bloated blood

Andre · 07-25-03, 08:14 PM

Hello to everyone,

I Have a situation that any advice towards would be greatly appreciated. I offered a large live rat to one of my male bloods, which had been purchased for another snake of larger girth, who after a week was still uninterested (mistake #1). This was the first live animal the blood had contact with, he attacked it instantly and managed to consume it despit its being nearly twice his girth (mistake #2).

The day after I found him severly bloated, I can't imagine his skin able to stretch any further, his diameter has increased far beyand that after initial completion of this meal. I'm very concerned for his health, and have manually atempetted to 'de-gas' him with some success (mistake #3?). He is one year old, about .3 Kg normally.

Anyone???

Sincerely & respectfully,
Andre in Brampton

chas*e · 07-25-03, 08:32 PM

Without seeing the individual I would guess that there could possibly a bacterial infestation. Does it look as though the snake ate a football(no joking)....I suggest that you could raise the POT, temperature of the enclosure and see if the snake's immune system will solve the problem....It could quite possibly be excessive digestive gasses from a too large of a meal and the raised temp will help to digest the food item....but if you find that you are really worried about the snake's well-being or if it's condition worsens please go to a Vet....thanks ..PS I have also tried mineral oil to soften and purge the eaten food faster...

Andre · 07-25-03, 09:28 PM

Bacteria! This makes good sense as the rat likely trod through it's feces. I'll up the temp to 32 C and watch for improvement.

Much appreciated!

Linds · 07-25-03, 10:30 PM

Doesn't matter that the rat "trod through its feces" as thats what they do. However, it is possible that the meal was too large for the snake to digest at an adequate speed, hence it is rotting in your snakes gut. What were you keeping your snake at? If your snake is being kept too cool this will also slow down metabolism. 32 C is too cool for the warm side to be at. Your snake should be kept with a gradient of 82-90 F. Until this problem is resolved, by either digestion or (hopefully not) regurgitation, up the warm side to 95. As also mentioned above, mineral oil acts as a laxative, but it can be quite harsh on the system and only small amounts should be used. How did you attempt to "manually de-gas" your snake? That's a bit concerning to me as well. As chas*e mentioned, if your snakes condition worsens, please seak the adivce of a qualified vet. A good one in the Toronto area are the vets at High Park Animal Clinic. They are located at 3194 Dundas and can be reached at (416)763-4200

Please learn from this and use better sense in the future. Hope your snake is ok, please keep us updated!

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, and the above advice is not meant to replace the advice of a qualified vet.

Andre · 07-25-03, 11:26 PM

Thank you for these further insights, they may provide the difference for little floyd. I will certainly be off to the vet you have recommended if this situation gets worse. I'll also attempt to be more detailed with explanations.

It seemed to me his digestion was producing to much gas thus the bloat, so I gently held him and applying slight pressure ran my hand slowly from his middle to his tail. The first pass would make him flatuant, also expelling some yellowish urine(?).

I have been keeping him at about 28 C, but from your advice I will hence spend more attention to keeping him at the temperatures you have suggested. I will use the mineral oil as recommended if morning brings no improvement, then call the vet.

Your quick responses have been awesome.

Linds · 07-25-03, 11:30 PM

Good luck with him! :thumbsup:

chas*e · 07-26-03, 12:15 AM

If you want to know the mineral oil volumes to use to lax the snake let me know by e-mail, I suggest that mineral oil is only a last pre-vet resort due to the fact that mineral oil is a bit harsh but lets see what increased temperature will due....Like I said before, the problem is most likely over sized meal bringing about digestive gasses that extend the abdominal wall. I have personally dealt with this problem with a DSG member's snake and it resolved itself. ...fun wow......disclaimer..I am not a vet ...charlie

Andre · 07-26-03, 01:54 AM

The situation has worsened, he is now gaping contantly and looks like he is strugling to regurge the food, a dark fluid is oozing from his mouth and his head is staying held up.

Zoe · 07-26-03, 02:07 AM

Time for a vet trip andre! Your snake does not sound in the least healthy or improving.

lilyskip · 07-26-03, 07:58 AM

Oh geez, run to the vet, man! Let us know how it goes...good luck...

chas*e · 07-26-03, 04:33 PM

It might be time to go to a Vet, if you are sure that the snake is not improving with the conservative treatments that were offered.

Andre · 07-26-03, 05:33 PM

Thank you all for your help, but my little floyd died at sunrise. He fought very hard and i'll miss him terribly, but at least I could be with him through his struggle.

he was a marvelous little creature.

lilyskip · 07-26-03, 06:03 PM

I'm really sorry to hear about Floyd.

Invictus · 07-26-03, 07:06 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that, Andre. Hang in there.

Lisa · 07-26-03, 07:59 PM

Thats sad to hear about poor Floyd.