Regurgitation

Regurgitation of food may result from handling a snake too soon after it has fed. Regurgitated food is undigested and relatively odorless. Another common cause of regurgitation is inadequate and incomplete digestion caused by relatively cool environmental temperatures. In these cases, the regurgitated food appears digested and is malodorous. If it is not possible to raise the temperature of the enclosure, a focal source of heat (hot rock, heating pad or pads) on which the snake can rest is a necessity to ensure adequate and complete digestion.

Other causes of regurgitation include stress in easily excitable species, parasitism, intestinal obstruction and serious internal disease. An experienced veterinarian should be consulted if the cause for regurgitation is not readily determined

Trauma

Burns: Snakes commonly sustain serious burns when they contact unprotected or malfunctioning heat lamps or other heat sources (including hot rocks). Interestingly, snakes tend not to move away from the heat source inflicting the injury. This makes the wound considerably more serious. Medical treatment (including injectable antibiotics and periodic wound dressings) is required in these cases. Surgery may be necessary to minimize the disfiguring effects of such injuries

These injuries are easily avoidable. Periodically check all heating appliances to make certain they are functioning properly and that they are "snake proof."

Rat/Mouse Attack: Sometimes a live mouse or rat turns the tables on a snake and injures the snake while fighting for its life (the dinner becomes the diner). Veterinary attention should be sought for serious bite wounds.

Rostml Abrasions: One of the unfortunate consequences of captivity is injury to the captive animal from repeated attempts to escape. Snakes tend to push and rub their noses against the walls of their enclosure as they move about in search of a means to escape. This constant trauma initially damages the scales and skin of the nose (rostrum). If the trauma continues, deep ulceration of the rostrum with subsequent deformity may result Rostral abrasions are equally likely with enclosures made of glass or wire mesh.

Prevention of this problem is difficult, but adequate visual security (hiding places) and other additions to the enclosure (artificial plants, branches, etc) help minimize it Furthermore, a visual barrier of dark paint or plastic film placed on or along the lower 34 inches of the enclosure's walls often inhibits pacing and rubbing.

Constipation

Constipation is a common problem among captive snakes. Causes include sub optimal environmental temperature, illness, dehydration, injuries, parasitism and doacoliths (see below).

Constipated snakes should be allowed to soak in very warm (not scalding hot) water for 20-30 minutes daily for 1-2 days. This often results in defecation and/or urination. If this conservative measure is not successful, veterinary help should be sought at once.

Cloacoliths

Dehydration of captive snakes (especially if long-standing) may result in drying out of urinary excretions. When this occurs,uric acid "stones" tend to form within the cloaca ("Cloacoliths"). Their presence in this location prevents expulsion of urinary waste and feces (constipation), which creates serious illness. Dehydration is a sign of disease and not a disease in itself, so it becomes the veterinarian's task to determine the underlying problem that caused the dehydration. Cloacoliths can usually be manually expelled with Patience and the help of mineral oil enemas. This procedure should only be attempted by an experienced veterinarian.

Prolapses

A prolapse occurs when an organ inverts itself inside out and protrudes through the usual external opening of that organ Prolapses of the doaca and reproductive organs are not uncommon among captive snakes. Often the cause cannot be determined. Prolapses can be precipitated by straining during egg-laying or straining related to uric acid stones. Parasitic infections or other intestinal disease may also result in prolapses Veterinary assistance is essential in these cases to treat the prolapse and determine the underlying cause, if possible.

Questions should be directed to our office, 502-245-7863