I'm At A Loss

Hi,

let me start of the story with this. On the 14th of April my ball python ate a bad rat and then he vomited. I asked people what to do and since then I have switched my supplier.
I tried to feed him two weeks after the incident but he refused to eat and has continued to refuse his meals ever since then. At first I didn't think too much of it since I know that ball pythons can go through long hunger strikes.
But as of about 4 days ago he decided not to come out of his hide anymore (not even at night) and he doesn't react to the smell of rats at all. Two days ago I sprayed some water on him because I was afraid he was dead but luckily he came out but today he looks really pale and he didn't move when I sprayed him.
I'm extremely worried and afraid to look under his hide.

The temps are a bit warmer than usual since it's about 90 degrees outside at the moment. The cold side is at 82 degrees and the warm at 90 degrees. Humidity is at 70% at the moment.

I'm really scared. Can someone please help me?
Thanks.

You need a vet ASAP, he might have aspirated fluid into his lungs vomiting out that rat.

Vet. Now.

You need to take him to the Vet.

Any time an animal gets worse instead of better, it is time to see the Vet.

It is possible that the snake didn't regurgitate due to a bad rat, but actually due to disease or internal parasites. Which would also explain why he won't eat.

If he has internal parasites, worms or Giardia / Coccidia it may be treatable. But those problems can turn deadly if not treated.
If its due to a disease, not sure what can be done.

Go ahead and look under the hide. Take him out. Look him over, are there any dark spots on him, that look like bruises? Check along the belly. Be gentle but deliberate.
Call around to find a Vet that treats snakes, make sure that Vet routinely sees reptiles and is knowledgeable about them. You can still check for parasites without poop, a good Vet will know what to do...

Please let us know how it goes. And good luck..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lord Sorril

You need a vet ASAP, he might have aspirated fluid into his lungs vomiting out that rat.

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That can cause a problem 1.5 months afterwards? Wouldn't it have become a problem immediately?

Here is a list of reptile experienced Vets in Germany

https://www.tier-star.de/gesundheit-...fuer-reptilien

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Caali

That can cause a problem 1.5 months afterwards? Wouldn't it have become a problem immediately?

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Digestive juices can irritate the lining of the lungs and allow an infection to set in.

It is very possible that the true issue was prior to the regurgitation and remains unknown.

Either way you should see a Vet if the snake is continuing to deteriorate.

this might sound like a dumb question but...is the snake possibly in shed?

don't be afraid to look! that's your lil noodle in there. :)

He is still alive, moves and he looks fine to me expect for the fact he is a bit pale. I forgot to mention that he didn't loose weight in these past 1.5 months.

I'll keep his humidity at higher level than usual, just in case.
I have a vet I can visit (he knows my snake) and he has his clinic only 30 minutes away from my house if I take the train. Luckily the outside temperature is perfect for transporting him.
Since tomorrow is a holiday (Corpus Christi) which is why everything is closed, I'll try feeding him on Friday with a mouse and then if that won't work I'll take him to the vet.
If I'm lucky, he is just fasting.

Thanks for the help. I'll keep you updatet on his progress.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

this might sound like a dumb question but...is the snake possibly in shed?

don't be afraid to look! that's your lil noodle in there. :)

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I thought of that too because he is always like that when he is in shed.
But don't snakes only shed when they grow? How can he grow when he hasn't eaten in 1.5 months?
Or is there something I'm missing.