Checkup time!

phaedrus · #1 (**permalink**) 05-29-2002, 01:21 AM

Well, I finally found a vet for Ted. It was definitely not easy. Either the place was closed, or the person no longer worked there or they stopped supporting snakes....etc..etc...yada, yada, yada. When I finally found one, she had the nerve to be on maternity leave until September. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] I do hope she had a great clutch. I was getting further and further away from home trying to find a doctor almost into the next state.

Anyway, Ted's appointment is for Thursday morning. Just a general wellness test, a fecal exam if he goes poo and a sex test to see if Ted is Ted or Tina...

Any suggestions of what I should ask the Doc for Ted's first checkup? Remember, he's my first.

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XzyluM · #2 (**permalink**) 05-29-2002, 04:00 AM

Well, keep us informed on the checkup man. Hope it goes well.
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trinitywolf · #3 (**permalink**) 05-29-2002, 04:12 AM

Phaedrus,

I have one word of advice here...don't let them treat the snake for things that they can't find. If they tell you "just in case" ask them why? Do they take cold medicine jic? I doubt it. Ask as many questions as come to mind. If they are really a good vet and know their stuff they won't mind that you are asking questions...in fact they will be glad.
Is this person a certified reptile vet with the ARVA?
Some vets who are not specialist in reptiles treat them and really don't know any more than most other keepers. Reptiles are specialized animals...they need specialized care.

Good luck!

Ted
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phaedrus · #4 (**permalink**) 05-29-2002, 04:29 AM

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Ted. The only thing I know about this doctor is that he was once a member of an Animal Hospital that saw all types of pets and he focused on exotics. He left and opened his own place that only sees birds and exotics.

I don't know if he's certified with ARVA; then again I don't know what that stands for, tho I can get an idea. Do they have a site that lists members or should I just be direct and ask the doctor.

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted. (You namesake thanks you as well. Did you ever get that rack from that dude?)

Bob
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trinitywolf · #5 (**permalink**) 05-29-2002, 04:41 AM

LMAO...that is a typo on my part man...sorry about that. Try to go ARAV to this site. It is the Association of Reptilian and Amphibiam Vets. I did not check the list to see if there are any in Conn but I remembered seeing that site when I was looking for a vet. If you could find someone on their list close to you it would most likely be ideal. I hope that you have good luck with the vet you are going to. He/She may be great!

Again, good luck!

I will have more news on the rack on wednesday...stay posted...I set a deadline!

(edited to add more chatter) [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

phaedrus · #6 (**permalink**) 05-29-2002, 05:01 AM

YIPPEE!!!! He's the last guy on the list, although the address is wrong since he opened up his own practice. Thanks again! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

I'll keep you posted. I'm hoping that Ted gets a clean bill of health. I'm trying real hard to make him happy.
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Some days, don't ya just wish you could reach through the screen and dope-slap somebody across the head?

JC86 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-29-2002, 05:33 AM

How much does it usually cost for a fecal exam?
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phaedrus · #8 (**permalink**) 05-29-2002, 05:55 AM

For me, they said about $40 for a Well-ness check and then about $10 for a fecal. Fecals could be no older than 24 hours and should be refrigerated prior to - if possible.
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phaedrus · #9 (**permalink**) 05-31-2002, 03:11 AM

Just wanted to give everyone an update. Ted's checkup went well. The assistants went ga-ga over him. Very unusual experience for me considering most people I know aren't very enthusiastic about snakes.

Dr. Sean is a great doctor. Very personable, friendly and Ted seemed to like him. According to the Doc, Ted is fine. No mites, no mouth problems, heart seems well and his hydration is good also. He was impressed with his coloration and that I was able to keep his humidity levels in the low 60's. He was also very satisfied with Ted's living conditions and temperatures.

My thanks to all of you for your words of advice, guidance and encouragement. You all helped me get a good start in fatherhood [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] not to mention that Ted passed his first physical with flying colors.

I didn't have a fecal done, since Ted didn't go poo. Considering everything else went fine, Dr. Sean didn't bring it up. Should I schedule one anyway? What do you guys think? What would a fecal show anyways?

The only bad news is that when Ted was probed, it seemed that he was a female. At first, he tried popping him, to no avail. But we both agreed, he still is a bit young, about 5 months.

Any other Newbies out there, my advice to you is "just ask". There's a wealth of cumulative knowledge here! Thanks again, everyone.

(oh, for those of you in CT, Dr. Sean Pampreen is a member of the ARAV and is listed on their page (thanks Trinitywolf!). He was affiliated with the Glastonbury Hospital, but has opened his own in Marlboro, CT. Anyone interested in his current name and address, ask or just call the Glastonbury office.)
_________________
Some days, don't ya just wish you could reach through the screen and dope-slap somebody across the head?

trinitywolf · #10 (**permalink**) 05-31-2002, 04:36 AM

Glad to hear that everything went well Phaedrus! Glad that I could help. I am a little disappointed that Ted may actually be a girl...LOL
I don't think that you need a fecal unless there have been other problems that point to an intestinal parasite. That is just my two cents!

Good luck with him!
Sounds like you have a great boa there! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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Boaguy · #11 (**permalink**) 05-31-2002, 04:47 AM

thats great, hope ya have Ted for along while
maybe 40 years [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] LOL
I think the oldest BCI was like 47 (currect me if im wrong) Lol
keep us updated [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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XzyluM · #12 (**permalink**) 05-31-2002, 08:56 AM

Good to here the checkup went well.
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phaedrus · #13 (**permalink**) 05-31-2002, 03:11 PM

Thanks guys. I'm still looking into doing a fecal. I mean, he may look and feel healthy and all, but what with all the horror stories that I've been reading about on this site about Pet Stores.....well, I figure it's better to be safe than sorry. Besides, what's money when it comes to someone you care about?

Don't get me wrong, the Pet Store seemed to have good husbandry practices, but like I said....maybe next time he goes poo, I'll call them up and see if I can bring it in. Thanks again.
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