When to do a fecal test?

[leopard guy]

When do you recommend doing a fecal exam. I asked my local vet if she does anything with reptiles and she said no but they do test for parasites if I bring in the poop. I didn't ask how much it was because I spent over $500.00 that day for shots, heart guard and front line for my two dogs and I couldn't digest another expense I may have to incur. What's a good cost for this test and how long does it normally take. Can the medication be ordered on line if something is detected. Some of the poops have been soft and stinky lately, but the lizard has been very healthy.
Thanks,
Troy

[Shuba]

I recommend doing it every couple of months if you feed live or f/k food items. I don't know when a fecal exam would be neccesary if you feed f/t, but I know I take my snakes for checkups once a year.

[palio]

I just had a fecal done on my boy and it cost $28 canadian. The meds he needed came to $16 canadian. Its not a really high cost. The cost comes in when you find there is a problem cause then you pay for the test, then the meds, then another test and then if needed more meds and repeat till he is clear

[JuliusSqueezer]

You can put your poo in a ziplock and overnight it to me and I'll check it for free. I've been doing my own for years....well, not mine...you know what I mean lol...Trust me, I've gotten weirder things in the mail than snake poo To answer your question though...when to do a fecal? That would be sometime shortly AFTER your snake deficates DO NOT freeze it. Bag it and refridgerate it till you can take it to your vet...or to the post office if you want to send it here.

[JuliusSqueezer]

errr or lizard poo. I just realized what forum I'm in. :P

[haroldo359]

vet charged me ten bucks to do one. but like JS said, he does a nice free one. many of the meds you need you may have to get a vet to get. but if you need standard worming medicines, you can get them online yourself.

when to get one done? whenever you get a new animal in, check it. periodic checks of your animals would be good too. or if anything seems wrong.