Help! Ball python losing either muscle or fat

[ede618]

I got my ball python about 2 and a half weeks ago and he has yet to eat for me. He just shed yesterday and passed a bowel this morning.

For a few days now I've noticed he is losing weight and his skin hangs a little. He also feels kind of fleshy around his body. Also, last night he was very active and seemed somewhat exaggerated in his movements. Tomorrow is the third attempt to feed him and I'm afraid that he will once again refuse to eat. I also noticed what looked like a muscle twitch in his belly. I saw this twice on 2 desperate occasions today

Need info and/or advice quick!

[alessia55]

How old is the ball python?
What are you offering to eat? live? frozen/thawed? mice? rats?
What is the enclosure like? temps? humidity? set up?
Have you been handling him?
More information will help us.

A healthy ball python will not lose weight so quickly in two weeks. Could you post a photo so we can see the loosening skin that your'e talking about?

Is the muscle twitch when you touch him? or on his own and you happened to catch him doing it?

[ede618]

How old is the ball python?
What are you offering to eat? live? frozen/thawed? mice? rats?
What is the enclosure like? temps? humidity? set up?
Have you been handling him?
More information will help us.

A healthy ball python will not lose weight so quickly in two weeks. Could you post a photo so we can see the loosening skin that your'e talking about?

Is the muscle twitch when you touch him? or on his own and you happened to catch him doing it?

He is 2 years old. He was raised on live so I've been sticking to that for now. His enclosure is a 40 breeder with 2 hides on either side, coco fiber bedding, large water dish, covered on 3 sides and temps are 90-95 hot side and 80-85 cool side.

I have not been handling him since he was in shed and I noticed the twitch while he was moving around in the enclosure. I will try to post a picture later if I can

[Aaron_S]

I think he's dehydrated by the saggy skin. It's probably not any fat or muscle loss. Just bring up the humidity. Spray him down.

EDIT: Just read he is in shed? Don't worry about feeding or this skin issue until after.

[ede618]

I think he's dehydrated by the saggy skin. It's probably not any fat or muscle loss. Just bring up the humidity. Spray him down.

EDIT: Just read he is in shed? Don't worry about feeding or this skin issue until after.

He finished shedding already and his skin is still saggy. I am going to try to feed him tomorrow. Now that you mention it I haven't seen him drink but he did have a full shed

[alessia55]

EDIT: Just read he is in shed? Don't worry about feeding or this skin issue until after.

Says he just shed... as in he has already shed.

He just shed yesterday

But that's a good point... it could be that he's dehydrated.

[Wildside]

He finished shedding already and his skin is still saggy. I am going to try to feed him tomorrow. Now that you mention it I haven't seen him drink but he did have a full shed

Is his bowl big enough for him to submerge in?

[Gungirl]

If he is in a 40 gallon fish tank with a screen top, cover at least 75% of the screen with something to help retain humidity. I agree with Aaron that it is most likely dehydration.

[shaunyboy]

i will pm you a good method of treating a dehydrated snake

as dehydration was the first thing that came to mind,after i read the symptoms

cheers shaun

[Wildside]

i will pm you a good method of treating a dehydrated snake

as dehydration was the first thing that came to mind,after i read the symptoms

cheers shaun

Why not post it? I'd like to know. Where I live we don't have easy access to reptile vets so everyone comes to me. My healing techniques aren't foolproof, sometimes what works with one doesn't with another. I like having different options to try :blink:

[ede618]

Wild side- the method basically calls for a traditional soaking in water with a mixture of water and 3 quarters of a bottle of powerade for 10 minutes. This is then done again 90 minutes later. After the second soaking, transfer the snake into a moist container (moist paper towel lined) and leave the snake in there for 12 hours with a water dish. That's it. VERY simple

[Wildside]

Wild side- the method basically calls for a traditional soaking in water with a mixture of water and 3 quarters of a bottle of powerade for 10 minutes. This is then done again 90 minutes later. After the second soaking, transfer the snake into a moist container (moist paper towel lined) and leave the snake in there for 12 hours with a water dish. That's it. VERY simple

Thank you. I'm familiar with this method but had forgotten about it as I haven't had to help a dehydrated reptile in a long time. Glad you posted the reminder :)

[shaunyboy]

Why not post it? I'd like to know. Where I live we don't have easy access to reptile vets so everyone comes to me. My healing techniques aren't foolproof, sometimes what works with one doesn't with another. I like having different options to try :blink:

the method was posted by a good friend of mine " on another forum "

we are NOT allowed to advertise other forums on here mate;)

i will pm you a link for a few different treatment methods

cheers shaun:)