Friends ~

It has been another very busy week working with Nico and her deteriorating state of health.

Last week I became concerned that Nico’s infection was getting progressively worse. Initially she exhibited a few areas where her scales looked irritated, but over the course of daily soaks, injections and cream, she had more and more fluid filled blisters and a great deal of more blood coming in to her blisters.

I called the vet on Tuesday and requested that she be seen as I felt that her condition was continuing to decline. I also wanted to confirm that Nico was going blue and inquiring as to whether this was a positive sign of impending recovery.

The tech who I spoke with placed me on hold then returned to the line after what seemed like quite a while. I was informed that another DVM at the practice had reviewed Nico’s case and photos, and determined that she in fact had a thermal burn and not an infection.

I asked how that determination could be made without this vet treating or seeing Nico? I also questioned why the hospital had not called me once a different diagnosis was made? (Long story)

I then scheduled an appointment to see the vet who treated Nico, but was told that his wife had just had a baby, so I would have to wait until Saturday when he would be in…grrrrr. They would not allow me to see the other vet who altered the diagnosis, because Dr. C was the vet who responsible for her care. I was further annoyed.

Needless to say, I was very upset when I checked on Nico this morning to find her full of bloody blisters. I called the vet and let them know that I wanted them to look at Nico immediately. Once I got there, they began the process of discussing what the treatment plan would cost, and asked me if I wanted to apply for care credit.

I became very agitated by this point because it appeared to me that this vet was more focused on getting paid than Nico’s care. I finally said to his staff “We have spent that last 20 minutes discussing payment options and no time discussing Nico or her failing health.” The bottom line is that I paid them quite a bit of money last week and they seemed to really want to stick with me with another big bill. I refused. I explained to them that Nico was improperly diagnosed. That she was assessed by a second provider and I was never notified. I also made it clear that although I understand that this vet is a professional with personal obligations, the clinic had an obligation to ensure that Nico’s medical needs were met, regardless.

This is a very large organization with a dozen veterinarians, so I don’t feel that Nico’s care should be impacted because her case manager is away from the clinic. I found it interesting that once I told them that they could refer me out to another clinic, they quickly decided that the bill was less important than Nico. So, they gave me a new antibiotic which is much more powerful, and I am continuing the current treatment plan she is on.

The miraculous news is that when I got her home, I gave her 2 injections of 2 different antibiotics. I let her rest for a while, because I can imagine that all of this has to be stressful on her. But later this evening I took a peek at her, and she was shedding and she looks tremendously better.

It’s like a miracle….I don’t know if this would of happened anyway because of the shed or if the new, powerful antibiotic really started working immediately. Either way, I was thrilled to see some progress is the right direction. I will continue monitor her, but for the first time since this whole ordeal, I feel like we’re moving in the right direction.

I’m pleased that I waged my concerns about Nico’s care, and I am thrilled that she looks better after the shed. My prayer is that we have finally reversed course and we are finial on the road to recovery.

I want to that everyone who has supported us through this journey. Your kind words and remarkable insight have been extremely helpful, especially when it came to knowing when to call the vet a second time.

Nico is such an integral part of this family and to see her suffering is just more than an of us can bear. Nico’s temperament has been wonderful, and although I think all of the handling, soaking, shots and strangers would be stressful for a snake, she has remained just as sweet, playful and gentle as always.

I still rock her in my arms most nights and she still lay’s her head on my shoulder and goes to sleep….my baby…. Even the vet and his team kept saying, ‘she’s is such a sweetheart, she is wonderful to work with...she’s really has a connection with you.” Yes she does, and that’s why I’m not messing around with this clinic. In the end, they did the right thing.