Be loyal to your snake...not your Vet

[Big Gunns]

Your snake is 100% dependent on you for it's well being. You need to do the right thing for it.

Let BG ask you all a question. Would you take your kid that has heart problems to a foot doctor? Just because someone is a Vet, it doesn't mean they know ANYTHING ABOUT REPTILES. In most cases(and BG really means "most") Vets know less than you about your reptile. Although that may seem hard to believe, after hearing hundreds of stories over the years, Big Gunns is convinced it's true. A reptile requires totally different care than a mammal.

Big Gunns has been telling people over and over to go to a "Qualified Vet" and it occurred to BG. How can someone easily tell with a phone call.

Big Gunns could come up with a hundred funny things to say, and maybe later in the thread he will, but for now we'll give good advice.

Ask the doctor if they have ever treated a reptile with Fortaz(Ceftazidime). If they haven't, or never heard of it, they're not qualified.

Ask the doctor how big your Ball Python, and your Burmese Python will get. Even if you don't have them...ask anyway. A qualified Vet will know.

Ask a trick question. Can you feed your Ball Python Rabbits when it becomes an adult.

Ask the doctor why your snake has a forked tongue.

Ask the doctor if your Ball Python can kill your kid or eat your dog.

Ask the doctor if it's ok to cool your Python to hibernate it like in the wild. Trick question of course.

Big Gunns has got to run, but he's sure everyone can think of some good questions to ask. Simply asking if they have ever treated a reptile is not good enough. Most Vets aren't dumb....if someone brings money to their practice(a snake) they're gonna do their best.

Most people have a Vet for their dog/cat, so it's easy to just go to that Vet. It's the worst thing you can do for your reptile.

FIND A QUALIFIED VETERINARIAN!!!! Big Gunns can't emphasize this enough.

[rabernet]

Excellent post, BG! When I first got into ball pythons, I started researching for exotics vets, and I made inquiries to my local herp society as well as to the Atlanta Zoo Reptile department asking for their recommendations on a vet in my area. All of my replies led me back to one particular veterinarian who only treats exotics. Knock wood, I've not had to use him, but you can bet he's programmed into my phone. I know that Trey (mxrider42) has used him and is very impressed with him and the care his animals have received.

[CoolioTiffany]

BG made a very good thread, but forgot to add something.

Before you EVER purchase a reptile, always make sure there is a qualified vet in your area, but if you just purchase a reptile without doing so, and it gets sick, you may find yourself driving a few hours just to get to a qualified vet.

[Danounet]

So Mr. BG why does your snake have a forked tongue?

[Vypyrz]

Good point and post. At least find out what your vets capabilities are. In my area, most of the vets won't even see reptiles, but two of them will, as long as the animal isn't over 7 ft, and they are honest up front about what they can do. Physicals, fecal exams, RI's, and minor scale rot. Anything bigger or more in-depth then they recommend the exotic animal hospital about 2 hours away...


Rob

[Mike Schultz]

But I took a combined bird and ferret course for extra credit hours! I'm a qualified exotics vet now!

Also, if you can't find a qualified vet, the next best thing you can do is go to a knowledgable breeder. If your snake has mites, suspected inclusions, or an RI, go right on up and plop it down on their tables and ask for help and they should be sure to give you some great advice.

[Darkice]

So Mr. BG why does your snake have a forked tongue?

Snakes have a forked tongue so they can lick both their eyes at the same time. Geckos can only lick one. Its Evolution.

[dr del]

Umm,

Ask a trick question. Can you feed your Ball Python Rabbits when it becomes an adult.

Are you sure that's a trick question?


dr del

[2kdime]

The treating with Ceftazidime is a GREAT question.

[BPelizabeth]

awesome post!! I am sure you have heard horror stories!!

I would also like to add that you can also check with your local breeder (if you have one) to see who they use. Good thing to do...check the vet out BEFORE you need them. Most vets will give you a free consultation to "talk" to them prior to comitting to a "relationship" so to speak.