When regurgitation is cancer

[squatsnstilettos]

It's been 6 months since my King passed. I am just now able to share. May his story help others.

My King Khyan was with me for 2 short years. I rescued him from a place of neglect, and while he had a feisty nature, thanks to this forum, I learned to work with him. Over time, I fell utterly deeply in love with him. My beloved King was always a champ eater. One night over the summer, he decided he would not eat. I had just blasted the AC and thought it had been caused by the sudden drop in temperature. I waited 2 weeks and tried again. This time Khyan ate, but the following morning he had regurgitated. I posted in the forum and spoke to every snake expert I could call, including a Vet. The verdict was that "this happens" and lack of heat was again the culprit. I made modifications to increase and waited 2 more weeks. I tried a tiny/smaller feeder to make it easier on his stomach. He wanted to eat, and was trying, but for some reason could not get it down. This is when things took a terrible turn and his disease showed its ugly face. Khyan started getting very aggressive, attacking his water dish, stargazing and "corkscrewing" his head. I rushed him to the Vets and took blood work. His count came back astronomically high and the Vet recommended euthanizing.

I did a post-mortem because I also have a Python and needed to rule out anything contagious. The results came back as lymphoma cancer.

Although there is no cure, I wish I had sounded the alarms sooner and brought him to the Vets. However, other than not eating, there was no change in his behavior and he still acted social and cheeky. He was a master at hiding his illness. God bless his beautiful soul.

[Jus1More]

Hey there..I see we are neighbour's! I am very sorry to hear about your lost. These little noodles become of big part of our lifes and losing one to death surely takes a toll on you. I havent lost a snake due to death but one of mine had escaped his enclosure 3 weeks ago and I am still very sad about not being able to find him!!!

We all want the best for our reptiles but sometimes we can not provide for the ones that are sick. In your case, the cancer snuck up on you without any warning and that made you feel helpless. But know that your little noodle is not suffering any more and I am sure if you could have done anything to help him you would have.... Keep your chin up my friend!!

[bcr229]

I'm sorry. I had one pass from cancer a few years back, though she just gradually wasted away. We didn't know it was cancer until the necropsy was done, and the vet said it was a very aggressive form of it that likely would not have been treatable even if it had been detected in the earliest stages.

While your king had a rough start be proud that he had a good life with you.

[Bogertophis]

I'm so sorry for such an early loss of your snake. Even if your vet had diagnosed his disease while he was alive, I doubt that it would have changed the outcome.
Life really isn't fair, that's for sure. Snakes can regurgitate for any number of reasons...fairly benign ones like prey too large, handling, & temperatures too cool,
or very serious illnesses like crypto or cancer, etc. At least he was with you for a while...long enough to know a good life, instead of neglect. You did right by him.

Rest in peace, Khyan

[Dianne]

My condolences on your loss of Khyan. I understand how hard it is to lose your beloved snakes. I’m glad he got to enjoy good care while you had him.

[Jellybeans]

So sorry

Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

[squatsnstilettos]

Hey there..I see we are neighbour's! I am very sorry to hear about your lost. These little noodles become of big part of our lifes and losing one to death surely takes a toll on you. I havent lost a snake due to death but one of mine had escaped his enclosure 3 weeks ago and I am still very sad about not being able to find him!!!

We all want the best for our reptiles but sometimes we can not provide for the ones that are sick. In your case, the cancer snuck up on you without any warning and that made you feel helpless. But know that your little noodle is not suffering any more and I am sure if you could have done anything to help him you would have.... Keep your chin up my friend!!

Thank you for your kind words fellow neighbor. Indeed, these magnificent creatures slitter into our lives and claim our souls. Yes, the Vet said the cancer likely had not been there long which is comforting. I guess as parents we always wonder if there is more we could have done.

I am sorry you lost your snake. A friend had a tarantula who once escaped and was gone for weeks. She eventually found her way home. If a spider knows how to return to love and warmth, any creature can. I pray your baby returns to you. hugs

[squatsnstilettos]

I'm so sorry for such an early loss of your snake. Even if your vet had diagnosed his disease while he was alive, I doubt that it would have changed the outcome.
Life really isn't fair, that's for sure. Snakes can regurgitate for any number of reasons...fairly benign ones like prey too large, handling, & temperatures too cool,
or very serious illnesses like crypto or cancer, etc. At least he was with you for a while...long enough to know a good life, instead of neglect. You did right by him.

Rest in peace, Khyan

Thanks Bogertophis. While he was with me for a short time, it was such blessing to have him and he lived like the King he was. I wish he had found me sooner, but yes, life is mysterious and not always fair. The Vet also suspected Crypto hence the post-mortem. It gave me peace to know with certainty what took Khyan's precious life.

[squatsnstilettos]

Khyan and I appreciate all the warm thoughts and condolences sent our way. May all your beloved pets be blessed with health and longevity.

SS

[Jus1More]

Thank you for your kind words fellow neighbor. Indeed, these magnificent creatures slitter into our lives and claim our souls. Yes, the Vet said the cancer likely had not been there long which is comforting. I guess as parents we always wonder if there is more we could have done.

I am sorry you lost your snake. A friend had a tarantula who once escaped and was gone for weeks. She eventually found her way home. If a spider knows how to return to love and warmth, any creature can. I pray your baby returns to you. hugs

Hey there Squat! Not sure if you are going to the Expo this Sunday, but if you do let me know so I can find you and give you a BIG hug!!!