Ball Python rescue help... pics and videos

Hello everyone! So here's my story.....

I am in the process of trying to rescue a BP. He has been to hell and back TWICE due to the irresponsibility of my GF's sister.

It started with another person leaving him behind for my buddy to care for. He doesn't like snakes so he told him that he can borrow is garage and keep him there until he figures his stuff out. Well... I live in Phoenix where the temps get to 120 outside, let alone inside a garage and let alone a closet INSIDE the garage. Anyways.... he was left there with nothing. Apparently he was fed and had some water but that was it. After a while I realized this poor thing was suffering so I started to check on him and get him water at least. At the time I was pretty nervous around snakes considering I have never owned one so I just made sure he had water and was staying on my buddy's ass to get his friend to take him back. Long story short... they ignored him. The last time I went there I opened the drawer he was in in the 125 degree Phoenix garage and found a horrible sight. A regurgitated rat that has been in there for who knows how long, poop, pee, flies, gross stuff, I have NO IDEA what else was in there. Friggin gross tho. I said stuff it and took a chance. I took him out and cleaned EVERYTHING, I demanded someone get him some food and later on the original owner came with two live mice that he ate just fine. I was going to adopt him and just keep him, but then here comes my GF's sister who thinks the world owes her everything and demanded that now that this snake was clean and looking goo and that it was in her garage SHE was going to keep him. I was pretty upset considering all the work I did but said whatever and let her keep it. STUPID..... Long story short it has been probably 3 months since she kept him and up until last week, he has not eaten single thing, and on top of that she moved and left him behind in a closed apartment with no open windows, food, water, light, NOTHING in the middle of summer. SO once again I went to try and help. He is now in my custody and there has been some complications.

I treated what I think was a RI and it seemed to help, he hasn't been prairie dogging and haven't sen any bubbles or anything. He started to do some weird spitting up thing that I have no idea what it was. In a moment I will post a video of this reaction that I shot today that leads me to todays question. The only difference, today he didn't spit up. Just got weird. I took him out in the grass and let him snake around and he looked way more energetic than before. I think maybe I helped.

View My Video Pardon the angle, he started doing it and I just hit record...

Now this... I gave him a small rat last week when I got him, he took it right away no issues. I tried feeding him again yesterday and nothing. Tried again today and nothing.

Ok.. I know I ramble but my brain works really fast, hope I am making sense.... lol

Now... here is my problem... I noticed a swollen belly or midsection. It's squishy. Kinda big. I assume that maybe it's the undigested rat since I havent seen him poop yet, but the lump looks way bigger than the rat. He has been lethargic as well. ( besides today when I took him out ). I am thinking constipation. I just gave him another warm bath and I have been trying to hydrate him with a Powerade bath, nothing so far.

Here are some of the pics I was able to get this morning. You can see the bulge.

http://s29.postimg.org/926cg5f83/20140827_130520.jpg


http://s29.postimg.org/mukrbs5zn/20140827_130526.jpg


http://s29.postimg.org/6v23s89xv/20140827_130642.jpg


http://s29.postimg.org/cs5z91r2r/20140827_130649.jpg

So.... as a newb trying his best to safe this poor thing, does anyone have any ideas, tips, tricks, anything that might help me out? The worst thing is that I already own my own BP and I wasn't intending on keeping this one and a vet visit is out of my price range at the moment. I am hoping I can get some of these folks that messed him up to contribute to the visit but I doubt it. I want him to be fine, if I can save him I will keep him, but if I cant or it's something serious that I cannot help with, I would rather find someone or somewhere I can take him so that he can get the care he needs. I am kind of at the final point of what to do for this little dude.

Anyways, thanks for reading my ramble and I look forward to the help. Thanks again!

BM

I am gonna suggest what I would do which is try to massage that lump. I would assume he is not able to pass it for some reason but it appears too far down to regurge or is stuck, which is what the motion appears to be... it trying to regurgitate the feed.

Warm bath and massage, rinse and repeat...

now im not a doctor, nor are most people that will see and reply to this, but the video suggests it is trying to regurge it. The lump does look significantly larger than what a small rat would cause in a snake that size. My assumption is he is trying to regurge, but the rat is too far down to be brought back up, and because hes unsuccessfully regurgitating, it is causing his stomach to swell, like if you get a piece of chicken stuck in your throat after swallowing before youre done chewing, it takes a while and a lot of effort to get down and once you do your throat feels funny. My advice would be to take him to the vet, and if you cannot afford to do that in an animals time of need how can you properly care for animals? If you cannot drop 100-300$ at any moment for your animals well being, you may be unfit to care for another being life. I would pursue the previous owners for help, and if all else fails massage it.

Hi,

To be honest I think that really needs investigating by a good reptile vet. :(

Until I saw the lump I thought it might be neurological damage from overheating but given the position on the body I think it is more likely to be something like a blocked/ twisted intestine.

That's not something I would suggest trying to treat at home.

I think it is idiotic to think that because someone doesn't have a huge bank account that they can not properly take care of an animal.

I have 11 ball pythons and do not have a huge bank account. I have yet to have to take my animals to a vet. If it was needed I would do everything in my power to get the funds needed for the vet billing. But to say that you should not care for another animal if you do not have a lot of money is not right. Yes if needed you should be willing and or able to seek treatment. That is what the OP is doing by reaching out in this forum. He is asking for any assistance from people that may be more experienced with this kind of situation than he is. He has also already stated that if it requires a vet bill that he cannot afford he is wanting to get the snake to someone that can get the nessasary treatment for the animal.

I think that the other suggestions of massage would be my fist try as well.

Usually bloating is from improper digestion and sadly I haven't heard of the proper treatment for that. Your BP probably has weakend internal organs from spending the summer in that overly hot enclosure and poor husbadry. I would do the following:
1) Give him a bath using water that is exactly room temp. I think it's all too common people use water that is too hot, remember if it feels warm to you the it will be too hot for the snake. While he is in the bath try rubbing his swollen belly bery lightly letting him slither over your hand. Do this for about 5-10 minutes every 4 days or so.
2) Make sure his temps are SPOT ON. As well as humidity. If it is a digestion issue then he WILL need a proper gradient that he can choose to move around in and choose the right temp to digest the meal.
3) Feed him smaller meals for now incase his organs are not strong enough to handle such a large meal. I woul record exactly when I fed him and when I offered food. You can post that info on here too. I would personally only offer food every 5 days and again, small meals.
4) Get him a really nice hide that he will use. Another user made me aware of Boots and Barkely water bowls for dogs at Target and they are amazing, most of my snakes love them. He IS stressed out beyond belief right now. The move, poor care, frequent handling, baths, all of this adds to stress. High stress doesn't help an injured body.
This is just what I would do. I am by far not the most experienced person, this is just what I would do if I couldn't take him to a vet.

I am just gonna throw this out there, and I am no expert, but if the snake is female could it be eggs:confusd:

My guess would be that his going without food so long has affected his digestive track. Now he has a big meal that his system couldn't handle but it's down too far to regurge it. If you soak him in warm(not hot) water and see if he can move it, that may help, but if his intestine is damaged or twisted or too weak to move the mass on to poo it out, he may not be able to be helped, short of an enema or surgery.

I would advise NOT to take him out to the yard, nor to handle him much, if at all. Let him relax in his cage with plenty of hides and warm humid spots and leave him alone except for treatment. He's not used to being handled, and ball pythons generally don't like bright open space. Roaming around a lawn will stress him because remember, all his tiny snakey brain is telling him is "Any minute a giant bird will swoop down and eat me!".

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

My guess would be that his going without food so long has affected his digestive track. Now he has a big meal that his system couldn't handle but it's down too far to regurge it. If you soak him in warm(not hot) water and see if he can move it, that may help, but if his intestine is damaged or twisted or too weak to move the mass on to poo it out, he may not be able to be helped, short of an enema or surgery.

I would advise NOT to take him out to the yard, nor to handle him much, if at all. Let him relax in his cage with plenty of hides and warm humid spots and leave him alone except for treatment. He's not used to being handled, and ball pythons generally don't like bright open space. Roaming around a lawn will stress him because remember, all his tiny snakey brain is telling him is "Any minute a giant bird will swoop down and eat me!".

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I think you are probably right :gj:

Thank you. I gave him 2 yesterday and 1 today so far. Massaged him a little and he seemed to enjoy it but nothing yet, I also didn't massage very hard because I didn't want to hurt him or make him sore. I also added a little powerade to help with possible dehydration so I am hoping for some good news.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ElliotNess

I am gonna suggest what I would do which is try to massage that lump. I would assume he is not able to pass it for some reason but it appears too far down to regurge or is stuck, which is what the motion appears to be... it trying to regurgitate the feed.

Warm bath and massage, rinse and repeat...

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Thank you. I gave him 2 yesterday and 1 today so far. Massaged him a little and he seemed to enjoy it but nothing yet, I also didn't massage very hard because I didn't want to hurt him or make him sore. I also added a little powerade to help with possible dehydration so I am hoping for some good news.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Derekm951

now im not a doctor, nor are most people that will see and reply to this, but the video suggests it is trying to regurge it. The lump does look significantly larger than what a small rat would cause in a snake that size. My assumption is he is trying to regurge, but the rat is too far down to be brought back up, and because hes unsuccessfully regurgitating, it is causing his stomach to swell, like if you get a piece of chicken stuck in your throat after swallowing before youre done chewing, it takes a while and a lot of effort to get down and once you do your throat feels funny. My advice would be to take him to the vet, and if you cannot afford to do that in an animals time of need how can you properly care for animals? If you cannot drop 100-300$ at any moment for your animals well being, you may be unfit to care for another being life. I would pursue the previous owners for help, and if all else fails massage it.

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Ok cool, thanks for the advice. At least up to the bold part. You should reread my post and understand that I am saving this dude from someone else, twice actually. Put it this way, since I saw him suffering and I'm a little strapped for cash, I should have left him there, right? I couldn't do that, I am trying my best. :-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

To be honest I think that really needs investigating by a good reptile vet. :(

Until I saw the lump I thought it might be neurological damage from overheating but given the position on the body I think it is more likely to be something like a blocked/ twisted intestine.

That's not something I would suggest trying to treat at home.

---

I am pretty much at that point, I've been making calls trying to find someone to see him or take him in who can better nurse him, but I'm trying one last day. I was thinking the same thing about the overheating considering the time he spent in that garage, but then I started getting comments from Herps who on average said it looks like hes trying to regurgitate, I am hoping for some success today, but we shall see, if not, we go in tomorrow...

thank you

I assume you are putting the Powerade in the water? I don't think in the water it is going to help with dehydration, and I don't think all the sugar in the Powerade would be good for him. Just continue with the plain water soaks, and massages :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by albinos_rule

I think it is idiotic to think that because someone doesn't have a huge bank account that they can not properly take care of an animal.

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Reread my post....

I didn't think it was an idiotic move to leave him there to suffer like his last 2 owners did, so I am trying. I'll remember that next time tho, thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Drake Moonslayer

I have 11 ball pythons and do not have a huge bank account. I have yet to have to take my animals to a vet. If it was needed I would do everything in my power to get the funds needed for the vet billing. But to say that you should not care for another animal if you do not have a lot of money is not right. Yes if needed you should be willing and or able to seek treatment. That is what the OP is doing by reaching out in this forum. He is asking for any assistance from people that may be more experienced with this kind of situation than he is. He has also already stated that if it requires a vet bill that he cannot afford he is wanting to get the snake to someone that can get the nessasary treatment for the animal.

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Thank you for reading and understanding my post, I am hoping for some good news today after his bath. If not, I'm taking him in. Hopefully I can get a little help from the last owner but who knows, but also in the meantime I have some friends seeing if there is someone out there more experienced than me who may be able to help.

Thanks again

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Drake Moonslayer

I have 11 ball pythons and do not have a huge bank account. I have yet to have to take my animals to a vet. If it was needed I would do everything in my power to get the funds needed for the vet billing. But to say that you should not care for another animal if you do not have a lot of money is not right. Yes if needed you should be willing and or able to seek treatment. That is what the OP is doing by reaching out in this forum. He is asking for any assistance from people that may be more experienced with this kind of situation than he is. He has also already stated that if it requires a vet bill that he cannot afford he is wanting to get the snake to someone that can get the nessasary treatment for the animal.

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Thank you for reading and understanding my post, I am hoping for some good news today after his bath. If not, I'm taking him in. Hopefully I can get a little help from the last owner but who knows, but also in the meantime I have some friends seeing if there is someone out there more experienced than me who may be able to help.

Thanks again

Quote:

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Originally Posted by albinos_rule

I am just gonna throw this out there, and I am no expert, but if the snake is female could it be eggs:confusd:

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Thought of that too, but I am not 100 percent sure. I did some research but still couldn't tell. Thx

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alan12013

Usually bloating is from improper digestion and sadly I haven't heard of the proper treatment for that. Your BP probably has weakend internal organs from spending the summer in that overly hot enclosure and poor husbadry. I would do the following:
1) Give him a bath using water that is exactly room temp. I think it's all too common people use water that is too hot, remember if it feels warm to you the it will be too hot for the snake. While he is in the bath try rubbing his swollen belly bery lightly letting him slither over your hand. Do this for about 5-10 minutes every 4 days or so.
2) Make sure his temps are SPOT ON. As well as humidity. If it is a digestion issue then he WILL need a proper gradient that he can choose to move around in and choose the right temp to digest the meal.
3) Feed him smaller meals for now incase his organs are not strong enough to handle such a large meal. I woul record exactly when I fed him and when I offered food. You can post that info on here too. I would personally only offer food every 5 days and again, small meals.
4) Get him a really nice hide that he will use. Another user made me aware of Boots and Barkely water bowls for dogs at Target and they are amazing, most of my snakes love them. He IS stressed out beyond belief right now. The move, poor care, frequent handling, baths, all of this adds to stress. High stress doesn't help an injured body.
This is just what I would do. I am by far not the most experienced person, this is just what I would do if I couldn't take him to a vet.

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1. Thank you for the advice, I actually was doing mild warm temp.... I will leave it to cool to room.

2. I did raise his cage temp to about 85-89, bought a UTH, and have some moss and water spray keeping the humidity around 55-65%. I actually wake up in the middle of the night to check and spray if needed. lol But I have to.

3. I did try to feed him, but he won't take. Ive decided to leave that for now figuring it's because he feels sick.

4. I feel he has all proper hides, he actually isnt hiding much tho. Stays more on the cool side out of the hide. And as you have suggested I will minimize the baths as to not handle or stress him out.

Thanks so much for the help. I will keep everyone posted

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

My guess would be that his going without food so long has affected his digestive track. Now he has a big meal that his system couldn't handle but it's down too far to regurge it. If you soak him in warm(not hot) water and see if he can move it, that may help, but if his intestine is damaged or twisted or too weak to move the mass on to poo it out, he may not be able to be helped, short of an enema or surgery.

I would advise NOT to take him out to the yard, nor to handle him much, if at all. Let him relax in his cage with plenty of hides and warm humid spots and leave him alone except for treatment. He's not used to being handled, and ball pythons generally don't like bright open space. Roaming around a lawn will stress him because remember, all his tiny snakey brain is telling him is "Any minute a giant bird will swoop down and eat me!".

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wow... thanks. I didn't even think about the stress by taking him outside, good call. Thanks for that, now I know.

I will be doing another bath today and massage and see what happens, if nothing..... I will have to take him in and hopefully I can find someone who can help with cost or care. But we're trying as much as we can with this guy :-)

Thank you so much for all the help, I will keep you posted.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by albinos_rule

I assume you are putting the Powerade in the water? I don't think in the water it is going to help with dehydration, and I don't think all the sugar in the Powerade would be good for him. Just continue with the plain water soaks, and massages :gj:

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Oh yea... lol it's in the water not direct lol I saw some posts on the web to do a 50/50 with Powerade and water and let him soak if there is nothing else available like proper meds or vet. The sugar is a concern but from I read if it's a one time emergency thing it should be ok. Do you think I should avoid the powerade all together and just leave water? What about Pedialite?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gurpgurp

Reread my post....

I didn't think it was an idiotic move to leave him there to suffer like his last 2 owners did, so I am trying. I'll remember that next time tho, thanks.

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I posted that for that Derek whatever his name was.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has responded, I am about to do another bath and soft massage. He still has that bump and when I look under him I kind of notice 2... um.... I don't know how to explain it without sounding weird, but kind of looks like a tight testicle sack and you can see both balls..... does that make sense?

..... now let the giggles settle.... sorry, I am better at explaining things with visuals. :-)

I will keep everyone posted, I will also try and shoot another video and take pics if there are any changes and see if anyone has any advice.

Thanks again and talk to everyone soon, wish us luck..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by albinos_rule

I posted that for that Derek whatever his name was.

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Copy that, thanks for clarifying. Hope you didn't take it the wrong way, I will admit I did for a second because of how I read it. My sincere apologies. I, like the snake, am a little stressed as well so I can get a little short with people. I just want him to feel better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gurpgurp

Copy that, thanks for clarifying. Hope you didn't take it the wrong way, I will admit I did for a second because of how I read it. My sincere apologies. I, like the snake, am a little stressed as well so I can get a little short with people. I just want him to feel better.

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That is ok, misunderstandings happen. I commend you for doing what you can for the snake. It is people like Derek who makes comments like he did that really get under my skin..Good luck with the snake :gj:

ok sorry for the improper wording, and rereading that it was rude, but in my defense i had just gotten home from a long day of school then work. I didnt mean "you are unfit to care for animals" if you cannot drop that money at any given time, i mean if that amount of money is completely out of the question for a period of time that allows your snakes condition to worsen. I also wanted to say that rescuing the mistreated thing was awesome and so was looking for any kind of help. Again im sorry for the improper wording and the rudeness of my comment, I do wish you and that poor little guy the best of luck. And keep us updated please

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Derekm951

ok sorry for the improper wording, and rereading that it was rude, but in my defense i had just gotten home from a long day of school then work. I didnt mean "you are unfit to care for animals" if you cannot drop that money at any given time, i mean if that amount of money is completely out of the question for a period of time that allows your snakes condition to worsen. I also wanted to say that rescuing the mistreated thing was awesome and so was looking for any kind of help. Again im sorry for the improper wording and the rudeness of my comment, I do wish you and that poor little guy the best of luck. And keep us updated please

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We all have bad days..it's all good :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gurpgurp

I want to say thank you to everyone who has responded, I am about to do another bath and soft massage. He still has that bump and when I look under him I kind of notice 2... um.... I don't know how to explain it without sounding weird, but kind of looks like a tight testicle sack and you can see both balls..... does that make sense?

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Do a Google search for pictures of a prolapse. Is that what you're seeing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

To be honest I think that really needs investigating by a good reptile vet. :(

Until I saw the lump I thought it might be neurological damage from overheating but given the position on the body I think it is more likely to be something like a blocked/ twisted intestine.

That's not something I would suggest trying to treat at home.

---

I have to fully agree with Dr. Del! I know I'm a new user to this site, but I have been keeping and breeding reptiles for over 20 years and have come across this before with rescues. The bulge appears to be past the stomach which would indicate intestinal compaction/twisting, possibly from the previous owners choice of substrate and lack of water combined. The swelling is most likely methane from the decomposing rodent that is stuck in the intestine. If it is compaction, the only home remedy I know of is super soaking (water logging) and massaging the snake. This has helped me in the past, and it has failed as well. The best chance the snake has is to see a qualified vet.

Good luck and keep us informed.

How's the swelling?

Hey man, no sweat. :-)

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for the help but I don't think that's it. It's more of a belly swell. Thanks!

Hey guys and gals....

So I tried everything I could.

Warm water and massage, hydrating, upped the heat and humidity and nothing....

I just called an Exotic Animal vet who deals with BP's and I think I have to take him, actually, I AM taking him. After searching he was the most affordable and reputable. $60, my vet wanted like $115, if I need meds or something hopefully it's not much and I can make up the difference.

Thanks to everyone for all the help and I will report back when I get back, the apt is at 2:15 PHX time.

Right now he's just chillin in his hide on the cool side, big ol' lump in his belly... I am guessing and kind of hoping that he's either just impacted or something, those movements in the video has been described by many a "regurgitating" move. I read a freaky article about internal mites and a lump... blah blah blah... not gonna think about it.

Here are some pics I just took...

http://s11.postimg.org/s0btwg1sv/20140830_131909.jpg


http://s11.postimg.org/tdyve0bof/20140830_131919.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/2rzano4.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/2j43fop.jpg

Talk soon.

BM

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Derekm951

ok sorry for the improper wording, and rereading that it was rude, but in my defense i had just gotten home from a long day of school then work. I didnt mean "you are unfit to care for animals" if you cannot drop that money at any given time, i mean if that amount of money is completely out of the question for a period of time that allows your snakes condition to worsen. I also wanted to say that rescuing the mistreated thing was awesome and so was looking for any kind of help. Again im sorry for the improper wording and the rudeness of my comment, I do wish you and that poor little guy the best of luck. And keep us updated please

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No sweat man, I've done it too. lol Thanks for all the help tho..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alan12013

How's the swelling?

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The same.... I will be taking him in in a little bit. I just posted some pics if you want to check him out.

THanks

BM

Waiting for the doc... http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...1a8076ff04.jpg

I am so glad he's there right now. Looking forward to updates!! Be prepared for the doc to make your little fellow uncomfortable lol I remember taking my first reptile into the vet and posting pics throughout the processes on the cham forum :)

Update...

Just got back from the vet. Here's what he told me.

He said that I have done everything and more that he would have told me to do as an alternative to what needs to be done. What needs to be done is an X-ray, culture, and more than likely surgery. He can't say for sure without the X-ray.

Here's a pic of what he recommends...

http://s11.postimg.org/abr0uz4m7/20140830_163055.jpg

The lump he thinks is blockage. With this, he is worried about the possibility of the rat rotting and creating bacteria etc... etc... etc... (we know what happens here). The movement in that video he said he thinks it's more of a seizure doe to the horrible living conditions and torture. I am not to sure about that, but again... I am a complete noob here and am learning the best I can lol but that's what the doc said. I still think maybe regurgitation, but yea. He did say that considering what he has gone through the last few months, he seems to look "ok", he expected way worse. He also checked for RI and he said there's nothing, which makes me feel good because I feel I may have cured him of that myself with some treatments I was recommended by a Herp friend. I feel good about that :-) He checked his mouth and said all is clear. I just put him back in his cage and he's just chilling, but he did go to his water bowl and has been drinking nonstop for about 10 minutes, he slurps and hangs out. That's a good thing. He has a 50/50 Powerade/Water mix for electrolytes at the moment.

http://s11.postimg.org/484uxboyn/20140830_160550.jpg


http://s11.postimg.org/ifz4zpr1b/20140830_160601.jpg

Here is where I need to make some decisions...

I MIGHT be able to get the X-ray done via some donations from friends and my sisters Care Credit Card. I am more than likely going to try and do this if funds are available. I think once this is done they should have a better idea of what's up and then make my decision easier.

Keeping only money in mind, I will have to do either...

A. Put him down
B. Continue home treatments
C. Take my sisters offer and just pay the $500 for everything
D. Find someone in the Phoenix area who can care for him and give him the necessary treatments and care. Which if ANYONE knows of someone or an organization in the Phoenix area who could do this that would be AMAZEBALLS! Please let me know.

Obviously, I would love to be able to do this all myself and keep him, he's had enough moving and I also figured I've saved him twice, makes it harder to let go... but I have to think of my other pets and my living situation. It's hard to say, but i almost am leaning towards the full $500 if I have to just so he doesn't keep suffering and then just pay the CC Card..... I dunno.... damn.

Anyways, this is where we are. I cant do anything Sunday or Monday so I guess that's 2 days of figuring out funds or decisions. I really hope I find a big ol' nasty turd between now and then...

Thank you all again.

BM

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alan12013

I am so glad he's there right now. Looking forward to updates!! Be prepared for the doc to make your little fellow uncomfortable lol I remember taking my first reptile into the vet and posting pics throughout the processes on the cham forum :)

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Hey, I just got back, I posted a short story above. Thanks!

BM

That's 500 dollars before the surgery? That bill didn't include an operation just the testing and x-ray. It looked like over 260 dollars to do a test. I would just tell him to do the x-ray without the culture. Once the x-ray gets back it should be obvious what the issue is and you MIGHT be able to continue a home remedy. I sometimes get upset about culture tests. I'm worried about the rat rotting too so I would personally have his ambient and belly heat bumped up pretty high while still offering a gradient. What are your priorities between relaxing or massaging him? In this case I don't know if his digestion would benefit more from frequent massaging or proper temps and relaxation. Has his belly gotten any larger since you first noticed it to indicate bloating? Did the vet mention anything about not feeding him until this is taken care of? Or offering a much smaller meal next time if this passes?

If I had to guess the culture would be to see if there are any signs of something like worms or any other bacterial blooms that might complicate things later.

The x-ray should show the shape, density and location of the blockage so he can work out what, if anything, he can or should do.

Feeding is definitely the last thing to be worrying about just now though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

If I had to guess the culture would be to see if there are any signs of something like worms or any other bacterial blooms that might complicate things later.

The x-ray should show the shape, density and location of the blockage so he can work out what, if anything, he can or should do.

Feeding is definitely the last thing to be worrying about just now though.

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Yea, I'm not feeding. Just going to let him take water. Hopefully Tuesday I'll go in for the X-ray and see if we can figure something out. I'm going to let him chill tonight and do another warm bath tomorrow.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks again

BM

Dumb question... how do I delete a post?? I can't get rid of this one lol

Update...

So It's been home care the last few days since the last vet visit. My sister is willing to help me with Care Credit to pay for the X-ray. I was able to set an apt for Friday with my Vet. After that, I then will have a better idea of what I need or should do. In the meantime I will start looking for someone in the valley who may have better resources and willing to adopt.

Ok... some GOOD news!

I just gave him another warm bath. He's been bad. The bulge was HUGE, almost like it was going to explode. I missed taking a picture so I can't show you guys. Anyways... I was letting him chill in the tub and I started to massage him a little. He would get still and I could feel him flexing under me like trying to help. I then held him up by his tail so he stretched down, I wanted to test his brain and see if he's still responding with a good equilibrium. He was ok.. I think he sensed up and down but every once in a while he does this crazy head, tight neck, seizure thing... I dunno... But check this..

http://s15.postimg.org/lmdaak9av/PAR...903_132427.jpg



That right there is a nasty smelling, putrid glob of snake puke. As he was hanging, I rubbed his belly a little and he went crazy, started puking brown stuff all over the place. Smelled like a the edge of a dirty lake. You know... gross dead fish and rot. But it kept coming. After he calmed down, I put him back in his cage so he could chill out. I think that was the most stress he's endured lol

I washed the tub out... gross.... and refilled it with warm clean water. I wanted to kinda bathe him to get the puke off of him. He sat in the tank with his mouth open and I could see a puddle of that brown stuff. I decided to take him out again and see if we could get a little more out. Not much.. BUT... I got THIS instead!

http://s15.postimg.org/xzq4hgyzb/PAR...903_133337.jpg

He POOPED!!! I had him upside down hoping for puke and then I see a little red gopher peek out from the corner of my eye. Then he duked on me. :-)

I want to be excited, but I don't want to get my hopes up. I just put him in his tank and I am going to leave him be the rest of the day and check on him. I hope that was a good sign. I called the vet and left a message and I am waiting to hear back and see what he says.

That's it. Now, we wait again. I will update after the call and again thanks for reading.

Word.

HM

I'll keep my fingers crossed for him.

That said, if/when he gets to the point where the vet advises trying to feed him again, get some NutriBAC from The Bean Farm (online store). It's a probiotic that helps replenish the good bacteria in their digestive tract.
http://beanfarm.com/product_info.php...oducts_id=5933

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I'll keep my fingers crossed for him.

That said, if/when he gets to the point where the vet advises trying to feed him again, get some NutriBAC from The Bean Farm (online store). It's a probiotic that helps replenish the good bacteria in their digestive tract.
http://beanfarm.com/product_info.php...oducts_id=5933

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Right on, thanks. So it looks like I just add that to his water?

2nd Update...

I got a call from the vet. Basically, he told me that's a good thing but we still need to check him out. I will be keeping an eye on him throughout the next ouple of days until his appointment. For now, he looks "ok"... As you can see the bulge is SIGNIFICANTLY smaller, if not maybe gone. He looks so much better than the other pics.

http://i58.tinypic.com/ea5ixl.jpg


HM

While he looks better, a purge from both ends like that will be very hard on his system. In case the vet doesn't suggest it, the next meal offered should be very small. Typically with a regurge you wait at least three weeks before feeding again to give the snake time to recover, but your vet may have a different idea since this one is in such bad shape.

I've had to use the NutriBAC and I don't bother adding it to the water, I just sprinkle a tiny amount on a wet f/t feeder.

Final update...

I had a 1230 appt. with the vet. I put him in his box and left. My mom hooked me up with her Care Credit card so we were going in for the X-ray. I made a call last minute just to make sure they took CC... they don't. Sucked... I got coffee and went home.

I made a few calls and hooked up with another vet who was available and took CC. In a nutshell... the doc said he didn't look good. He was sooo skinny. He was most worried about neurological damage because of his behavior. He set him on the table upside down (on his back) he didn't respond. Just laid there and we continued our conversation. He brought up starvation, dehydration, parasites, heat, everything that I talked about. The conclusion was either spend a lot of money and hopefully he will be ok, or put him down. This vet was a Herp for 10-15 years and also works for AZ Sheriff's DEPT for Animal Control or whatever, he feel that considering my other pets and money etc that if I decided to put him down it may be for the best for the snake and myself. He was really bad.

I'm sorry to say, but he passed. He's in my freezer waiting awaiting burial. I did the best I could and I am hoping that maybe for the small amount of time he was here while I tried to help he felt a little better, who knows, but I feel god for what I tried doing and if this was the way it had to be, so be it.

RIP little buddy.

http://s11.postimg.org/an9uu8xf3/PAR...905_151241.jpg

Thanks to everyone that helped me out I really appreciate it. See you on the boards.

Peace.

HM

On another note: This vet told me that if he was to have found him in the condition I described him in when I grabbed him the first time from the garage, both owners would have been in custody. I guess in AZ it's a class 6 felony. Something like... "... animal abuse that results in having to put the animal down because of human neglect is considered blah blah blah...". I had NO idea the punishment was that bad. So I decided to look for the law and send it to my dumb ass friends, reminding them that they barely escaped possible jail time. I doubt it will even matter. Crazy.

RIP you tried the best you could.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm sorry.