Silvergrin
01-11-2008, 03:57 PM
Hey all,
I don't have any particular problems at the moment, but I was reading about worms and fecals and whatnot. I've never had one done on my snakes, and I figure maybe I ought to, if they're not too expensive. I think I read a quote of $15 each somewhere? That sounds quite doable :) I also have access to decent microscopes. Are they easy to do yourself, or do they require expertise/special stains?
Also, I'm wondering how to find a decent vet, just in case I should need one sometime. How do I find a good one? Are there any particular buzzwords or search terms that are commonly used with snakes? Is there such a thing as a reptile, or even snake, specialist, or is it all just "exotics"? Are there any specific questions you'd ask beyond the obvious, like "have you treated many snakes?" Maybe some specific questions about how they'd deal with ___ to see if they know their stuff?
Sorry if this puts anyone off, but I've had some very mixed experiences with vets. Sometimes they don't seem to consider what stress and invasive procedures can do to an animal... for example, a snake with a minor RI that's feeding well; would you a) give antibiotic injections b) give oral antibiotics with a mouse or c) try to raise temps, humidity, etc and see if the snake improves on its own? Having done A and C, I'd go with C first, A last... :shrugs:
Anyone in the champaign/urbana area can recommend a good snake vet I'd be grateful!
I don't have any particular problems at the moment, but I was reading about worms and fecals and whatnot. I've never had one done on my snakes, and I figure maybe I ought to, if they're not too expensive. I think I read a quote of $15 each somewhere? That sounds quite doable :) I also have access to decent microscopes. Are they easy to do yourself, or do they require expertise/special stains?
Also, I'm wondering how to find a decent vet, just in case I should need one sometime. How do I find a good one? Are there any particular buzzwords or search terms that are commonly used with snakes? Is there such a thing as a reptile, or even snake, specialist, or is it all just "exotics"? Are there any specific questions you'd ask beyond the obvious, like "have you treated many snakes?" Maybe some specific questions about how they'd deal with ___ to see if they know their stuff?
Sorry if this puts anyone off, but I've had some very mixed experiences with vets. Sometimes they don't seem to consider what stress and invasive procedures can do to an animal... for example, a snake with a minor RI that's feeding well; would you a) give antibiotic injections b) give oral antibiotics with a mouse or c) try to raise temps, humidity, etc and see if the snake improves on its own? Having done A and C, I'd go with C first, A last... :shrugs:
Anyone in the champaign/urbana area can recommend a good snake vet I'd be grateful!