Mucus poop

[Bogertophis]

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The suboc book by Dusty Rhoads said to check for nematodes, but at least this vet said they didn't know how to test for that (said they could maybe send it in, but I haven't heard back from them). I am not sure how much of a concern those are, or if you or anyone else here has any experience with nematodes.

Nor do I, off-hand- I've never dealt with them that I can recall. (I'm thinking nematodes are way more likely in W/C snakes though?)

This article has a chart that offers treatment suggestions, including good 'ol Panacur. (see the far right column): https://www.vetfolio.com/learn/artic...es-of-reptiles
(I would avoid using Ivermectin on a snake- it's far more risky.)

Here's a few articles that might help? https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/rep...nt-levamisole/

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exoti...es-of-reptiles

BTW, somewhere I read that nematodes are very common in lizards- hmm? That rings a bell, your source breeds geckos, right?
https://wagwalking.com/reptile/condi...des-in-lizards

Since Panacur is quite often used for snakes (& is used safely) I wouldn't worry about testing for nematodes if you can't find them in the RAL list- I'd just treat for them, personally.

(BTW, did you happen to ask the seller if he's ever treated this suboc with meds for anything? Especially anything recent?)

And I'd consider using Flagyl as well: https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/pro...dazole-flagyl/

[TofuTofuTofu]

Nor do I, off-hand- I've never dealt with them that I can recall. (I'm thinking nematodes are way more likely in W/C snakes though?)

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Since Panacur is quite often used for snakes (& is used safely) I wouldn't worry about testing for nematodes if you can't find them in the RAL list- I'd just treat for them, personally.

(BTW, did you happen to ask the seller if he's ever treated this suboc with meds for anything? Especially anything recent?)

And I'd consider using Flagyl as well: https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/pro...dazole-flagyl/

Thanks for the resources. I'll be doing some more research on the nematodes; the gecko thing makes a lot of sense, though. The book wasn't clear on whether nematodes were seen more in wc specimens or not. He did say that he had subocs who were treated, then tested negative for nematodes, then were later positive for them even though they hadn't been in contact with any other snakes, and recommends "regular deworming." Hmm.

I just texted the rabbit rescue owner and she says she has a ton of Panacur that I can use. The dosing and frequency for Panacur is even in the suboc book, so I'm comfortable administering it. I was planning to just wait till mid-to-late next week to give him the medication though (and weigh him to determine how much). Is it better to give him a week to settle in first? I would think that is best, because whatever he has is probably not super new (if it was anything more than a weird poo) and he hasn't visibly deteriorated from it?

I also just texted the seller and will see if he's had any recent treatments. I also asked if he was on mice because I think I read somewhere that rats can cause a sort of "fatty" poop, but maybe I misremembered that.

[Bogertophis]

Thanks for the resources. I'll be doing some more research on the nematodes; the gecko thing makes a lot of sense, though. The book wasn't clear on whether nematodes were seen more in wc specimens or not. He did say that he had subocs who were treated, then tested negative for nematodes, then were later positive for them even though they hadn't been in contact with any other snakes, and recommends "regular deworming." Hmm.

I just texted the rabbit rescue owner and she says she has a ton of Panacur that I can use. The dosing and frequency for Panacur is even in the suboc book, so I'm comfortable administering it. I was planning to just wait till mid-to-late next week to give him the medication though (and weigh him to determine how much). Is it better to give him a week to settle in first? I would think that is best, because whatever he has is probably not super new (if it was anything more than a weird poo) and he hasn't visibly deteriorated from it?

I also just texted the seller and will see if he's had any recent treatments. I also asked if he was on mice because I think I read somewhere that rats can cause a sort of "fatty" poop, but maybe I misremembered that.

BTW, I didn't check what the D. Rhoad's "Suboc" book said about nematodes (esp. since you did anyway ) but I suspect he's collected "his share" of W/C subocs. And in the wild, they eat lizards!

I suspect some of his snakes tested negative but still managed to re-infect themselves after some time elapsed. Tests aren't perfect. And no one manages to clean up all fecal material immediately, no matter how complete an effort is made. Honestly, I don't do "regular deworming", but I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea- it's up to you. Clearly your new snake shows good reason to be treated. Panacur is easy to come by- all feed-stores carry it, even if pet stores don't. It's not even expensive.

Yes, I'd let him settle in first- it's not an emergency. I would stick with feeding mice- otherwise you'd be feeding "mouse-sized" rat pups that WOULD be too fatty, & they'd also be too low on minerals (due to having smaller, less-developed bones). You always want to feed the "most mature" rodents of the appropriate size to snakes. And remember that ALL our domestic rodents have more "fat" than wild rodents, because they're raised on a more grain-based diet with abundant food.