BP may be dying....

ive had my bp for a little under 2 wks. the first week everything was fine, he ate, didnt throw it up and he seemed normal. this week it all went bad. I fed my bp thursday but when i came home for lunch today he had threw up the fuzzie. I didnt have time to get on here and find out why so i went back to work and when i came home to take care of him, he was fine. but at about 10:55 the bp all of a sudden starting constricting and flopping around. he then stopped breathing, I touched him to see if he had died but he started flopping around again. my husband said he died and his brain just hasnt caught up yet, I dont think that can be considering its an hour later and hes still flopping around. Does anyone have any idea whats going on? is he dead or just sick? were taking him to the vet tomorrow.....if hes still alive.

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

ive had my bp for a little under 2 wks. the first week everything was fine, he ate, didnt throw it up and he seemed normal. this week it all went bad. I fed my bp thursday but when i came home for lunch today he had threw up the fuzzie. I didnt have time to get on here and find out why so i went back to work and when i came home to take care of him, he was fine. but at about 10:55 the bp all of a sudden starting constricting and flopping around. he then stopped breathing, I touched him to see if he had died but he started flopping around again. my husband said he died and his brain just hasnt caught up yet, I dont think that can be considering its an hour later and hes still flopping around. Does anyone have any idea whats going on? is he dead or just sick? were taking him to the vet tomorrow.....if hes still alive.

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Take him to a vet, ASAP. I hope everything is fine, I want you to be the first one to the vet tomorrow morning and demand to be the first patient, your snake needs medical treatment! Please keep up posted, I hope everything is fine.

Yeah that certainly doesn't sound well. Please let us know how the vet trip goes. I hope all is well :(

There are more experienced keepers here who can perhaps tell you better than I can. I have read that when a stake regurgitates (throws up) its meal, it can have a really negative impact on the snake internally. Snakes aren't equipped with a gag reflex, like humans are, so throwing up is VERY hard on their systems.

You say you've had your snake for 2 weeks...so I'm assuming that this is a very young BP? I think the rule of thumb is, the younger your BP--the worse things like that are on their systems. I hate to say it, but it sounds like your BP is in the process of dying (not dead yet)... if there are no emergency vets open and you have to wait until morning, you've got to, I guess.

I may be wrong here, and maybe your little one will pull through--I hope that's the case. I'm sorry you're having to go through it, though...that can't be easy. Please keep us posted--you're in my thoughts.

Please keep us all informed with the vet visit.

I am very sorry to hear what is happening. I hope everything ends up ok.

Convulsions??? Yeah, def. need a vet!


If the unthinkable should happen and he passes away, you'll probably be best off to get a necrosy, or at least the liver biopsy. Sounds like maybe IBD, and if he's got it, you'll need extra precautions before getting another pet.


Ohhhh, I've got my fingers crossed for you!!:(

no vet trip for me...hes gone. I tried picking him up and he didnt move. I thought it might be a stomach problem because it was real swallon and now it wasnt so i flipped him over and it was really sunk in like an anorexic girl. I didnt know regurgitating was that big of a deal or I would have took him to a vet when i came home from lunch.

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

no vet trip for me...hes gone. I tried picking him up and he didnt move. I thought it might be a stomach problem because it was real swallon and now it wasnt so i flipped him over and it was really sunk in like an anorexic girl. I didnt know regurgitating was that big of a deal or I would have took him to a vet when i came home from lunch.

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I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the ones who truly cared about this snake. Sorry to hear about this, I would get him checked out anyways to see how he died. :(

Well, perhaps you should take Sweety314's advice and have necropsy or biopsy done. Sorry to hear :(

Im sorry!!! You may want to still take him to the vet and find out HOW / WHY he died.....esp. if you think you're going to want to get another snake.


U wouldn't want a future pet at a later time to catch something from his dying.


Condolences!!!:(

:hug: I'm so sorry, hon.

Yea I will. I got him from petco so that might have been my first mistake. I did everything right, have a 40 gal. breeder tank with aspen bedding, 2 thermostates and a humidty gage thing and it was all set right. I had a water dish, a hide and a climbing/basking branch. I dont know what went wrong but ill find out tomorrow..or atleast try to. thanks for all yalls help. I just wish I got to him sooner

What's the time limit on PetCo's health guarantee??? Is it a week or longer???? (Sorry...I don't remember...:oops: :oops: )

I'd be for getting the necropsy and then taking the report to the PetCo where U bought him from...

DEFINITELY if he's diagnosed w/IBD or some other illness or disease, the store would absolutely need to know that.

I'm so sorry. If you get any tests done let us know what happened.

Sorry again to hear of your loss.

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

Yea I will. I got him from petco so that might have been my first mistake. I did everything right, have a 40 gal. breeder tank with aspen bedding, 2 thermostates and a humidty gage thing and it was all set right. I had a water dish, a hide and a climbing/basking branch. I dont know what went wrong but ill find out tomorrow..or atleast try to. thanks for all yalls help. I just wish I got to him sooner

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A 40 gal for a baby? That may be why, he could have been very stressed, but I'm not an expert so I'll leave it up to them to decide, if it was a baby, or if you ever get another snake, keep him in a shoebox size tub, or in a small 10 gal. Hope that helps.... :(

theres a 2 wk time limit and its only been 10 days so im taking him back and they can foot the bill for the necropsy. When he first got him we thought something was weird because he never constricted when we fed him and he is a constricter. my step mom has 2 bps and she said both of hers constrict right away. so maybe there was a problem all along

Sorry for your loss. Maby talk to the place where you got him and see if he was regurgitating before you got him? :(

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Originally Posted by Bright202

A 40 gal for a baby? That may be why, he could have been very stressed, but I'm not an expert so I'll leave it up to them to decide, if it was a baby, or if you ever get another snake, keep him in a shoebox size tub, or in a small 10 gal. Hope that helps.... :(

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the 40 gal. is what the worker at petco told me to get for my bp, so I did what he told me since petcos workers are "supposed" to be specialist. (my bp was about a foot long)

Maybe...but some of my babies didn't constrict. They'd just grab the prey off the tongs and start eating.


But yes, definitely take him back.

BUUUT DON'T PUT HIM IN THE FREEZER!!! If you MUST keep him cold for the necropsy (here it would have to be until Tues due to the holiday)...put him in an airtight bag (or double bag < your personal preference > ) and stick him in the FRIDGE. Gotta keep him cold, but if you freeze him, it will destroy cells, bacteria, tissue samples, will be worthless.

If you're taking him right back to PetCo, keep him on ice while you do it. The sooner they get him for the necropsy, the better, but b/c of it being Sat, and Monday being a holiday...and the store's policies, it may be longer. You MUST KEEP HIM COLD to limit decay.

< Coming from one who had two pet rats necropsied a couple months ago. >

(Sorry to be so "heartless" but to get effective information you need good samples, and "time is of the essence". It will just be hard b/c of Labor Day. :( )

If they have YOU arrange it, be sure to keep him on ice during transport to the lab.

Oh Petco, I see. good luck dealing with them.

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Originally Posted by sweety314

What's the time limit on PetCo's health guarantee??? Is it a week or longer???? (Sorry...I don't remember...:oops: :oops: )

I'd be for getting the necropsy and then taking the report to the PetCo where U bought him from...

DEFINITELY if he's diagnosed w/IBD or some other illness or disease, the store would absolutely need to know that.

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I'm pretty sure that it's 14 days. Tweets and I will never go back to Petco to buy another living thing there. When her female rat had an RI, she took her back to the Petco that she had bought her from ( it was within the 14 day limit) and her rat had died hours later from the RI, which she had found out that she had it since she had brought it home from the store. She noticed that there were very few rats that were out on display that day, which was when they put all of their qurantined animals out for display, and the manager told her that all but 1 large male rat had to be sent back because they all had RI's. I'm willing to bet that the male rat also has an RI, but just isn't showing signs of it yet.

But i would definately get a necropsy done on your BP to see if it was IBD or some intestinal problem or some sort of parasite. I'm truly sorry for your loss, and I hope that you find out the root of the problem.

When you're ready to get another snake, I would talk to some of the breeders here on the site. They will work with you to get healthy animals that they can ship to you for a very reasonable price.

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

the 40 gal. is what the worker at petco told me to get for my bp, so I did what he told me since petcos workers are "supposed" to be specialist. (my bp was about a foot long)

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Yeah the person at petco should have been hit in the back of the head (no offence to anyone who works at petco) You should have kept him in a long 10 gal or a tub, but you were only doing as you were told, I would try to get your money back or something. People like that are really only doing their job, just not being good at it. I myself want to find a job at a reptile store, I feel that I am learning so much here, and I want to teach people what I know and learn each and every day. Next time do some more research, and maybe even ask people here, they are willing to help. I hope everything turns out well in the long run, and you know what, some things were just ment to be.

what is IBD? thats what everyone is saying it may be but I dont know what it is really.

I don't think PetCo will pay the vet bill for you.

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

I don't think PetCo will pay the vet bill for you.

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really? because when we bought him they said "if he has any signs of being sick bring him back and we will foot the bill.we will either give you another snake or treat the one you have" those were his exact words

im wicked srry about everything prayers to you

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

really? because when we bought him they said "if he has any signs of being sick bring him back and we will foot the bill.we will either give you another snake or treat the one you have" those were his exact words

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By their health guarantee, they are responsible for expenses. Make sure you have all of the receipts and don't let any of the salesppl or a manager fob you off.

We bought R's corn Kishnah from PetCo, and our vet is their herp/exotics vet too, so I know they're responsible, as long as you meet their restrictions for the purchase.

I'd suggest calling first, to find out if they need the body, or if they'll reimburse you if YOU schedule & pay for the necropsy. It could be the mgr. needs to schedule... you'll have to find out from the store. But since he died w/in their time limit, they're responsible.

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

what is IBD? thats what everyone is saying it may be but I dont know what it is really.

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Inclusion Body Disease.

It's a highly contagious, viral disease. Boas can be asymptomatic carriers but eventually die of it. Ball pythons die much more rapidly after contracting it.

Here's a couple of quick links for reading:

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in.../bc/171413.htm


http://www.anapsid.org/ibd.html

http://www.klsnet.com/sicksnake.html :
Inclusion Body Disease
IBD is one of the most serious diseases found in captive snakes. It occurs only in the boid family, particularly in Burmese pythons and boa constrictors. The signs vary in different species and individuals, but typically involve neurological disturbances and possibly tumors and other illnesses. Classic signs of neurological damage include not righting itself when the snake is turned onto its back, "star-gazing," unresponsiveness or asymmetrical dilation of pupils, regurgitation and paralysis. If you suspect IBD in your snake, isolate it immediately and seek veterinary help. There is no treatment for IBD, and euthanasia is indicated. Proper quarantine (90-180 days) is recommended for all new snakes, and mites (possible transmitters) should be controlled. Cages from infected snakes should be bleached or discarded.

Be sure to contact and talk to your QUALIFIED herp vet.

I'm very sorry to hear you've lost the little one, it's awful to have one pass like that. I would say take the body back to PetCo and insist they find out what caused it's death as you have a right to know what mess they put you in. I wouldn't however agree to a replacement snake. If what killed it came out of their tanks, you'll only set yourself up for more heartbreak. They don't sell very good snakes and you're not the first one we've seen here with a sick or dying BP from them. I'd suggest you take a full refund or store credit for future dry stock instead.

Before you get your next BP, start a thread here dear and we'll help you set up a more appropriate enclosure for a baby. You might want to mention to that PetCo that selling you a 40 for a baby BP was nothing short of ripping you off. You won't get anywhere but it never hurts to say something. Get that credit/money back first though, before you tick those idiots off. They'll look for any excuse to not do right by you.

I'd suggest you think about purchasing a well started, healthy hatchling from a breeder and our members can assist you in finding a good, reputable breeder. Getting another mess of a snake from PetCo isn't something your family needs to deal with I would think. What an awful experience!

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Originally Posted by Purrrfect9

I'm pretty sure that it's 14 days. Tweets and I will never go back to Petco to buy another living thing there. When her female rat had an RI, she took her back to the Petco that she had bought her from ( it was within the 14 day limit) and her rat had died hours later from the RI, which she had found out that she had it since she had brought it home from the store. She noticed that there were very few rats that were out on display that day, which was when they put all of their qurantined animals out for display, and the manager told her that all but 1 large male rat had to be sent back because they all had RI's. I'm willing to bet that the male rat also has an RI, but just isn't showing signs of it yet.

But i would definately get a necropsy done on your BP to see if it was IBD or some intestinal problem or some sort of parasite. I'm truly sorry for your loss, and I hope that you find out the root of the problem.

When you're ready to get another snake, I would talk to some of the breeders here on the site. They will work with you to get healthy animals that they can ship to you for a very reasonable price.

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I got my ball python from a local petco. it was the healthiest looking one in their. and have had no problems with it yet. eats like a champ, just had its first shed and it was a complete one, (which im super stoked about). but i did stop by to get a mouse yesterday at the same petco and there was not a single mouse/rat/hampster in there. so im not gonna trust their mice i got to a small family owned store that ive always gone to.

thanks,everyone,so much for all your help. I took my bp back to petco today. I told them what had happened and what you all thought it was (ibd) he said hes never heard of it or its symptoms before and basically dismissed that idea of getting a necropsy. I didnt push it because I was lucky we got our money back. Eventually I would really love to get another bp. my father had them before he died. I was youngand mom hated snakes so we didnt get to keep them. Next time Ill choose my breeder more carefully.

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

thanks,everyone,so much for all your help. I took my bp back to petco today. I told them what had happened and what you all thought it was (ibd) he said hes never heard of it or its symptoms before and basically dismissed that idea of getting a necropsy. I didnt push it because I was lucky we got our money back. Eventually I would really love to get another bp. my father had them before he died. I was youngand mom hated snakes so we didnt get to keep them. Next time Ill choose my breeder more carefully.

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For the money you spend at PetCo, you can certainly find a great breeder online that will ship to you over night. I would say a normal bp costs between $15-$30 for a baby, and then add overnight shipping at ~$50, it comes out to around the same as buying from PetCo. There are a lot of good people on this forum. Just ask for one in the "wanted" section :gj:

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

For the money you spend at PetCo, you can certainly find a great breeder online that will ship to you over night. I would say a normal bp costs between $15-$30 for a baby, and then add overnight shipping at ~$50, it comes out to around the same as buying from PetCo. There are a lot of good people on this forum. Just ask for one in the "wanted" section :gj:

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There may even be some breeders or hobbists close to you so you wouldn't have to deal with the shipping. Do you mind saying where you live?

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

thanks,everyone,so much for all your help. I took my bp back to petco today. I told them what had happened and what you all thought it was (ibd) he said hes never heard of it or its symptoms before and basically dismissed that idea of getting a necropsy. I didnt push it because I was lucky we got our money back. Eventually I would really love to get another bp. my father had them before he died. I was youngand mom hated snakes so we didnt get to keep them. Next time Ill choose my breeder more carefully.

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If you are just looking for a "pet quality" BP and are willing to foot the bill for shipping I will gladly give you a normal male BP from one of last years Co-dom clutches for free. I'm tired of feeding them and you will get a nice, well started, healthy pet! Shoot me a P.M. or e-mail me.
Sam
:sunny:

To the above post.

What an awesome offer!!!!

For the amount he paid for his ball from petco should easily cover overnight shipping!!!!

That offer is open to anyone; I have too many males, I can always use the rack space as well as lowering the food bill! :rockon:

What a heartwarming offer!

Gecko Den you're tempting me! MUST SAY NO!

I don't have the space right now, but nothing is better than an offer like that!

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Originally Posted by doodisgurl

thanks,everyone,so much for all your help. I took my bp back to petco today. I told them what had happened and what you all thought it was (ibd) he said hes never heard of it or its symptoms before and basically dismissed that idea of getting a necropsy. I didnt push it because I was lucky we got our money back. Eventually I would really love to get another bp. my father had them before he died. I was youngand mom hated snakes so we didnt get to keep them. Next time Ill choose my breeder more carefully.

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Sorry to hear that, but that's just WRONG!!!! Their guarantee is in writing and should be adhered to. Glad to hear you got your money back, but if it was IBD, than your other (later) pets could be at risk w/o cert precautions. :(

Just b/c some ppl haven't heard of in-house toilets, doesn't mean they don't exist. What a *bleeeeeeep*

Just my :2cent: