Why did my snake die?

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...m%2F55i890.jpg[/IMG]I walked into my room to find my spotted python dead. I'm saddened to see my baby dead. She showed no signs of illness. Last time she ate was around 2 weeks ago, I've been told now that's too long apparently. I've had her since may and I've always done that. Worried whatever she may have had could spread to my other snakes. Anyone have any ideas? Please let me know kindly. I'm trying my best. Here's what I know. Her temps were set on a thermostat to reach 95f on the hot side and cool side around 80. Kept her on aspen shavings in a tote with holes drilled as i do the rest of my snakes. https://ball-pythons.net/forums/webk...37b1/imagejpeg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/6BAE...2-BA03C07032F6

I necropsy is the only true way to find the cause of death. If you want to do that place the snake in a bag and then in the fridge, not the freezer. Call the vet and see who can do it for you.


As to the snake is the belly dark or is that a shadow?

What do you use to monitor your temps? IR temp gun?

What's that on its stomach?...

The green on the stomach occurs a lot in dead snakes. I think it's bile from the gall bladder that leaks out after the snake passes away.

OP if you plan to get a necropsy, as was stated put the snake in the refrigerator, NOT the freezer, and get it to a vet ASAP.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I necropsy is the only true way to find the cause of death. If you want to do that place the snake in a bag and then in the fridge, not the freezer. Call the vet and see who can do it for you.


As to the snake is the belly dark or is that a shadow?

What do you use to monitor your temps? IR temp gun?

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The belly is dark yes. In one spot it is greenish. I think it might be too late I have already buried him :(. I thought it was IBD but I guess many snakes die in this position. Checked my other ball pythons by letting them hold onto my hand with their tail and pull onto me and they had no problem. No obvious signs. They are all acting normal, one is shedding atm. I'm only 16 so I can't really afford a vet visit I'll just watch them closely. Have you ever had a snake die randomly like this?

Anything I guessed would be just that...a guess. You didn't give us much to work with anyways.

I hope you washed your hands before dealing with the balls, just in case.

The other posters are right. The only way to find out why is to go to a vet after the fact. Sucks. I wanted to offer condolences. It's rough to lose any of our reps, especially a cute little baby! *hugs* to you my friend!

Sorry to hear of your loss.

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Originally Posted by KMG

Anything I guessed would be just that...a guess. You didn't give us much to work with anyways.

I hope you washed your hands before dealing with the balls, just in case.

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Yes I washed my hands many times. I threw out the whole tub she was in as well. Hoping this was just a fluke :(

Sorry for the loss of your python. Sudden death happens and it needs alot more research. It's very important to be able to have funds to take your animals to the exotic vet. Ask your parents to help you get a pet insurance policy so you can be more prepared in the event your animals need emergency care. You may have to give up your allowance for the monthly fee to help pay for the pet insurance. Good luck. :)

Sorry about your critter Josh.

That snake looks like it was healthy to me, not really skinny enough to die from starvation. I'm guessing it was just a random death. When breeding lots of animals a small percentage of them just die from random causes, heart problems, etc... I think it's just to be expected. If multiple snakes start dying or if you see them look skinny or discolored then you have a serious problem. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it, just a sad part of nature.

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Originally Posted by cchardwick

That snake looks like it was healthy to me, not really skinny enough to die from starvation. I'm guessing it was just a random death. When breeding lots of animals a small percentage of them just die from random causes, heart problems, etc... I think it's just to be expected. If multiple snakes start dying or if you see them look skinny or discolored then you have a serious problem. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it, just a sad part of nature.

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That makes me feel better. I was worried I might have had something going around. Thanks for all the support. Last time I posted I got a lot of hate for not having money for a vet, and people saying I shouldn't have a pet if I don't have the money to take them to the vet. Still mourning the loss of my baby Spot. My parents offered to replace her but I don't think I can get another spotted any time soon. I was sobbing all last night, I feel like I failed as a pet parent. But I feel like she didn't have IBD. When I would hold her she would wiggle around and loose balance and I just considered that as part of her personality. She often missed when striking her food and had trouble killing her pinkies. If she did happen to have it would my other pythons be showing signs now if they had it as well? I did have mites when I first got them in April and May but Spot never showed any signs of them. Atm my balls don't show any signs and are eating well, active, and when I let them hang from their tails on my hand they pulled up no problem. I'm not sure of any other ways to test for IBD.

Sorry your loss man. :( I know it is shocking and not knowing the reason why can really gnaw on you.

Well, sorry for your loss again. The possibility of the snake having died of IBD is a long shot. The most important thing to do when getting a pet is preparation. That means having the essentials for the maintenance and requirements for proper care. This is very sad but it's a wake up call for everyone who is a keeper of a pet. They will eventually need veterinary care and they deserve the chance to have the professional services afforded to them. You have a responsibility to them. Try to consider the pet health insurances as they do come in handy. Good luck again. :)

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Well, sorry for your loss again. The possibility of the snake having died of IBD is a long shot. The most important thing to do when getting a pet is preparation. That means having the essentials for the maintenance and requirements for proper care. This is very sad but it's a wake up call for everyone who is a keeper of a pet. They will eventually need veterinary care and they deserve the chance to have the professional services afforded to them. You have a responsibility to them. Try to consider the pet health insurances as they do come in handy. Good luck again. :)

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You have insurance on your collection? I like to hear how it works for snakes.

I know they offer them for dogs and cats but Ive never checked them out for snakes. Ive heard of people insuring their collection but never medically. Do they cover the collection or is it per snake?

I know my vet has medical plans aside from insurance but they honestly are both expensive offers unless something major happens. I thought about a medical plan for my new pup but after putting pen to paper I didn't think I would pay for itself....for me.

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Originally Posted by KMG

You have insurance on your collection? I like to hear how it works for snakes.

I know they offer them for dogs and cats but Ive never checked them out for snakes. Ive heard of people insuring their collection but never medically. Do they cover the collection or is it per snake?

I know my vet has medical plans aside from insurance but they honestly are both expensive offers unless something major happens. I thought about a medical plan for my new pup but after putting pen to paper I didn't think I would pay for itself....for me.

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I know you can insure you snake for medical, I don't remember the place as it was years ago I read the article. It's per snake.

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Originally Posted by Neal

I know you can insure you snake for medical, I don't remember the place as it was years ago I read the article. It's per snake.

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I figured it would be per snake. If the price was anything like that of dogs having a medium to large collection would be a truck load of money.

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Originally Posted by KMG

You have insurance on your collection? I like to hear how it works for snakes.

I know they offer them for dogs and cats but Ive never checked them out for snakes. Ive heard of people insuring their collection but never medically. Do they cover the collection or is it per snake?

I know my vet has medical plans aside from insurance but they honestly are both expensive offers unless something major happens. I thought about a medical plan for my new pup but after putting pen to paper I didn't think I would pay for itself....for me.

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Yep! Don't leave home without the insurance on the way to the exotic vets office. It's really very convenient. There are several and the one i have is called CareCredit. They offer two types of plans and they are 6 and 12 month "no interest". The other is the extended payment plan 24, 36, 48, 60 months at 14.9%apr. OP says she/he is only sixteen but it boils down to responsibility for the animals health. This way things get paid and you can work out the details and payback later. Oh KMG, its per animal/ visit.

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Yep! Don't leave home without the insurance on the way to the exotic vets office. It's really very convenient. There are several and the one i have is called CareCredit. They offer two types of plans and they are 6 and 12 month "no interest". The other is the extended payment plan 24, 36, 48, 60 months at 14.9%apr. OP says she/he is only sixteen but it boils down to responsibility for the animals health. This way things get paid and you can work out the details and payback later. Oh KMG, its per animal/ visit.

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I looked at Care Credit and it is not insurance, its a charge account. With it you are on the hook for the entire amount but with an actual insurance they pick up a portion of everything covered under the plan.

I also ran across this. "On qualifying purchase of $200 or more made with your CareCredit credit card account at enrolled provider locations. Interest will be charged to your account (at the rate of 26.99% for new accounts) from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within the promotional period."

It seems the 27% apr is for those with bad or no credit. Id still rather put it on one of my cards with lower apr and that earns cash back.

How many times have you had to use your pet insurance and Care Credit on your exotic pets?

I started checking around different insurance companies and ran across Pet Assure. They have a Unlimited Plan that covers every pet in your home for $200 a year. I didnt read everything there is about it but what I did it seems to be a good price compared to others Ive seen that were per animal. The only thing I didnt like is it said it "covers all in house procedures." I don't know if that means a special reptile vet may bring up issues but I didnt see where they discuss reptiles. They do say they cover any and all household pets so certainly that includes reptiles.

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Yep! Don't leave home without the insurance on the way to the exotic vets office. It's really very convenient. There are several and the one i have is called CareCredit. They offer two types of plans and they are 6 and 12 month "no interest". The other is the extended payment plan 24, 36, 48, 60 months at 14.9%apr. OP says she/he is only sixteen but it boils down to responsibility for the animals health. This way things get paid and you can work out the details and payback later. Oh KMG, its per animal/ visit.

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I get that many of you guys are older and have jobs that allows you to be able to afford this kind of insurance but again I'm a 16 year old boy here. Obviously I care and take responsibility for my pets because I'm on a forum like this, and if I was aware that my snake was sick I would have tried any means to take it to the vet. I was unaware, it could have simply been genetics for all we know. I'm sorry I can't get a necropsy, I would if I had the money but I don't. It just sucks when I get backlash from people for basically saying I'm responsible for the death of my pet, that's a lot to put on a kid, let alone anyone.

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Originally Posted by Joshyboy

I get that many of you guys are older and have jobs that allows you to be able to afford this kind of insurance but again I'm a 16 year old boy here. Obviously I care and take responsibility for my pets because I'm on a forum like this, and if I was aware that my snake was sick I would have tried any means to take it to the vet. I was unaware, it could have simply been genetics for all we know. I'm sorry I can't get a necropsy, I would if I had the money but I don't. It just sucks when I get backlash from people for basically saying I'm responsible for the death of my pet, that's a lot to put on a kid, let alone anyone.

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I haven't seen those here do that to you. They were caring and compassionate. You were given the information but had already acted so we really couldn't do much for you.

It was also shared that part of having a snake is paying for a snake. That's just the truth. I have seen many people go get a snake and not fully understand the cost and care it can create. That is frustrating to other keepers. Im not saying that is what you did. Now the talk has turned to insurance and such but many times threads evolve into something different than they were started.


Shirtless bathroom selfie with no snake?:hmm:

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Originally Posted by Joshyboy

basically saying I'm responsible for the death of my pet, that's a lot to put on a kid, let alone anyone.

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I see you highlighted where you believe you were singled out. I guess you kinda were but what was said was nothing more than the truth.

Let me ask you this.

You are 16 now.

Are you going to college?

Close to home or away?

Mandatory freshman dorms?

Do the dorms allow pets?

Are you going to have the ability to keep the snake through college, military, or other path your life may take as you find your way in the world?

Being snakes can live for 20, 30, and even 40 years getting into snake keeping is a huge responsibility. So many kids get a snake and don't tell their parents that they live forever compared to many other pets. The kids then move off to college which doesn't allow pets and the parents end up getting rid of the snake as they don't want(and should not have to) deal with it.

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Originally Posted by Joshyboy

I get that many of you guys are older and have jobs that allows you to be able to afford this kind of insurance but again I'm a 16 year old boy here. Obviously I care and take responsibility for my pets because I'm on a forum like this, and if I was aware that my snake was sick I would have tried any means to take it to the vet. I was unaware, it could have simply been genetics for all we know. I'm sorry I can't get a necropsy, I would if I had the money but I don't. It just sucks when I get backlash from people for basically saying I'm responsible for the death of my pet, that's a lot to put on a kid, let alone anyone.

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Well Joshyboy, you are definitely misinterpreting my intentions and I feel bad about that. However I was only trying to impress upon you how it's important to have support for your pets in times of need and or emergencies. That's why I deferred to your parents helping and you probably sacrificing your allowance to help out with the necessary care. Everyone can see how passionate you are about the animals you have. That's a great thing but they need more than that at times. Sometimes in their lives they need to go to the doctor. Just like we sometimes need doctors during the course of our lives. Please don't take it personally. This is all information you will need as you go forward with the surviving animals that are depending on you for their lives. Its a very serious undertaking and it's all said to help you so you don't have to go through losing another snake or any pet for that matter.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I looked at Care Credit and it is not insurance, its a charge account. With it you are on the hook for the entire amount but with an actual insurance they pick up a portion of everything covered under the plan.

I also ran across this. "On qualifying purchase of $200 or more made with your CareCredit credit card account at enrolled provider locations. Interest will be charged to your account (at the rate of 26.99% for new accounts) from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within the promotional period."

It seems the 27% apr is for those with bad or no credit. Id still rather put it on one of my cards with lower apr and that earns cash back.

How many times have you had to use your pet insurance and Care Credit on your exotic pets?

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True, however my animals get seen and I have no out of pocket fees from the vet for 30 days later and I always try to pay it off early. Two years ago was the last time I had to use the vet on two separate occasions for my high end garters. Never had to take my ball pythons in although I did have a scare with a new addition ball python that I called in to the office about. Turned out he didn't have to be scheduled to come into the office. I believe it was about 325.00 I wound up paying for the garters and paid it off in 6 months. It truly is a pet insurance. I know nothing about the 27%apr. My rate is interest free.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KMG

I see you highlighted where you believe you were singled out. I guess you kinda were but what was said was nothing more than the truth.

Let me ask you this.

You are 16 now.

Are you going to college?

Close to home or away?

Mandatory freshman dorms?

Do the dorms allow pets?

Are you going to have the ability to keep the snake through college, military, or other path your life may take as you find your way in the world?

Being snakes can live for 20, 30, and even 40 years getting into snake keeping is a huge responsibility. So many kids get a snake and don't tell their parents that they live forever compared to many other pets. The kids then move off to college which doesn't allow pets and the parents end up getting rid of the snake as they don't want(and should not have to) deal with it.

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Well I'll be a senior next year and no I won't be going away for college I will stay close to home. I do have a friend who owns his own reptile business who is a senior now who does not plan on going to college who I know would gladly take my snakes for me while I study to be come a vet tech if I happen to go out of state. My father actually has a huge love for my snakes and I'm also sure he would gladly help care for them while I'm away. Or I would simply rehome my babies for the time being until a time in my life where I am able to continue my hobby. I understand the long term care of these animals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KMG

I haven't seen those here do that to you. They were caring and compassionate. You were given the information but had already acted so we really couldn't do much for you.

It was also shared that part of having a snake is paying for a snake. That's just the truth. I have seen many people go get a snake and not fully understand the cost and care it can create. That is frustrating to other keepers. Im not saying that is what you did. Now the talk has turned to insurance and such but many times threads evolve into something different than they were started.


Shirtless bathroom selfie with no snake?:hmm:

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That's not me lol :D I wish. That's Jacob whitesides (my celeb crush :P) I can change it if you'd like

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Originally Posted by Joshyboy

That's not me lol :D I wish. That's Jacob whitesides (my celeb crush :P) I can change it if you'd like

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Ha! I had no clue. I'm twice your age and when it comes to celebrity news and current events I'm twice my age. Lol!

The new pic is awesome!

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Originally Posted by KMG

Ha! I had no clue. I'm twice your age and when it comes to celebrity news and current events I'm twice my age. Lol!

The new pic is awesome!

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Thanks! I took/ recolored it myself. Took forever but now I have a use for it yay! lol that's my baby toffee