Quote Originally Posted by MuzeBallPythons View Post
Ok. I'm a bit stumped here since I am very familiar with normal lab values for mammals, but not for reptiles.

I took my YB female (1000+ grams) to the local vet that is supposedly very experienced with herps. I brought her in because I've had her for a month, and she has only eaten one ASF rat, has had only one BM (first day I brought her home. It was runny, but I thought she was just very stressed out), and has lost 245 grams. She has had a perfect shed, drinks water, & is not lethargic. But the weight loss really scared me. Mind you, I purchased this girl from a well-known breeder who first gave me a YB female with mites (& an aggressive disposition), and I gave her back to him. So, he gave me this girl in return. He offered to exchange her also, but I don't know what care she will receive if she goes back to him.

Anyway, the vet gave her Flagyl, took some blood, and told me to try feeding in 5-7 days. I tried feeding a week later. No luck.

The blood test came back with all normal ranges, except for Azurophils (monocytes). These were at 28%. She said they were slightly elevated & possibly meant my BP was fighting off an infection. The vet decided against antibiotic treatment because she said the snake did not seem sick.

My problem is: What is the normal range for these cells in BPs?
And, I am not sure about this vet since she kept telling me that the BP should be in a large tank (I have my adult females in CB70s, with an Ultra Therm UTH regulated by a thermostat, a hide, a water bowl with spring water. The temps are 81-83 ambient, 94-95 hot spot, humidity is 55-65%), and that belly heat was not good, but that heat from over the enclosure is best (radiant heat panels, etc.). And that I should cool down the enclosure in order to help her fight the infection. All of the opposite of what I've heard & currently do.

Any advice? Thoughts? All is welcome. I have 13 other BPs in perfect health, growing, feeding, pooping, etc. I know this one was just not kept in optimal conditions before I got her.
I am a vet tech at an exotic animal clinic, monocytes are components of white blood cells used to fight off infection, the normal levels for a snake are between 14 and 24% so it is slightly elevated which is indicative of her fighting off infection. She should be able to just give her an antibiotic injection, either of clavu.mox or azithromycin to help clear up the infection.