Snake looks sickly

[evilj]

Guys,

Just got home from a few weeks holiday.
Checked on the little one - and its not looking good

Fed him just before I left no problems there. Got him on the heatmat underneath the tank - also no problems there but he is quite large in the middle feels quite warm etc.

Got him out and instantly noticed something was wrong - he is very 'slow' doesnt want to move much - also seems quite fat in the middle and almost deflated looking at towards the back end after the bulge - no where near his bum may I add.

Any ideas?

Cheers,
Evil.

 

[Bushman]

What species, size/age is your snake?
Can you post pics?

 

[evilj]

Can't get ay pics sorry guys. I know that doesnt help much.

Few month old coastal - quite little.

I dont think he is impacted - I have extensively gone through his house now and have found droppings - all seems good there.

When it gets quite chilly, how slow do they get? He mves - but just doesnt seem to be keen?

 

[Bushman]

They move very slowly when it's chilly.
What is the snakes body temperature?
What was the food item and size?
Did the snake have access to fresh water and adequate heat while you were on holiday?
Does the snake flick its tongue out regularly when activity is going on around it? If so, how fast are the flicks?

 

[evilj]

What is the snakes body temperature
Feels fairly warm - definitely not too to cold

What was the food item and size?
Pinkie Rat - took it no problem and without incident.

Did the snake have access to fresh water and adequate heat while you were on holiday?
Plenty of heat with a good temperature gradient.
Freshwater may have been an issue - i think my housemate may have gotten very slack

Does the snake flick its tongue out regularly when activity is going on around it? If so, how fast are the flicks?
No tongue flicking whatsoever.

 

[Bushman]

Can you give more details about the availability of fresh water?
It could be dehydration. Do the eyes look sunken? Are there any unnatural folds in the skin?
Have you seen it voluntarily drink since you returned home and provided water?

By the way, I suggest that you avoid pinky rats in future as the have little to no roughage/fibre.
Furred rodents like fuzzy mice or slightly larger would be better imo.

 

[Bushman]

It sounds like dehydration may not be the major issue here anyway, even though that could have been a major contributing factor to its current condition. The fact that it has a noticeable mid-body bulge a few weeks after feeding is a major concern imo. I recommend taking it the vet asap from what you describe so far.
In the meantime, try spraying or bathing it (supervised) in warm water. Observe and report back if you want more help/advice.
No tongue flicking whatsoever is also a bad sign. Does it's mouth look normal or is it ajar?

 

[evilj]

Honestly - I think its on its last legs. It has just turned over on its back - and has what appears to be a big bloody patch underneath the skin.

Mouth is normal - not ajar at all.

I'm not liking the look of this Will try and find one tonight - I believe it has nil chance though, vet treatment or not

 

[Becca-Marie]

Where are you located?
Maybe floor temps werent hot enough and he hasnt been able to digest and the pinky has started to rot? That might explain the bump?
Sent from my LG-P690f using Tapatalk 2

 

[Jarrod_H]

Honestly - I think its on its last legs. It has just turned over on its back - and has what appears to be a big bloody patch underneath the skin.

Mouth is normal - not ajar at all.

I'm not liking the look of this Will try and find one tonight - I believe it has nil chance though, vet treatment or not

Not good mate, sorry.
Would be very interesting to see this "big bloody patch underneath the skin"..... It you get a chance to snap a picture.

 

[The_Geeza]

What temps do u actually have as a basking spot? Eg.. Lamp... Heat mat ... Cord...etc? U stated under tank so I'm thinking mat or cord... BUT what is the temp in the tank flood directly above your heat source ??!?

 

[Bushman]

Honestly - I think its on its last legs. It has just turned over on its back - and has what appears to be a big bloody patch underneath the skin.

Mouth is normal - not ajar at all.

I'm not liking the look of this Will try and find one tonight - I believe it has nil chance though, vet treatment or not

That sounds really crook. I agree that it's probably near death if it's rolling over on its back, the poor thing.