Vets are expensive

[SPJ]

Just this week alone for one snake I have spent the following.

Exam Fee from first vet = $90 (claimed it was an emergency because I did not have an appoitment and asked to come in that day).
Exam Fee from second vet = $60
X-ray = $99.50
Enema = $35
Fecal = $25
Hazardous waste disposal charge = $7
Sexing = $0 (WOW, a freebie service).
Grand total so far $316.50

Still have not been able to help the snake.

Now I need and ultrasound for $495 which is completely overpriced IMO to determine if the blockage is attached to any internal organs along with another $60 exam fee (just rob me blind why don't you).
If, and that is a big if, there is nothing attached to the blockage, they can surgically remove it for another $820.

I may have to put her down. I don't think I can raise the money needed and right now I am out of cash so I can't continue bringing her in.

Here is what the blockage looks like.

[lord jackel]

WOW...that sucks. It sounds like they think they have a sucker on their hands and are just racking you over the coals.


Did you ever try the oil tube feeding thing you were going to do?

[gncz73]

i hate to sound cruel or anything. but you might want to but it down.

[mlededee]

are you close to a university or veterinary school? sometimes they will take on cases like yours either for free or a much reduced fee because they can learn and gain experience by working with your animal.

[SPJ]

Did you ever try the oil tube feeding thing you were going to do?

Yes. No results.

[nebby3103]

It does sound like you're been raked over the coals. You've already done more than I'd be able to monetarily. Good luck.

[SPJ]

are you close to a university or veterinary school? sometimes they will take on cases like yours either for free or a much reduced fee because they can learn and gain experience by working with your animal.

Already tried. There is a vet by UConn at Storrs. Wants even MORE money and it is way too far to travel.

There is also only one board certified exotic specialist in the state that can do the ultrasound and surgery so she charges outrageous amounts since she has no competition.

[nebby3103]

are you close to a university or veterinary school? sometimes they will take on cases like yours either for free or a much reduced fee because they can learn and gain experience by working with your animal.

I go to Purdue University. I wanted them to do a necropsy on a snake of mine that died inexplicably a couple of years ago. I called up to see if they would take the snake and do it for free. I didn't even want to know the results, I just figured someone could learn from it. They weren't too kind. 'Give us $50 or go away.'

[mlededee]

wow, that's unfortunate. i've heard pretty good things about several universities helping people's animals out but i guess that's not always the case.

[wolfy-hound]

UF here in Florida charges. Sometimes they will let the students do minor procedures and not charge for that.
Vets cost. Exotics vets cost more. It's a specialized service and they have a lot of expense to work, especially the vet school fees.
That said, those charges DO sound high, but I am charged a $45 exam fee, and only a little lower charges for the other procedures(I haven't had all done, I just was asking them about the costs) BUT.... but the vet didn't impress me with any reptile knowledge at all. She had to look in the mouth TWICE to see mouthrot, which is WHAT I BROUGHT the snake in for.
When it comes to a good exotic vet, you'll pay through the nose. Part of the price of keeping exotics. UF prices are closer to what you mentioned, but not quite that high. But at least I know the vets ARE exotic trained and experianced.\
The LAST vet I needed baytril for, I took a cinnamon in, and they didn't mention he was odd colored, didn't mention he was underweight, and didn't open his mouth(apparently they are amazed that I can!!) and had to LOOK IT UP in the reptile vet medicine book(an old one even!) to see what antibiotic to give me. I had told him "He has mouthrot, and I need Baytril" and still had to suffer through all the garbage when they had no clue as to what was wrong, or even what species I think. But eventually I got my baytril, and he's well recovered.