Nim the Bredli

[Gobuchul]

Thanks for the advice. You're definitely right that I can't be sure he has mites yet. I saw a small black bug, but it could have been a gnat or something. I'll verify more carefully before doing anything.

[Gio]

Keep your eyes open but don't get overly stressed.

This is one of the big reasons we use quarantine setups.

There is minimal cleaning in a tub like that and minimal space for mites to hide and reproduce. You can easily wash out that whole setup in a washtub sink or bathtub.

Its been a long while since I have had a new animal but when I would get something, I'd usually do a little soak prior to caging, and I'd use Reptile Spray on the snakes and have them work their way through some type of damp cloth.

I think you will come out of it just fine even if it is the worst case scenario.

[Gobuchul]

I found several mites in the enclosure while changing Nim's water today. Tomorrow I'll soak the enclosure in warm enough water to wipe out the ones not directly on Nim. I'll also move the enclosure to hardwood floor to make cleaning the area around it easier. Killing any mites on Nim's head seems like the biggest challenge here. If getting natural chemistry reptile spray on his head would do it, I'd go for that.

Otherwise Afoxolaner looks interesting. I'm sure I could follow the methodology of that paper. I'd need to cut the tablet down to like 1/20th of its size (exact number pending weight of snake.) My only concern is in that study they just used the same dosage per kg that's given to dogs. This suggests we don't really know what the minimum effective dose is for snakes. I will look for more papers on the topic though.

[Bogertophis]

I found several mites in the enclosure while changing Nim's water today. Tomorrow I'll soak the enclosure in warm enough water to wipe out the ones not directly on Nim. ...

For cleaning the enclosure, the water need not be warm- just need a bit of soap in the water to drown mites. As far as mites on his head, I'm not sure (I've never used Natural Chemistry spray) but I think I've seen where it's even safe to use on the snake's head? ***Please double check that, though.*** It's not a pesticide, it kills mites by desiccation. You wouldn't want it in the snake's mouth or nostrils. https://www.amazon.com/DeFlea-Reptil.../dp/B0002QIII8

[Homebody]

Otherwise Afoxolaner looks interesting. I'm sure I could follow the methodology of that paper. I'd need to cut the tablet down to like 1/20th of its size (exact number pending weight of snake.) My only concern is in that study they just used the same dosage per kg that's given to dogs. This suggests we don't really know what the minimum effective dose is for snakes. I will look for more papers on the topic though.

If you decide to go the afoxolaner route, let your vet do it. Take your BP as well.

[Malum Argenteum]

The sort of dosing you mention (cutting 5% off a pill) is not a very safe practice for a hobby keeper. But the drug is Rx, so the vet may be able to either make up an accurate dose or get one from a compounding pharmacy.

I've used PAM (Provent a Mite) for snake mites, and I have done a decent amount of research on its action (I use it for livestock, and human clothing treatment, as well). It is very safe, and very effective, when used as directed. It is also not a systemic drug when used as directed, which is a plus especially considering that Afoxolaner is not a well established treatment.

I personally would not use any off the shelf "natural" products to address a serious health concern for which there are safe approaches that work. Killing mites involves not only contact treatment of existing mites, but also a barrier to eliminate those that are in transit to or from the snake. I personally would also treat (with PAM or another permethrin spray) the area around the snake's enclosure -- mites travel at least a handful of feet. This is snake is in a different room from your BP, yes? If not (or if you've had any contact with the BP following contact with the Bredli) I'd personally treat both enclosures.

If you are 100% certain that these are snake mites (best with a vet diagnosis, which you'll be getting if you use the Rx drug), and that they came in on this snake, I would recommend reaching out to the seller to see what they say. I would also give some thought to publicizing the fact that the seller sold you a snake with mites, in order that other keepers may know. The hobby is way, way too tolerant of sellers who sell snakes with mites.

[Gobuchul]

The sort of dosing you mention (cutting 5% off a pill) is not a very safe practice for a hobby keeper. But the drug is Rx, so the vet may be able to either make up an accurate dose or get one from a compounding pharmacy.

I've used PAM (Provent a Mite) for snake mites, and I have done a decent amount of research on its action (I use it for livestock, and human clothing treatment, as well). It is very safe, and very effective, when used as directed. It is also not a systemic drug when used as directed, which is a plus especially considering that Afoxolaner is not a well established treatment.

I personally would not use any off the shelf "natural" products to address a serious health concern for which there are safe approaches that work. Killing mites involves not only contact treatment of existing mites, but also a barrier to eliminate those that are in transit to or from the snake. I personally would also treat (with PAM or another permethrin spray) the area around the snake's enclosure -- mites travel at least a handful of feet. This is snake is in a different room from your BP, yes? If not (or if you've had any contact with the BP following contact with the Bredli) I'd personally treat both enclosures.

If you are 100% certain that these are snake mites (best with a vet diagnosis, which you'll be getting if you use the Rx drug), and that they came in on this snake, I would recommend reaching out to the seller to see what they say. I would also give some thought to publicizing the fact that the seller sold you a snake with mites, in order that other keepers may know. The hobby is way, way too tolerant of sellers who sell snakes with mites.

I have access to an accurate scale, so getting the dose right should be as simple as grinding up the tablet and doing it by mass. The treatment not being established is more of an issue, so PAM is a strong contender. I am sure these are snake mites, and will be more sure by the time I start any treatment. I won't use Afoxolaner without taking a much deeper look at the literature.

I figured I'd use water above 135F on the enclosure to hopefully take out the eggs as well as drowning the mites.

[Gobuchul]

The research regarding Afoxolaner on reptiles isn't very compelling. Considering the small size of the quarantine tub, I think this situation lends itself well to provent a mite. I've ordered some, and won't be giving Nim any Afoxolaner.

[Gio]

Try the mild soap and water soaking method for an hour or so. Make it deep enough to fully submerge but shallow enough to let him get his head above water.

I have used the reptile spray and I did spray the body. I used a pre-saturated towel around the head area. The snake didn't particularly like it but I was able to get the spray onto the head and face area.

After I let him sit in a plastic enclosure for a time, I re-did the water soak and wiped him dry.

NOTE: My animal didn't have mites. I use the method with all new animals so my suggestion may or may not eliminate your problem.


Sorry to hear about this situation.


Good luck.

[Gio]

Is there an update on this situation?

I'm happy you caught things early on, and I'm hoping you have made a lot of progress eradicating the mites.