My sick BCI...

Mark Jones · 11-03-04, 07:14 AM

Well, she's still going to the vet every three days for antibiotic shots, and she's still a bit on the thin/dehyrated side, BUT she's GREATLY improved!

We've gone back to feeding her pinkies to make swallowing easier while she recovers and feeding her more often. Her ambient temp is still on an increased level as well. (All this per vet's instruction.)

She's put on another 6 grams, but still looks way too thin. She's drinking much more often though so I feel the dehydration thing is about over. The 'bubble-blowing' is gone and the 'clicking' is extremely rare now. Her activity level is improved, too. She's started to enjoy coming out in the open and even doing some climbing on the sterilized grape vine in her enclosure.

My big job now is to just get weight on her. She's due for one more shot on Friday. If she's still clear and putting on a couple more grams, I'll start switching her to larger, pre-killed food items.

The store I got her from has finally had enough and will no longer be using this breeder as many of the stock animals they bought were sick too. (They had them checked when my wife informed the store of our problems. She works there...)

Anyhoo, thanks for the tips, the prayers, and the vet listing. I got a good doctor down here. While my little snake is still in danger from simply being too thin, she would not have had a chance in hell without the good tips from you guys and a good doctor down here. To any fellow newbies: If you even dream your snake is ill, don't wait - see a vet NOW! Yep, it's gonna cost you a fair amount of dollars, but if you value your animal and its well-being then you'll do it. If you're not willing to take care of the snake, get out of the hobby.

[stepping off the stump}

~M*

BOA68 · 11-03-04, 08:50 AM

When the infection i totally gone and you get her back on regular sized food items she will pack on the pounds quickly. I would feed her a little more often than normal for a couple weeks and she should get right back on track.

Mark Jones · 11-03-04, 08:55 AM

You know, I keep thinking she should be shedding soon, but perhaps the fact she lost so much weight has that totally off schedule as well.

~M*

BOA68 · 11-03-04, 02:32 PM

Probably. Since she isn't growing there is no need for her to shed especially if she lost weight, she probably will shed shortly after her first big meal that gives her skin a good stretch.

BOA68 · 11-03-04, 02:32 PM

Probably. Since she isn't growing there is no need for her to shed especially if she lost weight, she probably will shed shortly after her first big meal that gives her skin a good stretch.

Mark Jones · 11-03-04, 04:56 PM

I'll try to get a few pics and post them tonight.

~M*