Underfed or sick?

[severe_bomber]

Just handled my 3 1/2 year old 3.5' male BP and noticed he's looking rather triangular when he lays flat on my arm - his spine is quite pronounced.

Haven't weighed him, but I've never noticed this before now. I had been thinking his prey wasn't big enough recently and was thinking about moving to rats. Surely though, even if his prey were a little on the small side, he shouldn't lose that much weight that quickly?

I plan on taking him to a herp for peace of mind but wondered if there's anything in particular that's likely to cause that kind of weight loss that quickly?


Thanks in advance

Edit: Sorry - Should have added no problems or refusals to eat whatsoever.

[xdeus]

What are you feeding him and how often?

[severe_bomber]

Large mice, F/T, once a week.

[xdeus]

That should be plenty for a male. I'd see what the vet has to say.

[Kaorte]

That should be plenty for a male. I'd see what the vet has to say.

You think so? I am guessing a 3 1/2 year old snake is anywhere from 800g-1500g normally. You think one f/t adult mouse is enough?

OP: I would for sure bump him up to two adult mice a week and see how that does him.

You could also get a kitchen gram scale to track his weight.

[kc261]

I'd say it depends on how large "large" is.

Regardless of whether or not he has been getting enough to eat, if he suddenly went from appearing to have a good body weight to having that triangular shape, taking him to a vet is a good idea. If you increase the food to see if that helps, then take him to a vet if it doesn't, well, you may never get the chance to take him to the vet or he may have gone too far downhill to be saved.

[piper]

Mine, if they are nervous, will flatten out which will pronounce the spine whether it be they feel like they are going to fall or w/e the situation is.

[PurplePython]

I wouldnt waste your money taking it to the vet over this....

Save your money and use it for a digital scale, and weigh your snake. Feed your snake 15% of its own body weight.

I got a very nice digital scale for $20

[xdeus]

You think so? I am guessing a 3 1/2 year old snake is anywhere from 800g-1500g normally. You think one f/t adult mouse is enough?

Most of my males get 1 large mouse a week, and they are all filled out nicely. They don't expend that much energy to burn off a lot of calories in a week, certainly not as much as a breeding female. One adult mouse should be plenty and shouldn't cause the male to lose weight.

[severe_bomber]

Thanks for the responses, people. I think the first thing to do is weigh him and see what he comes in at and go from there.

I will also bump up the meals. I'll take him to the vet next week if he's still looking dodgy.

Incidently, I questioned (on this forum) a few weeks ago whether or not 1 large mouse per week was sufficient. Had a number of responses, several of whihc were "He should be eating rats at that age", so I guess it's possible I haven't been feeding enough. The main concern however (as noted by Casey) is the sudden weightloss as I hadn't noticed this until recently.

Off to buy some scales - will keep you all posted and thanks again!