Behira - 2016 Female Ivory Ghost - First BCI

[Bogertophis]

Hi dave, a friend of mine came to work yesterday and said he had lost 3 of his geckos all was eating but all was loosing weight and shedding more often so he had a faecal done on one of his remaining and turned out to be worms ...

Thanks for sharing...that's the situation I was thinking about & trying to remember the exact incidents that I either heard or read about. That's what I meant by the
possibility that "internal" issues (not just external injuries) can stimulate the snake's body to keep shedding in an effort to "heal" itself. Snakes (reptiles) are strange that
way...I think the same thing has happened with other things too, like maybe a tumor. Either way, when they keep shedding too often, you have to play detective...their
bodies have a strange way of signalling.

[richardhind1972]

Fingers crossed you'll get to the bottom of it Dave and get behira sorted

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[dakski]

Behira left me a some poop and I have it bagged and ready to bring to the vet tomorrow. If they can see Behira tomorrow, I am tempted to bring her in, and get the blood drawn. Then, the snake expert can help with the results.

I am not sure though. I am going to gauge the doctor tomorrow when I call first thing and see if she's comfortable with that. If not, Wednesday it is.

I'll keep everyone posted.

In the meantime, although a smallish poop, Behira weighed her highest yet today at 1,720G. That made me feel a little better.

[Bogertophis]

I don't blame you for seeking encouragement in her weight, but unfortunately weight fluctuates with hydration & food, & in your gut, you know something's not
right, shedding so often. I hope they can evaluate her sooner rather than later & it's very good that you've not ignored what symptoms you have. You & Behira
are in my best thoughts & hopes...

[dakski]

Behira saw the vet today. I brought in a poop sample and they drew blood for bloodwork.

The vet is hoping that we are ruling things out. Although Behira's belly was very pink after last shed, it appears to be clearing up a little (getting less red) and potentially she is not entering another shed right now. I won't know that for a few days or longer.

The vet's thesis is that reaching sexual maturity and hormone changes can impact a snakes immune system negatively. She thinks Behira might have a mild skin infection (from what is unclear - maybe because humidity was lower than normal????) which she is now fighting off. The blood test and stool sample we show if anything is seriously wrong, but she's very optimistic with how she looked, acted, and the fact she's pounding food when offered. She was also pleased that her belly was getting less red.

She did not give any meds at this point, which I think makes all the sense in the world. She did ask if I was comfortable with injectable or oral meds if they needed to be prescribed and I said I was fine with either.

I will keep everyone posted on any and all news.

Still processing, but would rather be overcautious than not. Hoping that it really is just something mild.

Thank you for all the kind words and thoughts and ideas.

[richardhind1972]

That's good then dave, there's no point in issuing meds if there's nothing obvious at the moment,
Fingers crossed its her hormones then
All the best mate

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[dakski]

I should add that Behira was uncharacteristically spending a lot of time, most of her time, on the warm side, the previous few weeks. The past few days she's been moving around more in terms of temperature zones.

[Bogertophis]

And maybe she's just fighting something off too? Better to be concerned & find nothing than to ignore until a snake is too symptomatic to cure.
I'd agree, a good appetite is a good sign. I bet you'll sleep better now...

[dakski]

Potentially very good news today from the vet and from Behira.

The blood test showed a slightly elevated white blood cell count. The vet said this is consistent with her thesis that she had/has a mild skin/scale infection that she is effectively fighting off, and/or stress from multiple close sheds. She does not recommend any medicine at this time and does not think anything serious or life threatening is going on.

Further the stool sample was clean.

Additionally, Behira is looking good and not getting darker or going into shed at the moment. She was starting to do that already last time, I think, and I am optimistic.

I will keep everyone posted on Behira and her next shed, etc. Again, I appreciate everyone being there for me and showing so much interest in Behira. THANK YOU!

Here are a few pictures from the other day post shed of my beautiful girl.

[Bogertophis]

I'll bet your vet enjoyed meeting & treating such a beautiful cuddler like Behira. Yes, this IS good news!