Neurologic Ball Python...?

[Nicodareus]

My gf is an equine/ small animal vet. We're out in the middle of nowhere and there isn't a herp vet for quite a long way. She received a ball python about 1-1.5 feet long from a client that "hadn't eaten in weeks". The living conditions are sub par from what we can gather. He's been placed in a more humid environment with better heating and seems a bit more active, however he's moving around like he's neurologic. He will move a little bit and will come to rest with his head upside down or sideways, rest for a few seconds and then move again. He might right himself or curl back on himself, just depends. Not moving at all like a snake should -- seems very weak. He's been force-fed a pinkie as the owner couldn't actually remember the last time he ate.

The bottom of the snake is 'caved in'. When he moves, the indentation is very dramatic. My gf also removed an eye cap which the owner didn't notice. No information was given about the last time he shed, ate or defecated. Obviously he seems depressed and lethargic.

The snake was purchased from a pet store not too long ago.

GF has some exotic experience but mostly avian. What kind of treatments, antibiotics and research would you recommend? From what we've researched, he seems to be exibiting signs of parasites however we don't have enough experience with snakes to be absolutely certain and do not know which antibiotics to prescribe or dosage to give. Could y'all give a hand or point us in a good direction?

Owner is a 'money case' and doesn't want to spend much money but we would like to get the little guy back "on his feet".

Thanks!

[blackcrystal22]

If the animal is caved in, and is showing neurological signs like that, I can only assume malnutrition, dehydration, and possible IBD. The important thing for that animal is to try to get it to eat.

Someone more experienced needs to chime in here, but it definitely sounds like the animal needs food and fast. If it does have IBD which shows odd neurological symptoms, keep it away from other reptiles, and you will probably have to put it down..

[dr del]

Hi,

She would probably be better phoning a good herp vet for a consult.

It could be a few things aside from the parasites - overheating, spider wobbles (normals can have it too ), and even IBD.

Have a check for vets reasonably close to you on the member directory on this site.

Also check here.

Hope she can help the lil guy - or even find anyone close enough if she decides handing him to anohter vet is the way forward.


dr del

[Nicodareus]

Thank you for the quick response. We force fed him a pinky earlier today and actually have a couple more in the freezer to warm up if needed. We were contemplating feeding him another one in a day or two but we're a bit hestitant on over-feeding him since he hasn't eaten in a long time.

We'd come across IBD in the research and the snake does exhibit the signs, however there seem to a number of other ailments with similar symptoms. Hopefully it's not IBD


The only herp vet she knows personally is out until the first and he doesn't have a backup on-call. We're trying to stabilize the little guy until she can get ahold of someone else. With the holidays coming on, a lot of the non-farm vets are out of the office it seems. Thanks for the link! Will take a look. Any other suggestions are welcome! We're still looking around and perusing her books -- we'll take a look at your possibilities too. Going to give him a blood test here once we rustle up a few more numbers to compare with....

[rabernet]

I would suggest that she contact Dr. Stahl for a consult - he's one of the leading herp vets in the country:

http://www.seavs.com/staff/

[Nicodareus]

Aw bummer... the little guy just died

He had a rough go the past few weeks it sounds like. What a shame. We see this with regular pet owners and neglect is one thing that always really makes me angry.

I appreciate the advice. On the other hand, I think we'll be adopting a snake here pretty soon I expect I'll be coming around more often.

[ohyeahnow]

Most of the snakes I own are adopted. I would not adopt an unhealthy snake, injured maybe, sickly no. I allways give them a good checking, make sure they are eating and then quarantine for at least three months. Sorry for your loss.

[rabernet]

Aw bummer... the little guy just died

He had a rough go the past few weeks it sounds like. What a shame. We see this with regular pet owners and neglect is one thing that always really makes me angry.

I appreciate the advice. On the other hand, I think we'll be adopting a snake here pretty soon I expect I'll be coming around more often.

Sorry to hear the little guy didn't make it.

Hope to see more of you though when you two add your own scale-kid!