Re: Vet Exam

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Posted by Marissa on October 31, 2000 at 19:03:36:

In Reply to: Vet Exam posted by Jen on October 31, 2000 at 16:36:34:

Well, a vet should certainly do a thorough exam for your money...and sometimes exotics vets charge a bit more to see herps. You should at least be able to expect a physical examination of the creature from all sides, a baseline weight should be recorded, eyes and mouth checked, heart listened to. A vet won't always do a fecal unless he/she suspects a problem, but many vets do them regardless. If your vet doesn't broach the topic, make sure you bring it up and request one. It's best to bring a fresh fecal sample (within 24 hours) or the vet might have to take a fecal swab with a q-tip (not pleasant). A good way to get your tortoise "moving" if it's digestive tract is not being cooperative is to soak before the vet visit...that should stimulate a fresh poop. Sometimes a car ride will do that or even on the exam table. You will want to request your vet do a fecal smear and flotation to check for worms and/or parasites. Most Russians are wild-caught and as such, are loaded with worms or parasites, sometimes heavily. Some of these are transmittable to humans so wash carefully after you handle the tortoise, at least until the results come back. That should about cover it....unless the tortoise is going in for an illness or the vet uncovers a medical problem during his or her examination. Prepare yourself for a positive fecal test...and you will (if that is the case) receive meds to treat and eradicate any "bugs" but if the tortoise otherwise looks fine let's keep fingers crossed that it's in good health. I have a really great Russian care booklet written by Linda King in the UK. It's a large Microsoft Word.doc but if you are willing to wait for the download, it's worth reading. Email me privately if you want me to send it off to you :)

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: Well, a vet should certainly do a thorough exam for your money...and sometimes exotics vets charge a bit more to see herps. You should at least be able to expect a physical examination of the creature from all sides, a baseline weight should be recorded, eyes and mouth checked, heart listened to. A vet won't always do a fecal unless he/she suspects a problem, but many vets do them regardless. If your vet doesn't broach the topic, make sure you bring it up and request one. It's best to bring a fresh fecal sample (within 24 hours) or the vet might have to take a fecal swab with a q-tip (not pleasant). A good way to get your tortoise "moving" if it's digestive tract is not being cooperative is to soak before the vet visit...that should stimulate a fresh poop. Sometimes a car ride will do that or even on the exam table. You will want to request your vet do a fecal smear and flotation to check for worms and/or parasites. Most Russians are wild-caught and as such, are loaded with worms or parasites, sometimes heavily. Some of these are transmittable to humans so wash carefully after you handle the tortoise, at least until the results come back. That should about cover it....unless the tortoise is going in for an illness or the vet uncovers a medical problem during his or her examination. Prepare yourself for a positive fecal test...and you will (if that is the case) receive meds to treat and eradicate any "bugs" but if the tortoise otherwise looks fine let's keep fingers crossed that it's in good health. I have a really great Russian care booklet written by Linda King in the UK. It's a large Microsoft Word.doc but if you are willing to wait for the download, it's worth reading. Email me privately if you want me to send it off to you :)

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