Vet Checkups: When and how often?

[IgbyKibbits]

After monitoring the forums for a few months now, I am actually curious about what people's vet procedures are, in that I haven't taken my guys into be examined since I got them in October. I haven't had a need to do so (in that they've been healthy), but is it normal protocol to take them in for a checkup shortly after purchase?

Thanks!

[John]

It really depends on the origin of the frog. If it's wild caught (as most of the frogs in the pet trade are) then it should go to a vet for de-worming. Healthy frogs really don't need "check-ups", just make sure they have good stable conditions.

[IgbyKibbits]

I bought my White's at PetSmart when they were fairly little (1" to 1 1/2"). I would assume that being Whites, and being so small, they were captive bred, correct?

Regardless, good information to know for myself and other new frog owners out there! Thanks for the quick reply!

[John]

Yes they were likely captive bred, but since it's Petsmart, it's possible they were kept in a tank that previously held wild caught frogs, so there's no guarantee they're free of parasites.

[IgbyKibbits]

That's a very good point John, and not one I had considered! I will start looking for a good vet in my area and get them tested just in case. Better safe than sorry!

[SludgeMunkey]

I usually spring for an annual fecal, but only because my vet does it for free when the pugs get their "samples" taken in.

Truth be told, it can be very difficult to find a vet in the USA that handles herps, let alone one willing to work with amphibians. Seems to me like most of the herp vets here int he states mostly do only snakes and turtles.

[IgbyKibbits]

Exactly! It's hard to locate a herp vet! I've only found one herp vet in my area. Luckily, it is at the same location as my other vet. I like your idea of just getting all the pet checks done at the same time. Hopefully, he has experience with frogs.

[Kurt]

Yes they were likely captive bred, but since it's Petsmart, it's possible they were kept in a tank that previously held wild caught frogs, so there's no guarantee they're free of parasites.

I would add to that by saying, unless you bought your frogs directly from the breeder, I would have them treated for parasites. Thats what I do. I would say the majority of my amphibians have been treated for GI parasites.

[IgbyKibbits]

Thank you Kurt - it helps to know what your experience has been with your frogs in the past. I'm really glad that I posed the question and I'm going to get my little family into the herp vet as soon as I can to get a checkover and treatment. Thank you so much for the input!

[Kurt]

You're welcome.

[Herpvet]

Exactly! It's hard to locate a herp vet! I've only found one herp vet in my area. Luckily, it is at the same location as my other vet. I like your idea of just getting all the pet checks done at the same time. Hopefully, he has experience with frogs.

Hi,

Just to add a couple of points here - it' worth a) finding a vet happy to deal with your pets, and b) probably registering with him/her, BEFORE you have a health problem with your frogs. You can assess him/her, and he/she will probably appreciate (possibly even with financial benefit to you!) some contact before a panic call out of hours.

Providing health care for more exotic species should be a cooperative effort between the vet and experienced keeper - it shouldn't be the vet dictating treatments which are inappropriate or impractical for the particular species you have, or conversely you coming with an internet printout-out demanding a specific treatment : ). The vet may not know all about the specifics of some rare species you have, but he/she will have appropriate medical/surgical knowledge, will be able to contact more experienced colleagues if necessary, and together you should be able to come up with the best plan for your pet's problem.

Hope this helps

Bruce.