Behira - 2016 Female Ivory Ghost - First BCI

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by richardhind1972

Hi dave, a friend of mine came to work yesterday and said he had lost 3 of his geckos all was eating but all was loosing weight and shedding more often so he had a faecal done on one of his remaining and turned out to be worms ...

---

Thanks for sharing...that's the situation I was thinking about & trying to remember the exact incidents that I either heard or read about. That's what I meant by the
possibility that "internal" issues (not just external injuries) can stimulate the snake's body to keep shedding in an effort to "heal" itself. Snakes (reptiles) are strange that
way...I think the same thing has happened with other things too, like maybe a tumor. Either way, when they keep shedding too often, you have to play detective...their
bodies have a strange way of signalling.

Fingers crossed you'll get to the bottom of it Dave and get behira sorted

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Behira left me a some poop and I have it bagged and ready to bring to the vet tomorrow. If they can see Behira tomorrow, I am tempted to bring her in, and get the blood drawn. Then, the snake expert can help with the results.

I am not sure though. I am going to gauge the doctor tomorrow when I call first thing and see if she's comfortable with that. If not, Wednesday it is.

I'll keep everyone posted.

In the meantime, although a smallish poop, Behira weighed her highest yet today at 1,720G. That made me feel a little better.

I don't blame you for seeking encouragement in her weight, but unfortunately weight fluctuates with hydration & food, & in your gut, you know something's not
right, shedding so often. I hope they can evaluate her sooner rather than later & it's very good that you've not ignored what symptoms you have. You & Behira
are in my best thoughts & hopes...:please:

Behira saw the vet today. I brought in a poop sample and they drew blood for bloodwork.

The vet is hoping that we are ruling things out. Although Behira's belly was very pink after last shed, it appears to be clearing up a little (getting less red) and potentially she is not entering another shed right now. I won't know that for a few days or longer.

The vet's thesis is that reaching sexual maturity and hormone changes can impact a snakes immune system negatively. She thinks Behira might have a mild skin infection (from what is unclear - maybe because humidity was lower than normal????) which she is now fighting off. The blood test and stool sample we show if anything is seriously wrong, but she's very optimistic with how she looked, acted, and the fact she's pounding food when offered. She was also pleased that her belly was getting less red.

She did not give any meds at this point, which I think makes all the sense in the world. She did ask if I was comfortable with injectable or oral meds if they needed to be prescribed and I said I was fine with either.

I will keep everyone posted on any and all news.

Still processing, but would rather be overcautious than not. Hoping that it really is just something mild.

Thank you for all the kind words and thoughts and ideas.

That's good then dave, there's no point in issuing meds if there's nothing obvious at the moment,
Fingers crossed its her hormones then
All the best mate

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

I should add that Behira was uncharacteristically spending a lot of time, most of her time, on the warm side, the previous few weeks. The past few days she's been moving around more in terms of temperature zones.

And maybe she's just fighting something off too? Better to be concerned & find nothing than to ignore until a snake is too symptomatic to cure. :gj:
I'd agree, a good appetite is a good sign. I bet you'll sleep better now...;)

Potentially very good news today from the vet and from Behira.

The blood test showed a slightly elevated white blood cell count. The vet said this is consistent with her thesis that she had/has a mild skin/scale infection that she is effectively fighting off, and/or stress from multiple close sheds. She does not recommend any medicine at this time and does not think anything serious or life threatening is going on.

Further the stool sample was clean.

Additionally, Behira is looking good and not getting darker or going into shed at the moment. She was starting to do that already last time, I think, and I am optimistic.

I will keep everyone posted on Behira and her next shed, etc. Again, I appreciate everyone being there for me and showing so much interest in Behira. THANK YOU!

Here are a few pictures from the other day post shed of my beautiful girl.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/ve9vQw4.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/SF2y72N.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/abfduqo.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/QHxiwQU.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/paXU6Ic.jpg

I'll bet your vet enjoyed meeting & treating such a beautiful cuddler like Behira. :D Yes, this IS good news! :gj:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I'll bet your vet enjoyed meeting & treating such a beautiful cuddler like Behira. :D Yes, this IS good news! :gj:

---

They did like her. She let out a quiet hiss when they checked in her mouth and apparently was not happy when they drew blood. However, no strikes, just some little hisses. She's really a good girl. I am proud of her for staying so composed.

The vet was also very happy to see pictures of Yafe at 400G+.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dakski

They did like her. She let out a quiet hiss when they checked in her mouth and apparently was not happy when they drew blood. However, no strikes, just some little hisses. She's really a good girl. I am proud of her for staying so composed.

The vet was also very happy to see pictures of Yafe at 400G+.

---

Little hisses are just one letter away from little kisses, lol...not a crime. If it wasn't for the fact that a snake has a medical problem, it's almost fun to take a snake
in to be seen by a vet- the whole staff is usually mesmerized by a pretty & docile snake, at least that's been my experience.

I can bet the vet was happy about Yafe...you can BOTH take lots of credit for pulling him thru tough times.

That's great news dave
So pleased to hear all the results was clear
I think behira is allowed to hiss when they they take blood, bless her

Hopefully she will be back to a regular shed cycle now


Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Little hisses are just one letter away from little kisses, lol...not a crime. If it wasn't for the fact that a snake has a medical problem, it's almost fun to take a snake
in to be seen by a vet- the whole staff is usually mesmerized by a pretty & docile snake, at least that's been my experience.

I can bet the vet was happy about Yafe...you can BOTH take lots of credit for pulling him thru tough times.

---

Sadly, the vet LOVES seeing my animals. Too often, they see animals when it is too late.

Precaution, preparation, and education, are better than a sick animal any day. However, as we saw with Yafe, and it happens, it's not always "User Error." Animals get sick. Very important for keepers to realize that reptiles, similar to dogs and cats, tend not to show symptoms as a survival mechanism. It's worse with reptiles though, because they don't interact the same way and can hide it better in many ways.

I have zero regrets about being overly cautious with Behira. Rather have peace of mind than a really sick animal. As I learned with Yafe, sick equals angst, money, and oh, did I mention money?

I do believe that 90% of healthy reptiles is proper temp, humidity, enclosure, food/diet, and cleanliness.

Luckily there are sites like this one that help people learn from others.

Thank you on the comment on Yafe. Many people do not think reptile vets/exotic vets know what they are talking about. In many cases, I think that is true, but I am very comfortable with my vet and my knowledge. We make it a team effort and discussion in treatment and I feel they are very thorough. Expensive, yes, but in this case, I think I get what I pay for. My quick action (if I can toot my own horn a little) and the vets thoroughness and knowledge of appropriate treatments, no doubt, saved Yafe's life. So happy to see him so happy and healthy, even though he is a little "hisser." :). I'll take all hiss and no bite any day.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by richardhind1972

That's great news dave
So pleased to hear all the results was clear
I think behira is allowed to hiss when they they take blood, bless her

Hopefully she will be back to a regular shed cycle now


Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

---

Touché rich. She absolutely has a right to be annoyed and hiss when they take blood.

Studies have shown that taking blood directly from the heart is the safest way with snakes. They did that with Behira and the same thing with Shayna a couple of years ago when I was afraid she was getting an RI. With Shayna, it turned out to be stuck shed (in her nostril) that we couldn't see and cleared in the next shed. The blood test with her showed normal blood counts so we didn't worry.

The main risk for taking blood this way is that it takes a few days to clot and therefore no food should be given for 3-4 days so the heart can completely heal. Feeding and having a food item go down the hatch and by the heart could cause a blood clot to break off. However, after 4 days, there is no added risk. Behira eats Sunday, so that will be 6 days.

The main advantage is that one stick does it and you aren't risking hitting things that are important.

Regarding the shedding, I will keep everyone posted. However, looking much better at the moment. She is also using both warm and cool sides of her tank again. Going back, when I saw her soak, that might have been because of the skin irritation. Haven't seen her do that either of late.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dakski

...

Studies have shown that taking blood directly from the heart is the safest way with snakes. They did that with Behira and the same thing with Shayna a couple of years ago when I was afraid she was getting an RI. With Shayna, it turned out to be stuck shed (in her nostril) that we couldn't see and cleared in the next shed. The blood test with her showed normal blood counts so we didn't worry.

The main risk for taking blood this way is that it takes a few days to clot and therefore no food should be given for 3-4 days so the heart can completely heal. Feeding and having a food item go down the hatch and by the heart could cause a blood clot to break off. However, after 4 days, there is no added risk. Behira eats Sunday, so that will be 6 days.

The main advantage is that one stick does it and you aren't risking hitting things that are important....

---

That's very interesting, & unfortunately I'm not near any vets with the experience to know that, much less do it. I've had one snake that was euthanized by injection to the heart (I was assured that was the best method but it was tough to watch, I'm always there with my snake or other pet, no matter what) but it's very interesting to know that they can safely take a blood sample this way...wow, good to know.

Behira's belly is still red in a few spots, but not all over, marking an improvement. 5 days from last shed, she appears not to be getting darker and potentially entering another shed. I am going to give it more time, as if there is anything else I can do, but I am optimistic. Very relieved it doesn't look bad and I've upped her humidity.

I had her out for a few minutes tonight as I was leaving her alone for the most part when I was worried about something serious.

She's such sweet girl, and extra treat, she was in her Dark Phase tonight.

https://vimeo.com/383645585

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/mP5UYSR.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/f1XAxbz.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/XdFkMQW.jpg

Fingers crossed here that the problem goes away...

Shes looking great dave, I love the light and dark phases on boas

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Behira's looking good Dave. I'm really glad to hear the vet couldn't find anything seriously wrong with her.

More good news on Behira.

She still doesn't like she's going into shed.

Plus, tonight, she nailed a good sized medium rat! No hesitation!

Things are looking up, but I am not jinxing it. I will report back soon.

Behira is going back into "blue."

She shed 13 days ago. I am not happy. Last time she shed at 18 days, but I think she went into blue earlier. I am looking for any improvement, but either way, it's worrisome.

I am keeping humidity up and we will see if she has a good shed without the red belly.

That's crazy Dave. I hadn't heard of chronic shedding syndrome before now. I'm sure its stressful for you and even more so for Behira i pray she gets over this SOON.

So sorry to hear this, Dave. Maybe she has an issue with her thyroid, like hyperthyroidism? Quick searching out of curiosity- this was about goiter & thyroid disease>

https://jherpmedsurg.com/doi/pdf/10....9651.18.3-4.75

Excerpt & food for thought: "...nutritionally deficiencies, exposure to goitrogenic substances, exposure to and bioaccumulation of endocrine-disrupting contaminants from the environment, genetic predisposition, or a combination. Supplementation with iodine was attempted in some snakes in various ways but was generally unsuccessful..."

There's a few articles around, but this is a pretty obscure topic in snakes...https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...s/rolleyes.png https://www.researchgate.net/publica...thyroid_Glands

Anyway, in the excerpt above, what jumped out to me was "bioaccumulation of endocrine-disrupting contaminants" & while it might have nothing to do with Behira's issue, that is one reason that I avoid plastics for snakes. (who knows what might affect our diminutive scaly friends?) I would think if this was a genetic quirk, you would have seen this from the start? Pardon my brainstorming...I hope your vet has some ideas...(& I hope they're easier to spell, lol).

Briefly from Wikipedia:
What are the four types of endocrine disruptors?

These include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and dixons. Other examples of endocrine disruptors include bisphenol A (BPA) from plastics, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) from pesticides, vinclozolin from fungizides, and diethylstilbestrol (DES) from pharmaceutical agents.

Sorry to hear this dave, I was hoping she had broken the cycle this time round

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

I tend to think that's not environmental because nothing has changed there in 2+ years.

I can ask the vet if the blood test showed thyroid function, but they seemed to think that since she has just reached sexual maturity, that some hormones would be off anyway, and I wonder if that changes things like thyroid and if so, if that shouldn't be adjusted immediately. Just thinking out loud.

I didn't ask for the full report, but can, but they said the only thing off was white blood count, and only slightly.

I picked up this from my local reptile store. My buddy Adam, who owns the store, is scratching his head too. He was asking environmental was well but I told him all that has changed in the past 3-4 months was a normal winter drop in humidity that she's had the past two years as well.

I saw this in his store and figured it could not hurt.

https://zoomed.com/reptile-electrolyte-soak/

Once she is out of blue and before shed I plan to soak her. I plan to do the same after shed as well. If she is fighting a skin irritation, or even infection, this can only help in my mind. Whether it does, is another issue, but I cannot imagine it hurts anything.

Thank you all again. Both Behira and I appreciate it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dakski

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

I tend to think that's not environmental because nothing has changed there in 2+ years.

I can ask the vet if the blood test showed thyroid function, but they seemed to think that since she has just reached sexual maturity, that some hormones would be off anyway, and I wonder if that changes things like thyroid and if so, if that shouldn't be adjusted immediately. Just thinking out loud.

I didn't ask for the full report, but can, but they said the only thing off was white blood count, and only slightly.

I picked up this from my local reptile store. My buddy Adam, who owns the store, is scratching his head too. He was asking environmental was well but I told him all that has changed in the past 3-4 months was a normal winter drop in humidity that she's had the past two years as well.

I saw this in his store and figured it could not hurt.

https://zoomed.com/reptile-electrolyte-soak/

Once she is out of blue and before shed I plan to soak her. I plan to do the same after shed as well. If she is fighting a skin irritation, or even infection, this can only help in my mind. Whether it does, is another issue, but I cannot imagine it hurts anything.

Thank you all again. Both Behira and I appreciate it.

---

You have nothing to loose dave that's for sure, it may be a mix of hormones as you said
Fingers crossed mate

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

It's so unfortunate that others whose snakes exhibited this condition did not have a necropsy done, or if they did, the results weren't shared, though I guess there
could be more than one cause for this anyway?

I haven't seen that product https://zoomed.com/reptile-electrolyte-soak/ before, I'm glad to be aware of it, & hope it helps. They don't indicate specifically that it is
appropriate for snakes, only "reptiles", but that should be safe & hopefully helpful. (I think I'd try it too)

Behira got a 20 minute soak in the Zoomed Electrolyte Reptile Soak. I had her in her holding container and the water was warm and it went about 2/3 of the way up her body. She really seemed to enjoy it. I covered it with a towel so the moisture stayed in and soaked her for 20 minutes. The directions say up to 3X a week for at least 10 minutes.

She had just come out of blue and I hope this helps ensure a very healthy and happy shed (along with good humidity in the tank).

Once she sheds, I plan to soak her 2-3X a week for a bit as well.

I figure the soaking alone could help and the electrolyte soak can't hurt. I am hoping it is just a skin irritation/infection and this helps her fight it off.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/LZh7VVA.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/Y0qpleu.jpg

Fingers crossed that will help her dave

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Same here...fingers crossed. :)

Behira looks ready to shed, but has not shed yet. I am keeping humidity way up and will soak her again tomorrow if she hasn't shed yet, or even if she has. Want her scales/skin feeling nice and moist and comfortable.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dakski

Behira looks ready to shed, but has not shed yet. I am keeping humidity way up and will soak her again tomorrow if she hasn't shed yet, or even if she has. Want her scales/skin feeling nice and moist and comfortable.

---

I really hope this works dave

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by richardhind1972

I really hope this works dave

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

---

Thank you Rich. I am open to the idea that between this shed, the soaking, the electrolytes, etc. that it may take 1-2 more sheds to clear up. I am really hoping that's all. I am optimistic, but also nervous.

Given her behavior, and nothing bad on the blood test or stool sample, I am really hoping it's hormonal and/or a bad shed that started this and she can fight it off with help.

Okay. Bad news and good news.

Bad news: Behira Shed today. I went out for two hours, came back to check humidity, and there was fresh shed Behira. This 19 days from last shed. Not good.

Good news: She had a great shed and her skin/scales look MUCH less irritated and MUCH less red.

I took some pictures, but you have to look for the redness. There is a little on her underside near her tail and a tiny bit on her side near the tail too. However, it's about 80-90% less than last shed, if I can quantify it. I think this is a really good sign. Irritation appears to be going down.

I soaked her after her shed in the electrolyte soak and she really seems to enjoy that.

I also plan to feed her tonight and every 10 days or so for a bit to help her get her strength back. I had been feeding every 3 weeks.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/im5lkBz.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/Ochxrfw.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/gJnaTP1.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/A1j9kvj.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/XHONs1g.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/un82Lys.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/qT6UQPq.jpg

More good news and bad news.

I did not feed Behira last night, but did tonight. She NAILED the rat BOA STYLE!

As mentioned, I will be feeding her more frequently on a go forward basis. At least until her skin issues resolve and she gets more strength back and starts putting on weight again.

Earlier in the day, she left me a present and weighed in dry at 1,680G, which is about what she's been since the skin issues started.

Additionally, she was little redder on her belly today then yesterday. Once she has digested this meal, or about 2 days, I will soak her again with the electrolyte soak.

Fingers crossed she goes longer between sheds this time.

Behira got another good soak today. Her scales on her body have some red blotches, but they are faint. This seems to be a similar pattern as last time. Her belly is still reddish, but not horrible.

After a 25 minute soak, her skin/scales looked better. I am hoping the soaks are penetrating her scales and giving her some relief and hopefully more than just relief, but moving towards getting her cured.

I checked in with the vet again. Through the front desk person, she said she is leaning away from a skin infection because of how normal, or how close to normal, her white blood count was. I asked about topical treatment and she said that she really doesn't do that with snakes, at least not a whole body type problem. She said to keep soaking her if that seems to help and see if it resolves over time. She is also very happy she (Behira) is pounding food.

She said the next step would be imaging, fearing that something more serious is going on. I am not sure how I feel about that given how she is a) eating and b) acting normal otherwise. However, I am running out of ideas and getting really discouraged. I will be even more discouraged if the soaks don't help. Having said that, I will give them some time as they do seem to give her relief, at least momentarily. Plus, it could take a few sheds to resolve and I do not know how to measure progress for this as no one seems to now what's going on.

I even emailed Vin Russo, having read his books, and he hadn't really heard of this either. He was very kind to quickly and thoroughly email me back, and I thank him for that, but he also said if it wasn't a bacterial infection on the skin, he had no clue.

EDIT: I wanted to add how much I appreciate everyone on here who has been following along and thinking of Behira and sending well wishes. THANK YOU. It means a lot.

Sorry for another quick update.

I just had a long talk with Don Soderberg, who is another reptile breeder I trust implicitly, and who I bought Solana from.

He thinks we should culture Behira's scales/skin and look for a bacterial infection. He says the shed cycle is too fast and something is wrong, but that a skin infection, in his experience, may not show up on a blood test RE white blood count. He insists that illness causes a sped up shed cycle and that's it's not random. Something is causing Behira to feel the need to shed. Additionally, he thought it was very interesting she's spending 90% of her time on the hot side, versus 10% historically.

I am going to call the vet tomorrow and ask about that.

Additionally, I wanted to mention something about Katie and Behira. Katie has had her differences with Behira over the years. First when she nailed me (food response) and then when she realized how big she would get. Last week Behira needed to eat and I was sick and in bed. I got up to take the rat out and went back to bed and set my alarm. I got up to feed Behira and she ate like a champ and I went back to bed. However, Katie, who's fed each corn snake once, offered to feed Behira if I didn't wake up/was too sick. That blew my mind. She's really come a long way and cares deeply for me and for the reptiles, even if she doesn't always show it. I didn't want her to have to feed Behira, and would have fed her the next day if I couldn't get up, but the thought meant a lot and I know she would have done it.

I am a lucky guy.

You're such a dedicated & caring keeper, Dave. How frustrating this must be to have such vague & conflicting information as "answers".

On the one hand you have your vet saying ..."the next step would be imaging, fearing that something more serious is going on." which is certainly
not comforting & makes me wonder what other things she has in mind? It's interesting that you also checked with Dan Soderberg for his input,
& for what it's worth I agree with his comment "that illness causes a sped up shed cycle and that's it's not random..." & also that "he thought it
was very interesting she's spending 90% of her time on the hot side, versus 10% historically." I also think that "illness" could include something
atypical that you don't always consider an "illness", like some sort of chemical exposure that messes with a snake's body...but how you track that
down is beyond me. :confusd: I'd want to rule out an external bacterial infection for sure...you have to start somewhere & that's the most accessible. I hope you can get
this figured out & soon...:please:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

You're such a dedicated & caring keeper, Dave. How frustrating this must be to have such vague & conflicting information as "answers".

On the one hand you have your vet saying ..."the next step would be imaging, fearing that something more serious is going on." which is certainly
not comforting & makes me wonder what other things she has in mind? It's interesting that you also checked with Dan Soderberg for his input,
& for what it's worth I agree with his comment "that illness causes a sped up shed cycle and that's it's not random..." & also that "he thought it
was very interesting she's spending 90% of her time on the hot side, versus 10% historically." I also think that "illness" could include something
atypical that you don't always consider an "illness", like some sort of chemical exposure that messes with a snake's body...but how you track that
down is beyond me. :confusd: I'd want to rule out an external bacterial infection for sure...you have to start somewhere & that's the most accessible. I hope you can get
this figured out & soon...:please:

---

Thank you for the kind words.

Don is a good guy and has more experience than most in the business. He was breeding snakes before most breeders were born (and I was born).

I will advise after I speak with the vet tomorrow.

We will get to the bottom of this (I say with confidence but not 100% certainty).

Really hope you get to the bottom of this with her, Is she loosing any weight or remaining the same

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by richardhind1972

Really hope you get to the bottom of this with her, Is she loosing any weight or remaining the same

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

---

She's maintained since this started, eating every 3 weeks. I started feeding at 10 days this past week instead of every 3 weeks. I hope that helps her gain strength and put some weight on.

Since there is no sign of stomach trouble or parasites, etc. per stool sample, and that she pounds her meals, I would assume she's not gaining weight because the stress and energy used on shedding is taking the calories she would normally put to weight and putting them to maintain.

I am on hold with the vet currently and will advise on that shortly. Possibly later today after I see them - assuming I get in today.

EDIT: I see the vet at noon tomorrow.

OK look forward to hearing the results from this dave

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

I hope the visit goes well and that you get some answers. Is the vet going to do a skin swab/culture or imaging?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WhompingWillow

I hope the visit goes well and that you get some answers. Is the vet going to do a skin swab/culture or imaging?

---

Thank you.

Potentially both. Most interested in the skin swab. That may take a few days to culture. Depending on cost I’ll consider doing imaging now for peace of mind. Otherwise, I’ll wait until the swab results before doing imaging.

I can always go back later in the week if the swab is negative for imaging.

Behira saw the vet today.

The short of it is that the vets (all 3 vets looked at Behira) are convinced that she is reaching sexual maturity and in human speak, having a bad puberty.

It's analogous to some people have their faces covered in pimples when they go through puberty and others you wouldn't even know.

The main vet, who owns the practice, and who saved Yafe, told me, essentially, "Good you are a caring and cautious owner, but I know a sick snake when I see one (that's all I usually see) and Behira is not a sick snake. She's eating, hasn't lost weight even given the shedding frequency and likely hormone issues, other than the redness her scales are perfect, she's having perfect sheds, perfect waste movements, and seems active, alert, and strong. Her stool sample was normal and her white blood count is as well."

She promised that she would intervene IF she stopped eating OR developed lesions etc. I asked about a swab and she said, "Where? There's no open wounds and her skin looks sealed, vibrant, and healthy."

She said the electrolyte soak made sense, IF she was dehydrated or had malnutrition. She said if I want to soak her, just use water, or a light iodine mix, but that latter was probably unnecessary.

She agreed with feeding her more often and that staying on the warm side could be hormonal as well.

For everyone's edification, they did a quick ultrasound (not expensive and not painful for Behira in any way) of her sex organs and related area and saw nothing abnormal.

I am a little conflicted, but I also respect my vet(s) tremendously. All 3 looked at her and had the same conclusion. I also circled back with Don Soderberg who was perplexed, but open minded and agreed that she wasn't acting sick in any way.

I want to be able to do something, but I also have to accept that I have done what I can RE taking her to the vet, soaking, researching etc. and maybe I just need to back off a little and give it some time and keep an eye on it.

I plan to soak her every few days, feed every 10 days, and keep an eye on her. If anything changes, I will post it here, and take her back to the vet.

I feel the visit today was cathartic in the sense that all the vets think she's doing great aside from the shedding. None of them think there is an imminent threat to her.

That's such great news dave.
So pleased it doesn't seem to be anything untoward, let's hope her hormones sort them self out soon then


Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Glad to hear this Dave. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Having a bad puberty...wow, that's a diagnosis that's hard to top. I'm glad they didn't find anything wrong, & I totally hope they're right. Who knew?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Having a bad puberty...wow, that's a diagnosis that's hard to top. I'm glad they didn't find anything wrong, & I totally hope they're right. Who knew?

---

I agree and feel the same way. I asked about other snakes not showing this and didn't get a great response, except that most owners wouldn't be as in tune as I am and probably wouldn't sweat it, etc. However, they've ruled out anything seriously wrong.

It occurred to me today that her sheds started getting closer and closer together over several months, hitting a head in the past 2 months or so. That doesn't seem consistent with a terrible infection to me, even though snakes can get sick slowly, but with the white blood count, it doesn't add up. Maybe it does make sense that she's sensitive to her hormonal change and as the hormones have ramped up, so has her shed cycle?

Frankly, I feel better knowing they cannot find anything serious, but I am also keeping a close eye. When you have a vet that says, "STOP PAYING ME! Your snake is okay," what are you supposed to do? Argue?


EDIT:

Behira's Sheds the past year.
Date					Days since last shed
2/22/19			Shed in one piece
5/31/19			Shed in one piece		98
8/29/19			Shed in one piece		90
10/15/19			Shed in one piece		47
11/23/19			Shed in one piece		39
12/15/19			Shed in one piece		22
1/2/20			Shed in one piece		18
1/21/20			Shed in one piece		19

I guess all you can do is "wait & see" when you stand accused of being a "helicopter snarent". :D I can think of much worse things to be, lol.

So it's really only been the last few sheds that were so close together?