Regurgitation?

[Bogertophis]

Would it be better to wait until I have a stool sample? That likely won’t be for another 1-2 weeks at least as he won’t be fed until the 26th.


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Snakes don't defecate regularly- on schedule the way dogs & other pets do- so I wouldn't wait- I'm pretty sure they can get a sample anyway (as they do for dogs etc. if you don't bring a sample).

You can mention this though. And for sure, take the material with the pink stain to show them- that's an odd color for blood. Have you tried to get that color (by rubbing with damp paper towel) from other items in enclosure? I sure would- & I hope you find this didn't come from the snake at all.

[BallBoa]

So it’s possible they can test for parasites without me having to bring in a stool sample? I might be able to get a appointment tomorrow or Saturday.


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[Bogertophis]

So it’s possible they can test for parasites without me having to bring in a stool sample? I might be able to get a appointment tomorrow or Saturday.


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With dogs (that arrive without a stool sample), they use a swab- & probably can do something similar with snakes, but just ask them. Your vet is experienced with snakes- I hope?

[Albert Clark]

So it’s possible they can test for parasites without me having to bring in a stool sample? I might be able to get a appointment tomorrow or Saturday.


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Sure. They have the methodology to test for parasites without the stool sample. It’s a more invasive procedure with a catheter but can be accomplished. But, just ask them to be sure and that you have what’s required by them.

[Bogertophis]

I wonder if they could test that "pink spot" first, to see if it's actually blood? (I'm not sure if it's "enough" of a sample, but there are ways to test for the presence of blood.)

[BallBoa]

I’ve got it in the fridge and I’ll take it with me. Maybe if she can’t test for it, she’ll just be a lot better at identifying through looking at it if it’s actually blood or not.


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[Albert Clark]

I wonder if they could test that "pink spot" first, to see if it's actually blood? (I'm not sure if it's "enough" of a sample, but there are ways to test for the presence of blood.)

I believe there is a reagent liquid that they use similar to a guiac test in humans for the presence of blood. The guiac test does require a stool sample in humans. Testing paper towel is probably done microscopically.

[Animallover3541]

A stool sample is ideal but there's ways to get around it. I watched one of the vets I shadow at my internship insert a cotton swab into a cloaca of a bearded and gently wiggle it around. For some reason it seems to stimulate reptiles to poop, especially after a warm bath. So, I wouldn't worry too much about the stool sample.

Good luck with your little buddy. Keep us updated!

[BallBoa]

So I took him to the vet and he has since eaten and pooped. She was not concerned about parasites and thought that it may have been just too big of a meal for him. She also didn’t think the paper towel had any blood on it. His most recent poop after eating seemed mostly normal, but slightly less solid than usual and there was a clump of undigested hair in it. Wondering if the undigested hair is an issue.


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[Bogertophis]

IF you're sure he has adequate warmth, & you're sure his rodents aren't too big (try downsizing first & make sure he has adequate time to digest) then maybe his digestion just isn't as good as it should or could be? I've had one snake in the past that had very poor digestion- for whatever reason, hey, it can happen. All snakes aren't perfect any more than all humans are- many or all of us have some weak areas, so if this snake has digestive trouble with thick furred rodents, he might do better being fed mice (not rats), or something else (hairless, maybe) ?