Possible stargazing?

Recently I've noticed my pastel doing a little of what I assume to be stargazing. Obviously this worries me but he seems to be acting normal otherwise and the vet who he saw last week was not too worried but did want to run a blood test. He is in quarantine already so my other guy isn't at risk hopefully. My question is this: besides IBD, is there any other cause for stargazing?

Hi,

There are other causes yes. They can sit with their head elevated to help with breathing if they have an RI and there are a few parasites that can also cause it.

But the main thing what makes you certain it is stargazing? Is his mouth open at the time?

How long does he sit like that on average?


dr del

I'm not completely sure it is but he sits there for a couple minutes at a time with his mouth closed. He doesn't have any signs of an RI either and husbandry is up to par. Is it possible that he's just a little odd?

Star gazing is a neurological issue typically the animal will also have weird wobbles and other motor control issues going along with it. My guess is if you are asking and not sure it isn't likely to be star gazing it is dramatic. Can you post some photos? Have you used any pesticides or paint products recently toxic shock syndrome can cause stargazing (basically it is a brain infection a symptom not a disorder in itself.

A video of stargazing caused by IBD. It is very sad and disturbing so be warned! It is also what stargazing looks like it is unmistakable.

http://youtu.be/F9qkxu91Uns

I hope that what you have is a silly snake and not something larger. If you are still unsure after seeing the video it is time for the vet! If it seems to be silly snake syndrome (I made that up :rolleye2: ) check your husbandry carefully, it could be a environmental response.
Alex

Yeah wow, it's not even close to that dramatic. He eats normally and his temperatures and humidity are fine. I'm still going to take him to the vet though. I'll upload a picture as soon as I can.

If he just drank, sometimes they will hold their heads up in the air and look up for a little while.