Behira - 2016 Female Ivory Ghost - First BCI

[dakski]

Little hisses are just one letter away from little kisses, lol...not a crime. If it wasn't for the fact that a snake has a medical problem, it's almost fun to take a snake
in to be seen by a vet- the whole staff is usually mesmerized by a pretty & docile snake, at least that's been my experience.

I can bet the vet was happy about Yafe...you can BOTH take lots of credit for pulling him thru tough times.

Sadly, the vet LOVES seeing my animals. Too often, they see animals when it is too late.

Precaution, preparation, and education, are better than a sick animal any day. However, as we saw with Yafe, and it happens, it's not always "User Error." Animals get sick. Very important for keepers to realize that reptiles, similar to dogs and cats, tend not to show symptoms as a survival mechanism. It's worse with reptiles though, because they don't interact the same way and can hide it better in many ways.

I have zero regrets about being overly cautious with Behira. Rather have peace of mind than a really sick animal. As I learned with Yafe, sick equals angst, money, and oh, did I mention money?

I do believe that 90% of healthy reptiles is proper temp, humidity, enclosure, food/diet, and cleanliness.

Luckily there are sites like this one that help people learn from others.

Thank you on the comment on Yafe. Many people do not think reptile vets/exotic vets know what they are talking about. In many cases, I think that is true, but I am very comfortable with my vet and my knowledge. We make it a team effort and discussion in treatment and I feel they are very thorough. Expensive, yes, but in this case, I think I get what I pay for. My quick action (if I can toot my own horn a little) and the vets thoroughness and knowledge of appropriate treatments, no doubt, saved Yafe's life. So happy to see him so happy and healthy, even though he is a little "hisser." . I'll take all hiss and no bite any day.

That's great news dave
So pleased to hear all the results was clear
I think behira is allowed to hiss when they they take blood, bless her

Hopefully she will be back to a regular shed cycle now


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Touché rich. She absolutely has a right to be annoyed and hiss when they take blood.

Studies have shown that taking blood directly from the heart is the safest way with snakes. They did that with Behira and the same thing with Shayna a couple of years ago when I was afraid she was getting an RI. With Shayna, it turned out to be stuck shed (in her nostril) that we couldn't see and cleared in the next shed. The blood test with her showed normal blood counts so we didn't worry.

The main risk for taking blood this way is that it takes a few days to clot and therefore no food should be given for 3-4 days so the heart can completely heal. Feeding and having a food item go down the hatch and by the heart could cause a blood clot to break off. However, after 4 days, there is no added risk. Behira eats Sunday, so that will be 6 days.

The main advantage is that one stick does it and you aren't risking hitting things that are important.

Regarding the shedding, I will keep everyone posted. However, looking much better at the moment. She is also using both warm and cool sides of her tank again. Going back, when I saw her soak, that might have been because of the skin irritation. Haven't seen her do that either of late.