, for the simple fact of saving a few dollars.

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Many people become good enough friends/have worked with a vet enough that if they need Baytril can simply go and ask for it, and get it at cost from the vet. Sure- Baytril has failed at curing RIs, I never recommended it in the first place now did I? I said in general it does a pretty good job if you go that route. Frankly, 99% of RIs can be fixed at home with simple husbandry issues.

I'm not being a cure all handy man, I'm speaking from years of experience treating RIs, and what has proven to work time and time again for me to treat every single RI I've come across. Frankly, in my eyes, you "further risk the snake's health" by stressing it out so much with an unneeded vet visit. I don't go to the doctor every time I get a cold do I? Or take my cat every time he gets a sneeze.

As the OP stated- the original husbandry was way off, if there is an RI, it's minor. Proper husbandry can and will probably fix it.

And that might be fine for a very experienced keeper but not for a very new keeper. For someone new to BP's a vet is the best choice. Telling a new keeper not too is irresponsible.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

And that might be fine for a very experienced keeper but not for a very new keeper. For someone new to BP's a vet is the best choice. Telling a new keeper not too is irresponsible.

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A new keeper with good advice and proper care is better than 90% of the crap vets out there. Bps are not difficult, telling him to jump the gun and rush to the vet is irresponsible.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

If all the previous owner had was an overhead light, it's very possible the air was very dry, and he's simply not hydrated enough, and there is a small piece of shed skin/dust in his nose causing the wheezing as well. Frankly, I'd give him time and wait to see if he improves or if the wheezing gets worse. Based on what you've said, nothing is screaming RI to me right now- and frankly- if I took every snake I've ever heard wheeze or hiss to the vet, I may as well just house my collection there. ;)

As the OP stated- the original husbandry was way off, if there is an RI, it's minor. Proper husbandry can and will probably fix it.

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Anyone else think this could be the case?

When I got Monty (his name seems to have been changed to Mr. Snakey Snake), he did have a lot of left-over shed on him. I mentioned it in a previous thread, but nobody mentioned that it could be causing the wheeze. I thought that it was a possibility because the wheezing has gotten less as I've gotten his husbandry slowly up to par over the last couple days.

I'm not on a shoestring budget, I can afford the vet visit, I'd just rather not if folks think this is probably the case given the information I've provided. I don't want overreact in a effort to win the pet owner of the month award and have it cost $200. Maybe tomorrow I'll just take a ton of pictures of him so ya'll can act as my veterinarians? Would that be a good idea?

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

A new keeper with good advice and proper care is better than 90% of the crap vets out there. Bps are not difficult, telling him to jump the gun and rush to the vet is irresponsible.

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Thats why we have a section on here with a list of good herp vets. :gj:

Bringing a snake to a good herp vet if a new keeper suspects somethings wrong (like an RI) is like the opposite of irresponsible.

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Originally Posted by BWyant

Anyone else think this could be the case?

When I got Monty (his name seems to have been changed to Mr. Snakey Snake), he did have a lot of left-over shed on him. I mentioned it in a previous thread, but nobody mentioned that it could be causing the wheeze. I thought that it was a possibility because the wheezing has gotten less as I've gotten his husbandry slowly up to par over the last couple days.

I'm not on a shoestring budget, I can afford the vet visit, I'd just rather not if folks think this is probably the case given the information I've provided. I don't want overreact in a effort to win the pet owner of the month award and have it cost $200. Maybe tomorrow I'll just take a ton of pictures of him so ya'll can act as my veterinarians? Would that be a good idea?

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IMO, I'd take him to the vet anyways. A check up wouldn't hurt for your new addition :)

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Originally Posted by BWyant

Anyone else think this could be the case?

When I got Monty (his name seems to have been changed to Mr. Snakey Snake), he did have a lot of left-over shed on him. I mentioned it in a previous thread, but nobody mentioned that it could be causing the wheeze. I thought that it was a possibility because the wheezing has gotten less as I've gotten his husbandry slowly up to par over the last couple days.

I'm not on a shoestring budget, I can afford the vet visit, I'd just rather not if folks think this is probably the case given the information I've provided. I don't want overreact in a effort to win the pet owner of the month award and have it cost $200. Maybe tomorrow I'll just take a ton of pictures of him so ya'll can act as my veterinarians? Would that be a good idea?

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You do realize that there is one person against going to the vet, compared to the what, five, of us saying you should go?

It is ultimately your decision, but if it were MY snake, it would be going to the vet appointment tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by heathers*bps

You do realize that there is one person against going to the vet, compared to the what, five, of us saying you should go?

It is ultimately your decision, but if it were MY snake, it would be going to the vet appointment tomorrow.

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One person who took the time to think and evaluate all pieces of information over 5 people who like to jump the gun with no information and praise vets? I fail to see how this is a relevant piece of information. Then again, you probably take all of your animals every time they look at you funny, for no reason at all ;) Makes perfect sense.

Nah when they look at me funny i put them in timeout...

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

One person who took the time to think and evaluate all pieces of information over 5 people who like to jump the gun with no information and praise vets? I fail to see how this is a relevant piece of information. Then again, you probably take all of your animals every time they look at you funny, for no reason at all ;) Makes perfect sense.

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Nope, I've never dealt with RI's in any of my ball pythons. We've had a few burms and retics that we rescued have RI's though. Oh, and also a gaboon.

I'm also going thru school to receive my Associates in Science for Veterinary Technician. Thanks for giving me a chance to share my credentials :)

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Originally Posted by heathers*bps

Nope, I've never dealt with RI's in any of my ball pythons. We've had a few burms and retics that we rescued have RI's though. Oh, and also a gaboon.

I'm also going thru school to receive my Associates in Science for Veterinary Technician. Thanks for giving me a chance to share my credentials :)

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Oh goody do I get to share mine?! I've never had one of my personal pets have one either. I've treated many many many species with RIs, from corns to monitors and everything in between. Oh, and to throw it out there just for giggles- I've gone through several vet classes and worked alongside vets. I also have served as the "go-to" guy for many of the local shops and keepers here when it comes to diagnosing and treating simple things such as RIs.

I can't say I can amputate a leg, do surgery, or xrays, but an RI is beyond simple for most keepers, and I have never had a case I couldn't treat with at home measures when it comes to an RI.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

One person who took the time to think and evaluate all pieces of information over 5 people who like to jump the gun with no information and praise vets? I fail to see how this is a relevant piece of information. Then again, you probably take all of your animals every time they look at you funny, for no reason at all ;) Makes perfect sense.

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Its a new snake. It doesn't hurt to take it to the vet. On top of things, it wasn't in the best environment. A vet check can give the OP a peace of mind.

I have never had any of my personal snakes get RI. Apparently I've been doing something right. I have, however, taken rescues in to treat for RI. Baytril was not prescribed for some of them, while it was for one. And the Baytril wasn't even effective for that snake, while all the others healed up fine. I treated it for months with proper husbandry before getting a proper culture. And guess what? It cleared up in a week or two from the correct set of antibiotics that target that particular bacterial infection.

May I ask how your animals got RI? It sounds like you have treated quite a number of critters. (Edit: nm)

And if the OP takes his snake to the vet and the snake doesn't have RI, then it doesn't have RI. Better safe than sorry. Better than leaving the snake untreated and getting worse IF it does have a case of RI.

OP: does your snake have any mucous in it's mouth? But MMreptiles did have a point with stuck shed.

Here's my credentials : Biologist Pre-vet who has done surgeries and major vet work. I work in a stem cell research laboratory.

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Children,

You're not helping any more...

If I wanna' watch Jerry Springer, I'll change the channel to Springer.

So here it is. You need to work within your own skillsets and knowledge base.

If you are knowledgable enough to accurately diagnose and treat an illness, do it. If you are not knowledgable enough to accurately diagnose and treat an illness, let a pro do it.

OP: If you feel that there is a problem with your snake that you cannot handle on your own seek professional help. Hope your little guy gets better soon.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

I can't say I can amputate a leg, do surgery, or xrays, but an RI is beyond simple for most keepers, and I have never had a case I couldn't treat with at home measures when it comes to an RI.

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I tried to address this in my previous post, but the 10 minute edit option already expired.

If you can treat RI with that confidence and ease, then good for you.
Not everyone finds RI an easy illness to treat. Why else would there be "Been treating my snake for RI for months" type of posts?

OP: If you're not comfortable or confident enough to deal with a possible RI, it wouldn't hurt to get a professional opinion.
But in the end it's your decision ultimately on what you want to do. If you want to wait, no body is stopping you.

I'm gonna keep my nose out of this argument, but I'm sorry to hear your little guy might have an RI. I'm new, and I have little experience, but my cautious nature has served me well in all other areas of life- I'd take him to a vet, if just to get him looked over since he's new.

Sadly a "general check up" from a vet is going to be just as good as a general check up from someone from a decent reptile shop. Although- I fail to see the point of getting a snake a "vet checkup" for a new arrival. Seems silly.

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Originally Posted by MMReptiles

Sadly a "general check up" from a vet is going to be just as good as a general check up from someone from a decent reptile shop. Although- I fail to see the point of getting a snake a "vet checkup" for a new arrival. Seems silly.

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But it wouldn't be just a general check up.....
While I don't take my healthy snakes to the vet for no reason, I wouldn't call this situation a 'no reason'.
Seems like a responsible act to take the snake to the vet because it was in poor conditions and is wheezing. Whether the wheezing is from stuck shed or RI, we don't know yet.

Well, Monty went to the vet. Totally healthy. Only cost 50 bucks. Doctor said I was probably just hearing him sniff things or perhaps he did have a piece of shed near his nose. Glad that I ended up thinking it was nothing before I took him in, so my diagnosis was right. But also glad that, as a new owner, I was cautious and took him in anyway. Turns out Monty is a pretty decent sized boy - 635 grams. Definitely gonna' have to find him a lady-friend before the breeding season is over. Gonna' let him rest up tonight and tomorrow and then feed in on Friday night.

I'm glad to here you decided to take him in and that everything turned out for the best. :D $50 isn't so bad for the peace of mind you now have knowing that he is healthy. As to the wheezing sound you hear sometimes, I just thought I would chime in that I have a normal male that was a petstore rescue who squeak/wheezes whenever I have him out of his enclosure. That is the only time he does it however. He's been to the vet and there is absolutely nothing wrong with him, he's just a vocal little guy. He clambers up to my ear and squeaks for me sometimes...it's just how he is. I've had him for over two years now and he's literally done it from day one. If your little Monty has been cleared, I'd chalk the sound up to some stuck shed or just his way of "communicating". You won't hear them sniffing...since they smell with their tongue. ;)

Just out of curiosity, did the vet open his mouth to look at his mouth and trachea? It seems a bit strange that he would say something like you could hear them "sniffing". :/ Also, did you get him sexed while you were there? I remember that you had mentioned wanting to get that done as well.