Vet Visit

[Mike41793]

Nah when they look at me funny i put them in timeout...

[heathers*bps]

One person who took the time to think and evaluate all pieces of information over 5 people who like to jump the gun with no information and praise vets? I fail to see how this is a relevant piece of information. Then again, you probably take all of your animals every time they look at you funny, for no reason at all Makes perfect sense.

Nope, I've never dealt with RI's in any of my ball pythons. We've had a few burms and retics that we rescued have RI's though. Oh, and also a gaboon.

I'm also going thru school to receive my Associates in Science for Veterinary Technician. Thanks for giving me a chance to share my credentials

[MMReptiles]

Nope, I've never dealt with RI's in any of my ball pythons. We've had a few burms and retics that we rescued have RI's though. Oh, and also a gaboon.

I'm also going thru school to receive my Associates in Science for Veterinary Technician. Thanks for giving me a chance to share my credentials

Oh goody do I get to share mine?! I've never had one of my personal pets have one either. I've treated many many many species with RIs, from corns to monitors and everything in between. Oh, and to throw it out there just for giggles- I've gone through several vet classes and worked alongside vets. I also have served as the "go-to" guy for many of the local shops and keepers here when it comes to diagnosing and treating simple things such as RIs.

I can't say I can amputate a leg, do surgery, or xrays, but an RI is beyond simple for most keepers, and I have never had a case I couldn't treat with at home measures when it comes to an RI.

[satomi325]

One person who took the time to think and evaluate all pieces of information over 5 people who like to jump the gun with no information and praise vets? I fail to see how this is a relevant piece of information. Then again, you probably take all of your animals every time they look at you funny, for no reason at all Makes perfect sense.

Its a new snake. It doesn't hurt to take it to the vet. On top of things, it wasn't in the best environment. A vet check can give the OP a peace of mind.

I have never had any of my personal snakes get RI. Apparently I've been doing something right. I have, however, taken rescues in to treat for RI. Baytril was not prescribed for some of them, while it was for one. And the Baytril wasn't even effective for that snake, while all the others healed up fine. I treated it for months with proper husbandry before getting a proper culture. And guess what? It cleared up in a week or two from the correct set of antibiotics that target that particular bacterial infection.

May I ask how your animals got RI? It sounds like you have treated quite a number of critters. (Edit: nm)

And if the OP takes his snake to the vet and the snake doesn't have RI, then it doesn't have RI. Better safe than sorry. Better than leaving the snake untreated and getting worse IF it does have a case of RI.

OP: does your snake have any mucous in it's mouth? But MMreptiles did have a point with stuck shed.

Here's my credentials : Biologist Pre-vet who has done surgeries and major vet work. I work in a stem cell research laboratory.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[BWyant]

Children,

You're not helping any more...

If I wanna' watch Jerry Springer, I'll change the channel to Springer.

[el8ch]

So here it is. You need to work within your own skillsets and knowledge base.

If you are knowledgable enough to accurately diagnose and treat an illness, do it. If you are not knowledgable enough to accurately diagnose and treat an illness, let a pro do it.

OP: If you feel that there is a problem with your snake that you cannot handle on your own seek professional help. Hope your little guy gets better soon.

[satomi325]

I can't say I can amputate a leg, do surgery, or xrays, but an RI is beyond simple for most keepers, and I have never had a case I couldn't treat with at home measures when it comes to an RI.

I tried to address this in my previous post, but the 10 minute edit option already expired.

If you can treat RI with that confidence and ease, then good for you.
Not everyone finds RI an easy illness to treat. Why else would there be "Been treating my snake for RI for months" type of posts?

OP: If you're not comfortable or confident enough to deal with a possible RI, it wouldn't hurt to get a professional opinion.
But in the end it's your decision ultimately on what you want to do. If you want to wait, no body is stopping you.

[foxoftherose]

I'm gonna keep my nose out of this argument, but I'm sorry to hear your little guy might have an RI. I'm new, and I have little experience, but my cautious nature has served me well in all other areas of life- I'd take him to a vet, if just to get him looked over since he's new.

[MMReptiles]

Sadly a "general check up" from a vet is going to be just as good as a general check up from someone from a decent reptile shop. Although- I fail to see the point of getting a snake a "vet checkup" for a new arrival. Seems silly.

[satomi325]

Sadly a "general check up" from a vet is going to be just as good as a general check up from someone from a decent reptile shop. Although- I fail to see the point of getting a snake a "vet checkup" for a new arrival. Seems silly.

But it wouldn't be just a general check up.....
While I don't take my healthy snakes to the vet for no reason, I wouldn't call this situation a 'no reason'.
Seems like a responsible act to take the snake to the vet because it was in poor conditions and is wheezing. Whether the wheezing is from stuck shed or RI, we don't know yet.