Average cost for fecal exams?

[ImNotYogi]

I know cost depends partially on location. My closest specialized vet is 2-3 hours away, I called them asking about mail-in fecal samples. They said they can do it but it'd have to be an over night delivery so they gave me the number to a local vet who can do basic reptile services. I called and they want $40 and I'd have to bring him in. I asked her if I could just bring in a sample but she kept repeating they'd need to see him. Is bringing a reptile in a common thing for a fecal test before anything is found? I understand an examination would need to be done before anything is prescribed. I haven't had him for very long (nearly 2 months) and I got him from a breeder so I'm not entirely paranoid about parasites but you never know.

How much does everyone pay?

 

[OnlineGeckos]

It's $29 here and I don't have to take the gecko in.

 

[ImNotYogi]

$40 seemed a little high but it being necessary to bring him in was what through me off. The specialized clinic told me the local vet was qualified to do the most basic reptile exams. When I called the receptionist said I could come in between 2-4pm with the gecko. I told her that I didn't have a sample and I wouldn't be able to get one until tonight since leos are nocturnal. She kept saying to bring him in. I didn't bother asking if she wanted me to leave him there or not because how else would they get a sample?

 

[im faster]

18 for just a fecal

 

[OnlineGeckos]

The reason they say to bring them in is because you have to pay for a visit with the vet when you do, which makes them more money. If you are looking for a fecal there's no reason to take your gecko in for a full body exam. Tell them you'll have to go to another vet clinic if they won't just do the fecal for you. Some of them will be stubborn and insist, there's not much you can do about it but to look for a different vet that can do fecals for you.

 

[ImNotYogi]

The place is Banfield in the Petsmart so I was probably talking to someone fresh out of high school. She said I had to bring him so they can check him in case anything is found. I would gladly bring him in (or take a trip to the specialist instead) if anything was found. But doing it beforehand would cause too much needless stress on him, I think. I wish I could be more stern but figured it was pointless when she said I could come in this afternoon after I explained I don't have a sample on hand and wouldn't be able to get one until tonight.

 

[forgivenick]

When do you guys have fecals done for your geckos? I guess some might feel that it is necessary once just for new animals introduced to the collection. Or do you only feel that its needed when your geckos show symptoms that warrant a fecal? Just wondering what the different rationales might be.

 

[ImNotYogi]

Archer is my only reptile so far, only a few months old, and bought from a breeder. He's not showing any signs of parasites (that I'm aware of at least). Eats well, poops regularly, active, and alert. Seems healthy all around so any fecal done will be for peace of mind.

 

[forgivenick]

Gotcha. Its never a bad idea, especially if you can just mail it in. No stress and added peace of mind.

 

[WilliamTheLeopardGecko]

I think in Banfield where I live is around $50.

 

[athdaraxen]

It is only $28 for me, no need to bring the gecko in.

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[katie_]

Some places require to see the animal first.
This is because if your gecko comes back with something positive, they need to make sure your gecko is healthy enought to survive the deworming process. They cant take your word on it, they could lose their business if you sued.

 

[ImNotYogi]

Some places require to see the animal first.
This is because if your gecko comes back with something positive, they need to make sure your gecko is healthy enought to survive the deworming process. They cant take your word on it, they could lose their business if you sued.

It's completely understandable to see an animal before prescribing anything or recommending any treatment. So they can see the overall health of the animal but seeing it beforehand sounds like a way to get more money.

 

[katie_]

It's completely understandable to see an animal before prescribing anything or recommending any treatment. So they can see the overall health of the animal but seeing it beforehand sounds like a way to get more money.

Whats the difference between seeing it before or afterwards?
Seeing the animal before just stops complaining from happening "Well you know its parasites just let me pick up the meds" or it prompts some people to treat it themselves.

 

[ImNotYogi]

Whats the difference between seeing it before or afterwards?
Seeing the animal before just stops complaining from happening "Well you know its parasites just let me pick up the meds" or it prompts some people to treat it themselves.

If I just need a fecal done then that's it. If I'm taking any of my pets to the vet then I wouldn't be reckless enough to not have them completely examined if something is found or do a home remedy which could cause even more problems.

 

[katie_]

If I just need a fecal done then that's it. If I'm taking any of my pets to the vet then I wouldn't be reckless enough to not have them completely examined if something is found or do a home remedy which could cause even more problems.

Well some people are. Thats why thats their policy.
Sorry if you dont like it, its the way it is.
Youre ovbiously getting this fecal doen because you have medical concerns. So do they. They need to protect their assets.

I worked at a clinic where a lady had a fecal done on her chihuhua and it showed a heavy load of roundworm. She decided to treat her dog with diatiomaceous earth and her dog died. Some people are idiots.

 

[katie_]

Also, once you maintain a good relationship with your vet clinic, they may be able to help you out (doing fecals without exam). But not if youre a total stranger to them.
My clinic prescribes me meds without even seeing the gecko, but we have a great standing relationship and they know my history.

 

[ImNotYogi]

Well some people are. Thats why thats their policy.
Sorry if you dont like it, its the way it is.
Youre ovbiously getting this fecal doen because you have medical concerns. So do they. They need to protect their assets.

I worked at a clinic where a lady had a fecal done on her chihuhua and it showed a heavy load of roundworm. She decided to treat her dog with diatiomaceous earth and her dog died. Some people are idiots.

Maybe it's more to do with it being in Petsmart. I just don't trust pet stores. I also didn't like how it was insisted I bring him in after I explained I don't have a sample and wouldn't have one until late in the evening. If she said to bring in a sample and gecko the next afternoon then the phone call would have seemed more competent. Though I still think it's pointless to require bringing a reptile in before anything is found. The specialist told me they can do a mail-in fecal but if anything comes up then they'd have to do a physical exam before prescribing anything. Which makes sense, obviously. And it'd make sense if Banfield (or any other office) said the same thing or had clients sign something that stated it before getting a test done.
Either way, I want to get it done for peace of mind more than anything. He overall looks and acts very healthy. Eats well, poops nightly without anything noticeably odd about them, alert, and was purchased from a breeder.
But yes, some people are idiots. A few years ago I read a forum where a woman gave her cat flea drops that were made for large breed dogs. I can't remember if she diluted it or just used less of it but the cat died (presumably) as a result.

 

[katie_]

Maybe it's more to do with it being in Petsmart. I just don't trust pet stores. I also didn't like how it was insisted I bring him in after I explained I don't have a sample and wouldn't have one until late in the evening. If she said to bring in a sample and gecko the next afternoon then the phone call would have seemed more competent. Though I still think it's pointless to require bringing a reptile in before anything is found. The specialist told me they can do a mail-in fecal but if anything comes up then they'd have to do a physical exam before prescribing anything. Which makes sense, obviously. And it'd make sense if Banfield (or any other office) said the same thing or had clients sign something that stated it before getting a test done.
Either way, I want to get it done for peace of mind more than anything. He overall looks and acts very healthy. Eats well, poops nightly without anything noticeably odd about them, alert, and was purchased from a breeder.
But yes, some people are idiots. A few years ago I read a forum where a woman gave her cat flea drops that were made for large breed dogs. I can't remember if she diluted it or just used less of it but the cat died (presumably) as a result.

I see nothing wrong is what theyre asking. Thats how clinics work. People are all too suspecious now-a-days.

That happens all the time. People buy flea medication at petstores and walmart and their cats almost always die. Unless I can scrub the medication off in time while their convulsing bodies shake in the sink, they may have a chance.

Its my understanding that Banfield is only located in Petsmart, and each one is opperated by its own veterinarian. We dont have them here in Canada, but I'm sure their guidelines are similar.