Will my python ever recover?

[leosantare]

Does anyone know what can cause an 11 year old python to lose weight when never refusing a meal? She hasn't lost much weight but, the rodent size was increased. She is also very inactive and feels squishy as if she lost a lot of her muscle mass. She just seems weak and thin but, still has a very strong feeding response.*


I already had her to the vet multiple times. Her fecal and bloodwork came back normal.*


Is 11 actually old for a python? I thought they can go into their twenties. Maybe she is starting to die from just old age.

[Bogertophis]

Well, you & your vet did the right thing, checking bloodwork & fecal. If your vet didn't hazard a guess, I don't think I should either- but some animals, just like some humans, live much longer than others- different genes, variable exposure to things in life, who knows? What kind of python are we talking about here, anyway? Maybe she has poor digestion (for whatever reason)- if you don't digest food well, your body lacks the nutrition to support muscle mass & all. But you said her stools are "normal"? (not oily or especially stinky? and no parasites?)
Sure sounds to me like SOMETHING'S going wrong- metabolically. The way you describe her does sound like a few snakes I've had- but they were well in their 20's- very old. I assume you're sure about her age? In humans, unintended weight loss can signal things like cancer- but that often includes feeling poorly with a poor appetite. A GOOD appetite with weight loss suggests internal parasites (food sharing) to me, or inadequate digestive enzymes. (You could try adding digestive enzymes to her food- but ask your vet to recommend a specific type/brand).

[Wanik4]

Well, you & your vet did the right thing, checking bloodwork & fecal. If you vet didn't hazard a guess, I don't think I should either- but some animals, just like some humans, live much longer than others- different genes, variable exposure to things in life, who knows? What kind of python are we talking about here, anyway? Maybe she has poor digestion (for whatever reason)- if you don't digest food well, your body lacks the nutrition to support muscle mass & all. But you said her stools are "normal"? (not oily or especially stinky? and no parasites?)
Sure sounds to me like SOMETHING'S going wrong- metabolically. The way you describe her does sound like a few snakes I've had- but they were well in their 20's- very old. I assume you're sure about her age? In humans, unintended weight loss can signal things like cancer- but that often includes feeling poorly with a poor appetite. A GOOD appetite with weight loss suggests internal parasites (food sharing) to me, or inadequate digestive enzymes. (You could try adding digestive enzymes to her food- but ask your vet to recommend a specific type/brand).

The above sounds logical and limits the need for further discussion imo, outside of further vet diagnosis. Best of luck!

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

[Bogertophis]

...I already had her to the vet multiple times. Her fecal and bloodwork came back normal.* ...

How long has it been since the last vet visit? Maybe there's some things that weren't checked for, things that are much less common. And there are tests that can be sent away to analyze.

While there's a limit to how much we can diagnose online (& it's not our "job"), sometimes a little community brainstorming can help...not even vets think of everything, though we expect them to.

Also, is this vet that you've seen actually a specialist with exotics including reptiles? Just a thought: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

[leosantare]

She is a boelens python and yes, I'm sure about her age. I've had her since she was 3 months old.

That what I was afraid of, cancer since my vet said that is something that wouldn't show up in the bloodwork. However, my vet doesn't suspect cancer. I had her to the vet last just 3 weeks ago. This has been going on since October of last year.

So, 11 years isn't old for a python, correct? The next step with my vet would be a CT scan which would require sedation and can be risky.

Yes, I know it's not your job to help me. I'm just asking what it could be so I can let my vet know. Is there any specific test I should request?

Her poop seems to be fine but she is going much less frequently. For example, she just went 3 weeks without pooping and when she finally did, it was quite a bit.

I think I'm going to start feeding her every 9 days instead of every 10 days. I feed her (1) 275-300g rat each time. She is about 9ft and 8.0kg in weight. I'm going to my vet this week to weigh her again. If she is under 8.0kg, I'm am convinced something is wrong even though she keeps eating.

Thank you,

[Bogertophis]

My search for the lifespan of a Boelen's python says 15 years is average. Average, by definition, means some may live longer than 15 years, while others may live less. Just like some humans age faster than others (due to exposure in life to various stresses, as well as their own genetics, & don't forget luck), what you're describing does sound like "old age" as I've seen in my snakes. It's like asking how long do humans live- some make it to 100 years or more, but for most others, a natural lifespan (without specific diseases or accidents) may be far less than that- like 60-80 years.

You want me to tell you that 11 yrs isn't old for your python- but while some other kinds of pythons live far longer, 11 years for a Boelen's apparently IS "getting up there". So honestly, I wouldn't rule out "age"- sorry. It might be that one or more of her vital organs aren't holding up well- that can impact the whole body, & medical care for snakes is nowhere near what is done for humans- like with organ transplants & all that.

As I said before, one thing you might try is digestive enzymes- but ask your vet about it. I have, in the past, had one snake whose digestion was quite poor, & he was only a few years old. But his poor digestion was very obvious by his oily, foul-smelling stools- not only by his thin, triangular body shape.

You mention her poor muscle tone- how large is her enclosure, & how much real exercise does she get? How about natural sunshine, as temperatures permit?

And I assume you're feeding quality food? But if the feeders you buy are fed junk, they may not be supplying great nutrition to the consumer (your snake), so think about that. Some rodent breeders save money by feeding the cheapest dog food etc.- & that could make the difference- not just for inadequate nutrients, but also for contamination by chemicals such as artificial dyes, that are actually BAD for rodents & the animals that eat them- some of these things cannot be excreted by their bodies, whereas they're technically okay for dogs. As they say, "garbage in equals garbage out". Eating "junk food" can shorten anyone's years, whether you're a human or a snake or any other creature.

Health has so many variables- air & water quality can impact not just us but our pets health too. Chemicals added to our water makes it safe for human health, but that doesn't mean they're entirely good for our pets- simpler creatures like snakes may be unable to process unnatural things the same way.

As I tried to say, this is just a forum- we can brainstorm topics but not diagnose- you need a real vet for that and they need to see the actual patient in person. I'm curious as to what your vet does suspect?

[leosantare]

Her enclosure is plenty large enough, 8ft x 4ft x 4ft. She and I get all my rats from Rodent Pro.

I will talk to my vet about digestive enzymes. Although, I think I'm going to lose her. I am noticing the triangular body shape. I will feed her tomorrow and get her weight on Friday. This all started, (6 months ago) with a little bit of blood coming from the mouth, (suspected early mouth rot) and was put on injectable antibiotics. Since then, no more blood and her mouth looks okay. I managed to get a pic when she yawned 🥱

My vet thinks I'm crazy and that nothing is wrong. Unfortunately, something is wrong.


Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk

[leosantare]

Here is another one,

Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk

[leosantare]

And another,

Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk

[leosantare]

And one more,

Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk