Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a few new snakes I need to take to the vet for an initial checkup. But one has not eaten for me in the 3 weeks I've had her. She actually had not eaten for the breeder in a while either - since 1/22/04. Since 12/22/03 her weight has gone from 193g to 180g. My question is, if I can't get a fecal is there really anything the vet can do to determine if she has any health problems affecting her appetite? I trust and know the breeder I got her from (he said if she doesn't eat for me and I change my mind he'd be happy to take her back) so I'm sure he would have checked her mouth for any signs of anything (sores,etc) that may be keeping her from eating.

I'm just trying to figure out if I should wait a bit longer with her or if there is anything the vet can do at this point.

Thanks.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
"Indigo"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa
"Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa
"Arwen"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Not sure but it would be a great start your assuming the breeder looked in the mouth but you want to be sure, how old is the snake how emaciated does it look? It might be a good idea if your vet is good with reps to have him look at it. They can come around but you need to be sure with what your dealing with. Sorry not much new info but maybe a start

Thank you. I do think I will go ahead and take her to the vet. I don't think she looks emaciated, but I really don't want to be wrong. I've got great vets in my area to take her too (I don't know what I'd do if I didn't!).

I'll call and make an appointment tomorrow.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
"Indigo"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa
"Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa
"Arwen"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

What kind of snake is it? I hope it's not one of your new sand boas! If it's only been three weeks, though, and not for a while before you got it, that's really nothing to a decent sized sand boa. I THINK vets can do some sort of swab to check for parasites in absence of a sample, but you can ask about that yourself.
-----
Eryx - All the fun of a boa in a convenient pocket size!