i think i have a sick ball

[lonervixen70]

i was given a ball python. when she was given to me it was clear that she was starving and completely neglected. i got her eating, she put on weight and shed. it didnt come off in one piece with regular misting it came off okay. i took care of the mite problem as well. Fuzzy has been doing well for the past three months eating once to twice a month (i offered food weekly). she still hasn't shed properly. when she became dull in color i assumed that she was getting ready for another shed. that was 45 days ago. she hasn't shed and she hasn't eatten in over 30 days and is losing weight. im getting worried. as a new owner i dont know what signs to look for that says "get your snake to the vet now" anybody have advice?

[Shelby]

It's nearly impossible for us to diagnose anything online.. so I'd suggest you take your snake to the vet. If possible bring a fresh fecal sample (might be difficult since the snake hasn't eaten recently) for the vet to check for parasites with. You may want to treat your snake for worms anyway (if you can't get a fecal sample) as a parasite infestation can cause lack of appetite and weight loss.

If you don't have a reptile vet, you can find one in your area with this website:
http://www.arav.org/Directory.htm

[tigerlily]

I second April's advice!

Kudos to you to for trying to help this poor little baby. Best of luck gettting it into better health.

[JLC]

In addition to April's excellent advice...you should double-check the snake's environment and make sure it's appropriate for a ball python to thrive in. Please check our charesheet if you're not sure what it should be:


http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

If you'd like to share a detailed description of your snake's enclosure (type, size, substrate, hides, temperatures, humidity, measuring devices, heating devices, etc) we can help you figure out how to tweak it as necessary.

And like Christie said...kudos for taking in such a needful snake and trying to so hard! Best of luck!!