Average vet costs?

[Emily Hubbard]

Hey again. My snake is currently perfectly healthy to the best of my knowledge, but I want to start setting aside an emergency fund for if an illness ever arises. But I have absolutely no idea what the average costs are to treat a snake.

I have finally found a vet under 2 hours away. That is great for me. So, I was wondering if you all could maybe share with me the vet costs you have had to pay to treat your snakes. I know they are highly variable from location to location, but I just want some kind of general idea, if you don't mind sharing, costs associated with treating:

A general check up
RI
Kidney/ urinary infection
Thermal burn
Any other incidents you have had treated

I really appreciate it. Just looking for a good amount to set aside, just incase. If my snake gets sick, I never want to be financially unable to treat her.

[purplemuffin]

Our only exotic vet charges 60 dollars for the basic check up/consultation fee. Only 15 to take in a fecal sample alone though!

When our leopard gecko had some pretty bad injuries (after an escape that let her get into a giant males cage) including a possibly broken leg we took her to the vet--we got an xray, 3 injections, and some take home meds for 130 dollars or so. It was worth it. She healed perfectly, had no infections, and even her leg which the vet claimed may be unusable permanently has healed! Yay!

We haven't had to do anything more than fecals and basic check up for our ball python, so I can't help out on any other costs there.

[Royal Hijinx]

I had a lip wound on my boa looked at with 5 injections (I did them myself) and ointment, for in the neighborhood of $100. This was about 5 years ago. Only time I have needed to take a snake to the vet.

[snakesonaplane]

From what I've seen and researched in my area, vet costs seem to range $40-60 per initial visit and a further $10-20 for any further tests needed (depending on test). Personally, I am experienced in a lab environment and I know how to do fecal samples, but unfortunately I would still have to visit the vet to get any meds (that, or buy them online). It might be cheaper to buy meds like Baytril online instead of paying for the initial visit...but if you misdiagnose your python, the meds can be harmful or useless. What I am personally going to do, when I start building my collection a bit more, is research and buy all my meds/necessities online (F10 disinfectant for mild RIs, Baytril for severe, etc) to avoid vet visits and be overall self-reliant. I hate paying anyone for something that I can do myself, for cheaper; vets, however, are definitely required when you're at a loss.

I'd say stock up on what you need now and only worry with the vet if you're unsure about treatment or in case of emergency. Money saved is money earned

[CoolioTiffany]

My vet charges $60 for the visit. For a 14 day/2 week treatment with injections (RI), it costs something around $40-$50 I believe. A culture is $120 I think..

[Annarose15]

Hey again. My snake is currently perfectly healthy to the best of my knowledge, but I want to start setting aside an emergency fund for if an illness ever arises. But I have absolutely no idea what the average costs are to treat a snake.

I have finally found a vet under 2 hours away. That is great for me.

If you found a good vet, give them a call and explain this to them. Let them know you are not trying to price shop, but just get a general idea of potential charges for planning purposes. They should be willing to tell you ballpark costs for different tests and meds - just don't expect them to get too specific because they will be concerned someone might treat it like a contract instead of an estimate.

[L.West]

Fortunately, I have never had any of my snakes get RI. But I did have many vet bills from my male Mojave. He had problems stemming from a prolapsed hemipene. If this ever happens to one of your snakes - please have it addressed by a vet to save yourself lots of grief and money.

I have spent over $1,300 over the past year trying to rectify this problem because the previous owner let it go too long.

My vet charges about $75 for office call, $28 for a fecal float. Basically, you can expect to shell out about $150-$200 for a vet visit in my experience.

[WingedWolfPsion]

I would say that if you save $200 away, you should have most common things covered.

[Emily Hubbard]

Thank you everyone! This has been very helpful! And LWest, your problem sounds terrible Fortunately, my snake cannot get a prolapsed hemipene because she has lady snake parts, but that is just awful. Your poor snake and your poor wallet.

I think I will put away about $250 in an emergency fund. Gotta include the gas to get there since it's not exactly around the corner. And just hope and pray I don't get a $1,300 emergency, I don't know what I would do.

[Skittles1101]

I know my vet costs about $65 just to see the reptile for a "check-up". They charge an additional $20 for fecal tests. I remember the meds I bought for my male normal who had pinworms was about $25. For other illnesses like RIs, if they are doing the injections you'll get charged the fee to see the animal every time you go, if you choose to do the injections then you'd just pay for the initial visit and then for the medication. Always leave room for follow-up exams too. Knock on wood, I haven't had any illness yet so I can't be too much help