Vet Visits For New Snakes?

[SnakeIslander]

Hi, all. I have a new Boa set to arrive on Thursday and I was wondering if a veterinary examination sometime in the near future would be prudent. I'm buying it from a reputable breeder (Vin Russo) so I'm not too worried about its health, but you never know what happens during shipping.

I plan on giving my new friend a week to settle into its enclosure before I start trying to handle it and probably at least a few weeks minimum to get a bit more used to me before I try to take it on the 60 mile round trip to the exotics vet. Does that all sound like a good idea or do you think that it would be too stressful or possibly unnecessary? I'd love to hear some opinions.

And has anyone had experience with Animal Kingdom Pet Hospital in League City, Texas?

Thanks for your help.

[SSSSnakes]

To take it to a vet for no reason, is a waste of time and money in opinion.

[aaron_cg]

^What he said. If there seem to be any issues with the snake, contact the breeder.

As far as good vets in the area, look up Dr. White. The only person in the Houston area that I ever use. He is amazing.

Briarcrest Veterinary Clinic - West Houston - Home (http://www.briarcrestvet.com)

[SnakeIslander]

Well, good. That makes things easier then. It seems like we took our dogs to the vet when we first got them (long ago), but that was probably more so we could get heartworm medicine than anything else.

And thanks for the vet recommendation, aaron. That seems like it would be a very good clinic should the need ever arise.

[pinefamily]

I agree with the first two replies. Only take the snake to a vet if there is something wrong, you need it sexed, or if you have bought it from a dubious source, and want to rule out anything nasty. The last one is something that should be avoided IMO.

And always use a vet experienced with reptiles.

[marvelfreak]

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/91811-reptile-vet-list-worldwide.html

[StudentoReptile]

To take it to a vet for no reason, is a waste of time and money in opinion.

I agree. And as far as snake breeders go, Vin Russo is fairly reputable, so I wouldn't think you would have any issues.