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?

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. :(

So sorry for your loss.

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Originally Posted by BroknBusted

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!

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Wash hands and change clothes and shower. Should cover every basis as well as do preventable procedures with your collection.

Once a month i spray my racks and tubs with PAM just to keep the headache away.

I am so sorry for your loss :tears:

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Wash hands and change clothes and shower. Should cover every basis as well as do preventable procedures with your collection.

Once a month i spray my racks and tubs with PAM just to keep the headache away.

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What is with the PAM

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Originally Posted by rdoyle

What is with the PAM

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It is NOT the cooking spray. People use PAM for short, but it is actually called Provent A Mite. The stuff works excellent for getting rid of mites, and also as a preventitive measure. I am sure if you do a search on it a bunch of things will come up about it.

I am sorry for your loss. :(

It would be very helpful if you would scan and upload the Vet's statement. I am positive that when a Vet euthanizes an animal, they would at least record a cause of death (reason for the euthanization).

Very sorry to hear this.. condolences.. :(

i am very sorry for your loss!:(

Deb...Cause of death is not always documented when euthanasia is performed. A lot of times, clients come in to euthanize their pets, and a lot of the time it's a new client or one that hasn't been seen in a long time. If the animal is suffering, most vets will immediately euthanize to put the animal out of it's misery. A necropsy is extremely helpful if the owner allows the vet to perform one (kudos to the OP for going through with that!) but it doesn't always help with definatively diagnosing a "cause of death"

Without following and examining the patient on a regular basis from the beginning to the end of said "cause" it's next to impossible for a vet to truly diagnose. A veterinarian SHOULD not document a COD without knowing 100% sure that's what it is.

IBD has a lot of "grey areas" and misconceptions about the disease are common...I would compleatly understand if a COD is not documented on this particular animals medical record.

Agreed. But it's pretty irresponsible to go tossing around a big ugly word like IBD and then hint around that you probably got it at a local show without concrete proof to back it up. "My vet said" isn't good enough in the case of IBD. IBD-specific testing.

IBD can decimate collections. This isn't something to take lightly, OP.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.

My condolences. That really is sad.

Boy, IBD sure is a scary thought. How wide spread is this disease?

I am so sorry for your loss! It is never easy to lose a pet, no matter what the species! They are there for you, at all times, without selfish reason. They all have different personalities and are all capable of loving. I am sure Chopper had a great life, and will be missed :snake:

sorry for your loss atleast he had a good 8 years with u . does any1 know way a male bp would lay on his back ? is this a sign of ibd?