4.5 months without food..

[xhunniebearx]

Hey everyone. I know this is kind of a long post, but I REALLY need some help with my bp, Zeke!

He is a rescue that we got in HORRIBLE condition. To make a long story short, he had a ton of scars, a skin infection and an RI, but they are all taken care of now. As the title says, he hasn't eaten in about four and a half months, and I'm really starting to stress out. I know that they CAN go up to 6 months without food, but I don't want to get to that point.

When we got him, the previous owners SAID that he ONLY ate live rats, but we got him to switch over to frozen VERY easily. We bought a live rat again on this past friday, and within seconds of putting it in the feeding box with him, he constricted and killed it, but he didn't actually eat it. In fact, he wanted NOTHING to do with it after he killed it. But at least that's showing a small sign of progression.

Last time we went to the vet, Dr. Funk was looking inside his mouth, and he noticed that the roof of his mouth was completely inflamed. He BARELY even touched it, and it started to bleed, so he think's that Zeke is probably anemic[sp?], but he's anemic because he hasn't eaten in a LONG time. he gave him two shots of different vitamins that were supposed to help with the anemia and to boost his appetite, and the one for his appetite DID help a little bit. He's showing a little more interest in food, but not enough to actually eat.

My question is: What can I do to either boost his appetite, or to get him to eat? I am probably going to get a live gerbil to feed him [that's what my herp vet suggested to do], which he'll hopefully eat, but if he doesn't, what should I do? My family is really tight on money right now, so we can't take another trip to the vet anytime soon, but I can still call him for advice.

If he doesn't within the next month or so, then we're going to have to give him away, but I don't want it to come to that, so ANY advice on what to do will be infinitely appreciated.

-Rachel

[nebby3103]

I understand that your situation is very serious. I really feel for you and I hope your snake will eat for you soon. I would be worried too. That said, you'll have to wait for some more experienced members to comment on possible solutions to your feeding issues.

What I will comment on is your vet's name: Dr. Funk!? Words cannot express the awesomeness of that name. Easily the greatest doctor name -- no, name name -- ever. At least you've got that going for you. Good luck.

[xhunniebearx]

Yeah Dr. Funk is awsesome. He's an awesome vet too. He's the president of ARAV.

[xhunniebearx]

So does anyone have any suggestions?

[xdeus]

I wouldn't switch to gerbils. Instead, try another rat but make it a live rat pup. That should be easier to get down. Try it at night, and leave him alone in a dark room after you place it in the cage. You should be able to leave it in overnight without worry.

There's not much you can do to increase his appetite besides the vitamin shots. You can try to get him in feeding mode before offering the rat pup, but it doesn't sound like that's necessary. Oh, and the reason I don't suggest switching to gerbils is because your snake is already imprinted on rats and switching food types around may just add to his stress.

Good luck!