Chopper just passed away :(

Chopper, the BP I've had for 8 years, just died from IBD. I took him to the vet and had him euthanized. He was displaying all of the symptoms of IBD and my vet confirmed it when I took him in. I didn't want him to suffer anymore so I had him put to sleep. It's something how you can get so attached to a pet, even a snake that doesn't really show any attachment back like other types of pets can. He was my only BP and I'm not sure yet if I'm going to get another one. Maybe it's too soon to make that decision. After a while, I may end up getting another one. Anyway, just thought I'd pass that along since I've brought him up on here from time to time.

So your vet the a Necropsy on him to confirm??

I'm sorry for your loss. Do you have any idea how he caught it? I don't plan on getting any more snakes for a long time, but it still worries me that I could bring something nasty like IBD home just by visiting pet stores and reptile shows.

Sorry to hear this. How did Chopper come in contact with it?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

So your vet the a Necropsy on him to confirm??

---

Yes he did. I had him for 8 years and never had one problem. The occasional bad shed or he wouldn't eat for a while but nothing serious. I always would bump up his humidity a lot during sheds to make sure his skin would come off in one piece. Maybe I overdid the humidity with one of the sheds because I discovered some mites in his tank a while back. Apparently that is how he got it? Never had a problem with mites until this. I also go to a lot of reptile shows and handle the animals. I always wash my hands but maybe I forgot one of the times I went and gave it to him somehow? I feel bad because it may have been my own fault for this happening. I was always strict when it came to his husbandry, I really was too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spitzu

I'm sorry for your loss. Do you have any idea how he caught it? I don't plan on getting any more snakes for a long time, but it still worries me that I could bring something nasty like IBD home just by visiting pet stores and reptile shows.

---

I actually had to look up IBD to find out what it is. Very scary! What precautions can I use if I attend a show or a pet shop to make sure I don't bring anything like that home? Will routine hand washing be enough?

To the OP. VERY VERY sorry to hear of your loss!

I'm sorry to hear about your loss, I know the attachment you develop.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BPsRule

Yes he did. I had him for 8 years and never had one problem. The occasional bad shed or he wouldn't eat for a while but nothing serious. I always would bump up his humidity a lot during sheds to make sure his skin would come off in one piece. Maybe I overdid the humidity with one of the sheds because I discovered some mites in his tank a while back. Apparently that is how he got it? Never had a problem with mites until this. I also go to a lot of reptile shows and handle the animals. I always wash my hands but maybe I forgot one of the times I went and gave it to him somehow? I feel bad because it may have been my own fault for this happening. I was always strict when it came to his husbandry, I really was too.

---

That's it, no more PGH shows for me.

Your vet actually confirmed this via necropsy? It's a very serious thing, a lot of folks attending shows in that area might like to know.

Sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry for you loss, I know how much it hurts when a loved pet is lost. :(