This doesn't look right, I need help (please look)

[Dianna]

UPDATE!

I brought my BP to the vet this morning, he confirmed that my baby does in fact have an infection going on in his vent. In his opinion, the infection was caused by trauma, which is visible at the vent opening. He said that due to the time-line I provided, it is very likely the trauma came from the probing by my previous vet. He went on to explain that snakes show their medical issues very slowly, so it does make sense that the infection could turn up a month after the probing.

My vet warned me that there is a possibility of further damages inside his vent that he is currently unable to see due to the fact that his vent is puffy and obviously irritated. He felt that attempting to "dig around" inside his vent would only cause more damage and trauma.

He prescribed an antibiotic (Baytril) to clear things up and requested I bring my snake back after the 21 day prescription for further inspection of his vent area. In addition to the Baytril, my vet recommended a 10 minute warm bath (85-90F) daily if my snake will tolerate it. He also taught me how to feel for backed up waste just in case my snake is unable to relieve himself.

I'm very distraught by the thought of my previous vet hurting my snake. Towards the end of the visit, she made it rather obvious to me that she was lacking experience in snakes. Unfortunately, by that point the probing was already over with. I immediately felt foolish for trusting her.

I am considering contacting the previous vet and informing them of the issue my snake is having, and respectfully requesting a refund of the 50+ dollars I was charged for the probing.

How would you handle this situation? I don't feel I'd be unreasonable for requesting a refund, but I would really like to hear some feedback from you folks. Thanks in advance

[kc261]

I don't think it would be unreasonable to ask for a refund AND the expenses you are now incurring at the new vet due to the old vet's incompetence.

Even if you decide not to ask for a refund, please do contact the old vet and let her know what is going on. You might save another snake from the same experience.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

$50.00 for a probing??? Wow. You should learn how to do it yourself for future knowledge. The owner will always be more careful and gentle (I would hope anyway).

I would ask for a refund. See if your new vet can print up something saying the most likely cause was trauma to the vent area.

Follow your vets instructions and an added safety measure would be to rub a tiny bit of bacitracin on the area once or twice a day.

Sometimes a breeding male can get a red and irritated vent. This always clears it right up for me.

[itskrystle]

If it were me, I would certainly be calling the original vet back and letting her know what is going on. She should not be probing anymore snakes if she doesn't know the proper way to do it. I would also be asking for a refund. I wouldn't expect to get my money back, but it doesn't hurt to ask. I would also post a detailed online review, if possible. That might prevent some others from having the same problem. I always like to read reviews before using a particular business, I'm sure others do too. I hope your little guy is feeling better soon.

[Moofins07]

Ooh, that irks me. You would think people would be aware of their inability to work in a certain field. ESPECIALLY if it's dealing with other living things. This is ridiculous.

I love horses. Absolutely love them. But not to DEATH. Basically saying, I know very little of horse anatomy, nutrition, dental hygiene, etc. So what part of that makes me qualified to be an equine veterinarian?

Sounds to me like she needs to go back to school. That, or find a new career.


Edit: Geez, that was rude of me... I meant to say this: I really, really sincerely hope the Baytril works and he starts feeling better. Keep us posted, and DEFINITELY look into getting your expenses paid for. This never would have happened if she was qualified and knew what she was doing.

[singingtothewheat]

I don't think it would be unreasonable to ask for a refund AND the expenses you are now incurring at the new vet due to the old vet's incompetence.

Even if you decide not to ask for a refund, please do contact the old vet and let her know what is going on. You might save another snake from the same experience.

I agree completely. I would send a copy of any report from your vet now. If she is hesitant I would proceed by taking her to small claims court.

[singingtothewheat]

Ooh, that irks me. You would think people would be aware of their inability to work in a certain field. ESPECIALLY if it's dealing with other living things. This is ridiculous.

I love horses. Absolutely love them. But not to DEATH. Basically saying, I know very little of horse anatomy, nutrition, dental hygiene, etc. So what part of that makes me qualified to be an equine veterinarian?

Sounds to me like she needs to go back to school. That, or find a new career.


Edit: Geez, that was rude of me... I meant to say this: I really, really sincerely hope the Baytril works and he starts feeling better. Keep us posted, and DEFINITELY look into getting your expenses paid for. This never would have happened if she was qualified and knew what she was doing.

I agree completely. This vet should know her limitations and obviously thought it was a buck. SHAME ON HER!


Also, do some reading on baytril. It's been awhile but I think you need to make sure your snake stays well hydrated to avoid any kidney problems

[Elise.m]

Gosh that is so terrible! Glad you caught it though. I would get in contact with the previous vet and let her know what is going on. Like itskrystle said, I would ask for my money back, but wouldn't expect to get it back.

I'm glad you found a new vet. Hope the snake feels better soon! He's in good hands!

[BPelizabeth]

Wow...well Im glad that you found a good vet. This one sounds like they totally know what they are doing. I hope that it is just an infection from trauma and there is no other problems.

I would maybe use your pics and ask for a time to just speak with the vet in person. I know that sometimes that is a little uncomfortable....but in person is sometimes better. Present your case and see what happens. If they have integrity...they will admitt it could of been their fault. But I find that more and more rare these days unfortunately.

Either way...good luck and good job on catching that.

[BPsRule]

Not only should you get a refund from the old vet but they should also pay for all the costs from the current vet as well! If they don't agree to this then take them to court for sure. Hopefully it doesn't have to go that far, but if it does, maybe you can ask your current vet if they'll testify on your behalf and they can provide as much documentation as possible to prove it was the old vet that caused this.