Does my BP have IBD or the Spider Gene?? Please help!

[DPlant]

I've recently bought a ball python and I noticed that it has been doing these head twists when I'm handling it and also when it's alone in its cage. I was wondering if this condition is serious and possibly fatal for the ball python.

Here's a video of the odd behavior.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gLJ...ew?usp=sharing

It does this very often and sometimes the twists are more violent and fast.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[Hannahshissyfix]

It does not have spider but does seem to have some other ailment causing the corkscrew. I haven't dealt with much illness in my collection so I don't want to make a guess what is causing it. How long have you had it? If not long, I'd be contacting the person you got it from to discuss options.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[DPlant]

Thanks for your reply! I bought it from PetSmart three days ago. Since the behavior is not correlated to the spider gene, does the behavior look like a symptom of IBD?

[Bogertophis]

Thanks for your reply! I bought it from PetSmart three days ago. Since the behavior is not correlated to the spider gene, does the behavior look like a symptom of IBD?

It could be*...do you have any other snakes? (I'm hoping this one is quarantined if so!!!) If that were me, I'd be contacting the store I got it from A.S.A.P.- don't
know if he came with a health guarantee, but that is NOT normal, what your video showed. (*neurological impairment in snakes can also come from excessive heat
or other ailments, including falls)

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Your BP does not have the spider gene he has some motion/neurological issues which can be caused by a number of things IBD usually being very last as it is rare.

People jump the gun when it comes to IBD my advice stop googling symptoms imagining the worse and if you really have doubt take your snake to a vet and get a test done since there is now a blood test that can confirm IBD.

It can be caused by being over-heated at some point which can be permanent or temporary, chemical exposure etc

[Lord Sorril]

If your snake has mites concurrently I would guess IBD: Otherwise I suspect it is another health issue.

The simplest solution is to return it to PetSmart and sterilize your equipment. The more expensive route is to bring it to the Vet.

[Godzilla78]

That’s horrible. Poor thing probably got dangerously overheated at some point would be my first guess.

[DPlant]

Thank you for all your replies.

I have an update. My ball python has been in this posture for quite some time and it seems very abnormal.

Based off videos and care guides, ball pythons are supposed to be hiding under hides but mine has not done so yet ever since I brought her home. I'll be taking her back to the pet shop and also the vet, if possible.

[Bogertophis]

That poor little snake...hoping for the best, but something is very wrong.

Is this your first snake? & is this your only snake?

[DPlant]

That poor little snake...hoping for the best, but something is very wrong.

Is this your first snake? & is this your only snake?

Yup this is my first snake and she's my only snake. )): It really sucks that she has this condition.