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Snakes can suffer from a variety of diseases, some of which can cause serious respiratory, gastrointestinal, and liver problems. They also commonly harbor internal and external parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, mites, and ticks.
We recommend that you bring your new snake in for an initial exam so we can make sure it’s healthy. If your snake needs future veterinary attention, we’ll also have a baseline to compare against. Although snakes don’t need vaccinations, they can benefit from routine exams. Annual veterinary visits can even help your snake live longer.
We are happy to share our specialized knowledge of appropriate enclosures, temperature and humidity, lighting, substrates (ground covering), cleaning, and skin shedding. Besides having feeding requirements that are species specific, snakes can become stressed and may not eat. If this happens, please contact us so we can help. We can also determine the sex of your snake.
A healthy snake should flick its tongue and be alert and active, showing interest in its environment; its scales should be smooth and dry. Call us immediately if you notice any of the following signs of illness: vomiting or regurgitation, diarrhea, loss of appetite or weight, weakness or loss of energy, wheezing, mucus or bubbling around the nostrils, changes around the mouth (inflammation, purplish-red spots, dry and diseased tissue), and changes in the skin (reddening, slow-healing sores, swelling, discharge).
1115 S. Main Street Plymouth, Michigan, 48170
Phone: (734) 459-1600 Fax: (815) 425-8959
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 6 pm Sat: 8 am – 1 pm Sun: Closed
We will do our best to be available for same day emergencies. If your pet requires more urgent and critical care than we are able to provide, we will refer you to our closest emergency clinic. We understand that emergencies can be stressful and frightening. We will work with you to ensure that your pet’s needs are addressed.
See our list of recommended emergency clinics
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