Interesting comment from the vet.

[Seru1]

Talked to the vet I use for my cats and dog. And he offered up a little reptile advice that didn't seem right. He doesn't practice on reptiles but he said he likes to study about them. Still this didn't seem to jive with what I know.


He said you should dust the mouse with vitamin A before feeding because RI was caused by a lack of Vitamin A and sunlight. As well as poor temps and other bacteria.


I know the temps part is right but I have never heard of dusting mice with vitamins. and I know BP's atleast are nocturnal so they really have no need for light.


I don't think he's right but I was just interested in seeing what everyone else thought.

[dembonez]

Talked to the vet I use for my cats and dog. And he offered up a little reptile advice that didn't seem right. He doesn't practice on reptiles but he said he likes to study about them. Still this didn't seem to jive with what I know.


He said you should dust the mouse with vitamin A before feeding because RI was caused by a lack of Vitamin A and sunlight. As well as poor temps and other bacteria.


I know the temps part is right but I have never heard of dusting mice with vitamins. and I know BP's atleast are nocturnal so they really have no need for light.


I don't think he's right but I was just interested in seeing what everyone else thought.

umm i disagree with him that doesn't seem to make sense imo

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

BPs have no requirement for UV rays. You are right about it not sounding right. You should never have a sick snake as long as its husbandry is correct. They get all the vitamins they need from the rodents they eat. Your vet need to study a little more lol

[mlededee]

Diurnal reptiles like lizards and tortoises can suffer from vitamin A (and other vitamin) deficiencies and also UV deficiencies (which usually manifest themselves as nutritional deficiencies from not being able to absorb vitamins and nutrients properly without proper UVB/UVA) if not provided with the proper care and lighting, but the same does not apply to ball pythons and most nocturnal reptiles.

[Seru1]

BPs have no requirement for UV rays. You are right about it not sounding right. You should never have a sick snake as long as its husbandry is correct. They get all the vitamins they need from the rodents they eat. Your vet need to study a little more lol

Yeah I told him rodents provide a complete diet for snakes, but I was trying to be nice because he's a nice old man.

Still it made me glad I have a separate knowledgeable reptile vet 20 miles from me.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

He doesn't practice on reptiles but he said he likes to study about them.

Well tell him to keep studying

[Seru1]

Well tell him to keep studying

Your a mindreader I made the same joke when I was telling my roomate

[qiksilver]

I think some of these comments are unfair. I know breeders that supplement their rats before feeding them to their boas. It's not like he telling you you're negligent for not doing it. He probably just read something about hypovitaminosis A and thought he was offering helpful advice. Besides Emily, some snakes are diurnal!

[Seru1]

I think some of these comments are unfair. I know breeders that supplement their rats before feeding them to their boas. It's not like he telling you you're negligent for not doing it. He probably just read something about hypovitaminosis A and thought he was offering helpful advice. Besides Emily, some snakes are diurnal!

I did of course thank him for his advice, if I thought it was total bunk I would not have asked people here for there thoughts would I?

He's a good vet and a smart man.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I think some of these comments are unfair. I know breeders that supplement their rats before feeding them to their boas. It's not like he telling you you're negligent for not doing it. He probably just read something about hypovitaminosis A and thought he was offering helpful advice. Besides Emily, some snakes are diurnal!

I highly doubt the OP is going to go back and tell the vet he doesnt know what he is talking about and that he should keep studying. Yes many of us suppliment our rodents. Those of us who breed our own usually give them extra treats and change up their diet both for the rodents AND for the snakes that eat them. You are right that is is not harmful advice from the vet. It really isnt plausible at all tho. Would your BP eat anything that was dusted with something which smells nothing like a rodent? This would change everything about the rodent. The smell, texture, taste. This is why it is silly advice. The better thing would be to say suppliment the rodents with vitamins. If he gives this advice to other nocturnal snake owners, people who know no better will try it. Then they will most likely have snakes refusing their food. Its not like dipping a rodent in chicken broth.