How often do beardies need checkups?

[TheWerewolf]

Like the title, how many a year do they need? I'm asking this question because the closest herp vet is in New Hampshire. Right now we are pretty close to New Hampshire, I could walk to the border. But when we move we'll be moving farther away from New Hampshire. Far enough away to where the vet may be two hours away. Nim isn't sick, he is quite healthy. But I have a feeling that soon he'll get something to need a vet visit. My question is, does a perfectly healthy beardie still need a checkup once a year? And another question, if Nim does get parasites will he need a visit weekly? Also, I know this question varies but, how much do vet visits cost? We are starting a vet savings account for Nim. But money is tight here, and I know that I'll do anything to help Nim if he is hurt and needs a visit. But we are saving money anyway. *sigh* So many questions.

Also, moderators, if this is in the wrong spot you are free to move it!

 

[bayoupig5]

I had Emmalee checked by a vet when I first got her. She had parasites, so med were distributed, and I only had to bring the poop in for recheck, the second time.

I then got her poop checked before her brumation period, and once after she woke, the first year.

The second year I skipped the whole process as both previous fecals came up negative.

Third year, I had her checked as she was having severe pooping issues. So I only had her in because she was a little off. I will not be getting her checked again until something comes up or it is needed for her to go. As the vet did another fecal at this time that was also negative.

So as long as the dragon is acting healthy and normal I do not think a yearly exam is required. As for vet services, I am afraid I cannot help you, as I suspect like most things Canadian prices are different from US prices.

 

[TheWerewolf]

Thanks for the quick response! Yeah, I'm surprised how healthy my Nim is since he is a PetSmart beardie. And I have read on the symptoms of parasites and other sicknesses. So I know what to watch for. Again, thanks!

 

[lillylizard]

My reptiles sometimes go to the vets quite a lot. (normally because the girls there love to see my critters) but unless there sick don't bother. They don't need shots like dogs/cats do. Lots of vet trips for me this year but really just because of bad luck. Also depending on what you need done. A normal small animal vet can do a fecal on a bearded dragon. The same prosses applys. Also if you live in a small town like me, with a population of only about 8,000 people and need more vet help. Some normal small animal vets are willing to call a vet friend for adivce and order what you need. When Elyott fell and hurt his neck it was the first time my local vet had tried there reptile settin on there X-ray mashien. Also depending on what vet i go to i normally pay between $50-$70 for an apointment. But that is canadian but i don't think ot would change too much in the states.

 

[Maxwellsmomma1989]

oh gosh i dunno id do check ups once a year just to be safe unless they are sick , im taking maxwell in next month for his check up but he has not been in two years so its needed plus since hes 3 and thats considered old i want to make sure hes still parasite free

 

[TheWerewolf]

Thanks for the responses. Yeah, even if he's healthy a yearly checkup sounds about right. But he's not like a dog or cat the needs shots. But if moneys tight and he is perfectly healthy then no checkup. But if money isn't tight then I would do a yearly checkup. But if moneys tight and he isn't healthy I'll do everything in my power to help him. 'Cause that is love. With true love needs to come real sacrifice. But like I said, we are starting a savings account.