Snake Vet Care: Health Checks, X-rays & Blood Testing

Snake Vet Care: Health Checks, X-rays & Blood Testing

Radiographs (X-Rays), Bloodwork & More

At our clinic, we provide tailored veterinary care for pet snakes of all species. Whether you’re bringing in a new addition or checking in on an older companion, our team is here to help support their health with the right tools and testing.

When Should Your Snake See the Vet?

We recommend a check-up if your snake is:

  • Eating less or refusing food

  • Losing weight or muscle tone

  • Spending more time in unusual places 

  • Breathing noisily or with effort

  • Showing changes in behaviour or temperament

  • Has visible lumps, swelling, or skin changes

  • Is female and you’re unsure if she may be carrying eggs or follicles

Even healthy-appearing snakes can benefit from routine vet checks — particularly for early detection of common issues and to review husbandry and diet.

Snake X-rays: A Valuable Diagnostic Tool

X-rays are one of the most useful tests we can perform for snakes. They allow us to assess internal structures and catch issues early — often before any signs of illness appear. We may recommend X-rays to:

  • Assess ovarian follicles in female snakes

  • Check for foreign bodies, such as accidentally ingested substrate or prey bones

  • Look for signs of gout affecting the kidneys or joints

  • Investigate any masses, lumps, or swellings

  • Evaluate bone health, spinal alignment, or signs of respiratory illness

  • Monitor reproductive health and check for egg retention

Snake X-rays are quick and safe, and can often be performed on the day of your consultation, depending on the situation.

Blood Testing for Snake Health

In some cases, we may recommend blood testing to assess your snake’s internal health more thoroughly. This can be especially useful if your pet is unwell, not eating, losing weight, or showing subtle signs of illness.

We’re able to run basic blood tests in-house, such as checking hydration status, blood glucose, and other immediate markers. For more comprehensive testing, we also offer the option to send samples to an external pathology lab with a dedicated reptile panel. This panel includes a wide range of values such as kidney and liver function, protein levels, and more — giving us a fuller picture of what’s happening internally.

This combined approach means we can act quickly when needed, while still accessing more detailed results when required.

What your Snake’s Vet Visit May Include:

Full Physical Examination: Hands-on assessment of body condition, hydration, skin, mouth and more. 

Radiographs: Detects internal issues like follicles, masses, foreign objects, and more. 

Blood testing: Helps assess internal organ function and guides treatment decisions. 

Review of husbandry: Lighting, heating, humidity, substrate and enclosure setup can greatly impact health. 

Ready to book? 

We welcome snakes of all species and sizes. Whether your pet needs a full health check, X-rays, or just a review of their setup and diet, we’re happy to help.

If you’re ready to Book, or if you have any questions, give us a call on 1300 WILD VET (1300 945 383)