Would a vet be able to help?

Tigergenesis · 04-14-04, 10:41 AM

I have a 3 snakes I need to take to the vet for an initial checkup. But one has not eaten for me in the 3 weeks (rough scale sand boa) I've had her. She actually had not eaten for the breeder in a while either - since 1/22/04. Since 12/22/03 her weight has gone from 193g to 180g. My question is, if I can't get a fecal is there really anything the vet can do to determine if she has any health problems affecting her appetite? I trust and know the breeder I got her from (he said if she doesn't eat for me and I change my mind he'd be happy to take her back) so I'm sure he would have checked her mouth for any signs of anything (sores,etc) that may be keeping her from eating.

I'm just trying to figure out if I should wait a bit longer with her or if there is anything the vet can do at this point. I'd hate to go pay for a visit when all he can do is check her visually since I can't get a fecal. Am I worrying too much?

Thanks.

marisa · 04-14-04, 11:32 AM

They can get a fecal from the snake without you giving them one. Like a snake enema. I had a snake that didn't eat for months and badly needed a fecal, the vet got what they needed when I brought it in.

Marisa

Tigergenesis · 04-14-04, 11:46 AM

Great thanks! I didn't know they could do it if had been that long since eating. When I took my BP in for a checkup, he had eaten but not defecated yet and the vet 'forced' a sample anyway. Thanks for the info!

Stockwell · 04-15-04, 02:36 AM

Save your money.. A vet visit won't solve your problem and there is no reason to think a CB conicus would be ill.
Conicus can be fussy and infrequent feeders, and they don't eat as often as some Erycines.
They need it hot around 90F or a bit higher to have an appetite, and feed them LIVE hoppers in a small deli container in total darkness, with enough substrate to completely cover them. Pinkies are often too small to produce enough movement and scent to trigger a strike.
Conicus, generally require live food, and this point is critical. Even most of my adults wont take food that isn't moving.
While most baby conicus will eventually feed on mice, some prefer geckos, so you can also try rubbing a hopper on a Leo.
You need to be very patient with conicus. I have a male from last year, that eats about once a month but won't eat until the hopper is in his container for several days.