Plz help

[loknlvly]

I am pretty sure my ball python is sick. I dont know what to do. She is young only about 13 inches. We have had her a little over a month. Her underside is sunken in from below her neck to about half way down, then she gets really big. She hasnt ate since we have had her. We tried feeding her pinky mice and she has had no interest. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[gothkenny]

Have you tried any of the 'tricks' to getting her to eat? Have you tried any larger prey? What are the temps in her cage? How high is the humidity? When you pick her up do you notice that she has skin folds, mites, or that she can't grip your hand very well? When you flip her on her back, can she get back onto her belly?
If you could take some pictures of the 'sunken' in area we could probably help a lot more.

[loknlvly]

The temp and humidity are good. She acts like she has no sense or energy, listless. I will take some pics of her now. It may take me a min to figure out how to put them on here I am new here. I have no prob taking her to the vet as well but we live in a area populated by cows and horses. Dont know that I will be able to find anyone that can help her.

[loknlvly]

ok the pics are in my galleries

[Chandler reptiles]

I would start checking around for a vet. Was it feeding before you got it? The lack of energy I would think is from the lack of food.

[blackcrystal22]

When a snake doesn't have food it usually shows in it's back, not in it's belly.
I've never seen a snake like that before except for some that had just laid eggs and were empty.

Thinking that's where her main lung is, do you think that maybe she is having trouble breathing?
Whatever it is, you need to get her to a vet, if she's lacking energy then theres no way she will live much longer without food.
Also, pinky mice are far too insufficient for that size of a ball python. The food you should be giving her should be the same size as the thickest point on her body. Feeding too small food items will drain her of more energy and not give her enough energy back.

A fuzzy rat/hopper mouse would do good, and you should probably try live if she isn't eating f/t.

[loknlvly]

The pet store said she was eating. But I havent seen it for myself. Through online research I am thinking it is dehydration and lack of food. I read that I can give her a 50/50 mix of electrolytes and water. Do you know anyting about that?

[Chandler reptiles]

What I know of force feeding/rehydrating is very tough on the snake, that being said if you haven't done it before I wouldn't suggest trying it with this little one.

I would just try to find a vet because something is going on with that belly that isn't good.

[blackcrystal22]

The pet store said she was eating. But I havent seen it for myself. Through online research I am thinking it is dehydration and lack of food. I read that I can give her a 50/50 mix of electrolytes and water. Do you know anyting about that?

Electrolytes work differently with snakes and people.
Give her a SLIGHTLY warm water soak for her dehydration. Remember that something that feels warm to you is wayy to warm for them. Just not cold but more room temperature.

That does not look like malnutrition to me.. how long have you had her?

[loknlvly]

ok better not try it then. I found a vet about 3 hours from home. Hope they can see her. I will do whatever it takes to get her better. Im already so attached.