little starving Twiggy and his trip to the vet

[firedragon]

Decided to make a new thread as the old one "force feeding the only option left?" had grown conciderably. Well, I took the little guy to this reputable herp vet and she was optimistic. I have named the snake Twiggy because of his diagnosis (anorexia) and I'm going to try my best to fatten him up. The vet said that he's a healthy snake, but very very skinny. She did the liquid force feeding thing and also gave him a couple of injections (vitamin b, as he was suffering from anemia, and a medicin that should prevent him from vomiting the liquid food he got). I am now to force feed him with the liquid, which is far less stressful and risky than force/assist feeding a rodent, for some time, starting with small doses every three days. As he gains some weight, I'll give him more and less often and also offer real food at times. These were the instructions she gave me and I am going to follow them, as I have no other ideas. The feeding will of course stress him very much, but he's so underweight that he won't make it otherwise. She thought his fasting might be because of the long trip he made before I got him home, or that the breeder had lied and he has never eaten in his life. It's of course possible. Let's see how he progresses... I'll keep you updated.

[sophie42204]

I'm glad that there's hope for Twiggy (cute name by the way). Please keep us posted on how he's doing.

[Smulkin]

Glad you got him there and good to hear Twig' is on the road to recovery - please do keep us in the loop on his progress. And cool on starting the new thread since your situation has moved into an entirely different phase

[Marla]

Thanks for the update. That sounds like a sensible approach, and hopefully the food will get him feeling robust enough that he's willing to start eating on his own again.

[led4urhead]

Sound like you guys are on the road to getting this nipped in the bud. Thanks for the update. I'm pullin for the both of you

[Danny350]

Good job. He will reward you with being a great pet :wink: . Good luck to you and twiggy.