Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just called the vet nearby (that has 2 vets who are herp specialists)... they charge $41.50 for a fecal exam... that seems pricey to me.. is that average?

I was considering getting an exam done for my new girl, .. she seems healthy and all, but I figured just to make sure, it might be a good idea...

How much can a fecal exam show?

$41.50?!?! That's one of the biggest ripoffs I've ever heard. I pay roughly $10 (USD I'm assuming we're talking here) for a fecal at my herp vet. I suggest you find another one around you... If they want to charge you that for a fecal, god knows what they'll want to try to charge you for meds.
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0.0.1 Bearded Dragon (Zeo)
0.2.0 Leopard Geckos (Vienna, Chomps)
1.0.0 Golden Retriever (11 Years)

Unless the 'fecal' exam includes a full checkup also you are getting completely ripped off. I pay 12$ to have a fecal exam done on my MHD, and it is only 5$/per additional lizard/gecko. You also don't need a herp vet to test the feces for parasites. Almost all vets can test for parasites and prescribe a medication for this type of problem. Of course it is always better to take your herp, to a exotic vet, or a herp specialist.

DO NOT PAY 41.50 unless that is your only route. Shop around! I live in Arizona, and I had NO problem finding a herp/exotic vet who does in house work (e.g he comes to you). And he charges an VERY reasonable price for his services. Contact a zoo in your area and ask them to provide you with the vets they use for their exotics and reptiles. The vets that work at zoo's rarely ONLY work at the zoo. They wouldn't make enough money, so they usually do house calls, and work at emergency clinics etc. Also try going to this site: Find a herp vet in your area!

Good luck!

If it's for a float AND a smear. So it's really two tests that you're paying for. Vets will charge up to $20 just for the flotation.
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chickabowwow

3.2.3 leopard geckos (Rosie, Locke, Lisa, Caesar, Tommy)

not sure what each of these are.. can you elaborate?

A flotation is when they fill a container to the rim with a solution and then put in a poop sample. That way, the poop sinks to the bottom but the parasite eggs float to the top where it gets collected onto the slide for examination.

A smear is when they look at a direct smear of the poop under the microscope.

I hope that makes sense. An alternative is to learn to do fecal tests yourself.
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chickabowwow

3.2.3 leopard geckos (Rosie, Locke, Lisa, Caesar, Tommy)