Questions for the vet?

[Texas Dan]

Hey Guys and Gals,

Tonight I'm taking Vincent Vega to the vet for the first time since i've had him. Just a check-up really. I don't think there's much wrong with my python, but I was wondering..

What kind of questions do you guys think I should ask my vet? Are there certain important things I should have him/her check for?

I hope I don't get any bad news while I'm there, but I don't think I will.

Thanks,
Dan

[dr del]

Hi,

Just the usual q's maybe?

Have you already had it sexed? Might be worth asking if the vet can do it and even if they would be willing to teach you?

I'm not sure on the source of your snook but maybe getting a fecal done just to reassure yourself no nasties are lurking?

Make sure to take the records in with you ( or read them beforehand) as the vet may ask you more questions than you ask them.

Best of luck.


dr del

[Texas Dan]

Hi,

Just the usual q's maybe?

Have you already had it sexed? Might be worth asking if the vet can do it and even if they would be willing to teach you?

I'm not sure on the source of your snook but maybe getting a fecal done just to reassure yourself no nasties are lurking?

Make sure to take the records in with you ( or read them beforehand) as the vet may ask you more questions than you ask them.

Best of luck.


dr del

Thanks Dr. Del.

I went in and received a clean bill of health. He gave the snake a complete once over, eyes, inside his mouth, bottom of his scales, his weight, etc.. Said he looked good, he asked me a ton of question about his husbandry.

It was pretty much a reassurance visit, because as far as I can tell, i'm doing everything exactly right. I was kinda nervous because I heard about people going to vets that don't really handle reptiles, but this Dr. knew a ton about snakes. Even has a few of his own.

He didn't sex the snake, he asked me if I wanted to and I said it wasn't really important to me, because he's not going to be a breeder. The vet said that was cool because he doesn't like to sex them. He knew how, and had the tool to do it, but I understand, I wouldn't want to stick a probe up the snakes hole and maybe hurt the guy.

I have a 136g 22" long ball python.

[kc261]

I'm not sure on the source of your snook but maybe getting a fecal done just to reassure yourself no nasties are lurking?

What's a snook?

[dr del]

What's a snook?

What?!?!?

You don't have any pet names for the lil wrigglers?

My aunt started that one - every time I see her she asks "how's the snooks?" and I guess it just kind of stuck.

Glad to hear everything turned out fine with your snake ( ) but for anyone reading this in the future the probe when sexing doesn't go up any holes (p.s. OWWW!! ) - it actually goes down towards the tip of the tail. And if you don't know what your doing do not try it till someone who knows teaches you as it is definately possible to hurt the snake and cause serious problems.

It's no biggie if you don't want to know the sex of your new friend I just thought it was a nice skill to learn if you get the chance.

I'm also glad you passed the husbandry exam.


dr del

[TanyaL]

I think I would have passed on the probing part too if the vet said he is not comfortable doing it. And, if you don't intend to breed and it's not an issue for you, whats the big deal, right?

Glad you got a clean bill of health, too! I just did the same a few weeks ago and went through the same thing....tons of questions and a lengthy exam for the bp. Nothing better than a clean bill of health!

[frankykeno]

Glad to hear the snake received a good checkup. I would agree, vet or not, if the person isn't confident in their ability to probe or pop the snake, then pass it by. As a pet snake, knowing it's gender may not be important to you and in the end, male or female the care requirements are the same anyways.

It might be a good idea, just as a back up and especially if you bought this snake from a pet store, to ask your vet to do a quick fecal float the next time you can collect a fecal sample. Some vet clinics can do it while you wait (the vet techs do it, not the vet), you don't have to bring in the snake of course and it usually costs about $30 or less. This can help rule out any issues with internal parasite loads which some imported snakes will have, especially those coming out of less than stellar pet shops.