One of my snakes was thrashing around in his tub

[Oxylepy]

He just started doing this a minute ago. I went and opened it up to see what was the matter, if perhaps his tail was stuck or something, but nope. So i tickled his side which caused him to thrash more, and then he got his head out of the tub and was pretty much vertical for a minute, which scared me a bit.

[PyroPython]

Sounds similar to what a hatchling (two, actually) I purchased a few years back did. They started doing some kinda death roll looking thing (not on the same day. A week apart or so?) then they just died. I knew something was up though when the breeder promised a refund if anything happened and then when I told him and supplied photos he never responded. And has never come back to the San Antonio show.

Anyone got any idea what caused that? And hopefully this situation of yours isn't the same. It sucks.

[Oxylepy]

This kind of looks more like he's doing combat before breeding. I really hope it isnt like IBD or something because then I'd probably lose all my snakes

[j_h_smith]

No idea, I'm sorry I can't help you. But please document any and all things that occur. Video would also be good. Take detailed notes if you can. I'm not saying your snakes are going to die, but if this is happening to a portion of the the ball python trade, someone will be looking for answers and you may actually have the best information available.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

[BPelizabeth]

Wow I am so sorry to hear this. Did you just clean his enclosure....maybe he was redoing it.

Put him on his back and see if he can correct himself.

Also when did you get him?

[BPelizabeth]

Ok...I just did some research on stuff.

Could you of had a spike in temps at all? That will also cause them to thrash around and "stargaze". This temp spike cause problems with motor skills. In this case the vet would give him steriods to speed up the motor skill healing process.

There also could be a bacterial infection that he would need vet attention which could include antibiotics and steriods. You would need to get a stool sample....if you get one put it in a baggy....push out the extra air and stick it in the fridge until you get to the vet...but you should make that transfer fairly quick.

There is also the other one....3 letters....I don't like the word. Which is why I ask how long have you had your snake?

Please keep in mind this could also be you cleaned his cage and he was redoing it. I have one that burrows under everything when I clean and when she wants to stay out of her cage she will shoot straight up and hold on tight to me.

All in all if your snake is still acting weird....I would get it to the vet soon with a stool sample. If you do not know vets near you there are lists on this site as well as call a reputable breeder near you.

I hope that this helps a little...keep us updated

[crazy python]

Just to be safe i would get him to the vet asap

[Moofins07]

I sincerely hope it isn't IBD (though, PyroPython, from the sounds of it - the breeder not getting back to you and both hatchlings exhibiting the same symptoms - it definitely seems like IBD was the cause of death for those two), but check your temperatures, first off. Record what you see, and schedule a vet appointment. I know it gets expensive and it could have been nothing, but it's always a huge piece of mind to know what's wrong, if anything.

Do you have more snakes? If so, to be safe, QT this one WELL away from the others. Hope everything turns out okay. Good luck.

[CRAZY]

I've heard a lot about IBD. Never actually heard what it was. Could I ask what it is? If nobody wants to talk about it I would completely understand. Never heard of or seen a thrashing snake before. As everyone else says, keep us posted. And yes, vet visit might be good.

[BabysMomma]

I've heard a lot about IBD. Never actually heard what it was. Could I ask what it is? If nobody wants to talk about it I would completely understand. Never heard of or seen a thrashing snake before. As everyone else says, keep us posted. And yes, vet visit might be good.

IBD is a retrovirus that attacks the brain and neurological system, as well as the immune system. The first symptoms are usually lack of coordination, and persistent respiratory infections. Other symptoms are "stargazing", where the snake's sense of balance is diminished or destroyed making them wave their heads in the air and roll their bodies; infectious stomatitis, or mouth rot; and of course, a refusal to eat and regurgitation.

IBD is always fatal in pythons and kills quickly. Boas can live for years without symptoms, and that's usually how the infection is spread.