What is the cost of diagnosing/treating an URI? What services/charges are involved?

[artistichonda]

Two weeks ago I adopted a male ambilobe panther chameleon who is just under a year old and when I picked him up the previous owner made me aware of a small occasional clicking sound when he breathes that he had had in the couple months that he owned him (the chameleon originally belonged to his friend who I'm told didn't take the greatest care of him). He said bringing him in the shower would often help it but it doesn't permanently eliminate the issue. I've also noticed him open his mouth the odd time when he isn't basking in the two weeks I've had him but otherwise he maintains a good appetite and seems overall healthy. It's a very faint click so I'm thinking the infection is mild, but should likely be treated just the same. Being that I just lost my previous chameleon, I want to make sure this chameleon is well looked after and if he has a URI I want to treat it. I've booked an appointment with a local herp vet for next Tuesday but since I've never brought a reptile to a vet before (my husband isn't exactly the most supportive of it for financial reasons and doesn't know I've made the appointment), I am terrified of what I am all going to be charged for. So the reason I am posting is to ask, what is all required in diagnosing a URI? Do they absolutely need blood-work and/or a x-ray? What do those services typically cost? What do antibiotics typically cost and are or administered orally or via injections? If anyone can enlighten me on the subject and/or calm my nerves that would be wonderful. I know money shouldn't matter but being that I am not working much, it does and when I am going to the vet it would be nice to know what services are absolutely necessary and optional.

 

[kplatvoet]

With a URI they usually take a swab - My vet didn't do xrays or blood work but Sherley was only a baby when I suspected she had one- Also vet rates vary, and mine is pretty cheap but I was charged just for the appointment. He didn't treat the URI at that time with antibiotics- he was afraid that with her size it might do more harm than good - he had me raise the temps up among other things and we decided to give her time to kick it on her own and to grow some as she was still eating like a little piggy. He said that if she was bigger he would have given it to her though - or if it looked like it was getting worse. I had just had a fecal done which had come out good which was another factor in his decision.
I don't think you'll need blood work or x rays but I really don't know- I would make sure he/she give you good reasons and explains why if he feels he needs more and why it would need to be done then instead of after he is treated for the problem at hand.

 

[jannb]

I'm sorry to here about your boy. It sounds like an RI. You definately need to get him to a reptile vet for a culture and sensitivity test so the vet can put him on the correct antibiotic. With that said not all vets will do a culture and sensitive test. Some just put them on an antibiotic, usually Baytril, hoping it will work. The cost varies and you could call the vets office to see what an office visit cost. My reptile specialist charges $65.00 for an office visit and the the cost of the culture and antibiotic around $100.00. I have never had a vet do X-rays or bloodwork for an RI. Do you already have a vet for your chameleon? If not if you can read over this thread where the members here post their vets. https://www.chameleonforums.com/area-area-country-vet-list-32880/

I'm attaching some useful links about RI's.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/theres-no-such-thing-uri-14277/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/back-vet-medication-questions-39302/

From post # 26 on
https://www.chameleonforums.com/concerns-my-female-panther-47322/