Posted by:
oldherper
at Sun Nov 23 10:05:51 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by oldherper ]
I definitely would not use any drugs unless I knew what I was treating for. If you can't get a fecal sample, then you can do a cloacal wash if you really suspect parasites as the problem. If you haven't performed this procedure before on a large, heavy-bodied viperid then you should find a vet (maybe a zoo vet?) that has experience with them. It can be a dangerous procedure both for the handler and the animal if done improperly.
Is this animal wild-caught or captive bred? If it is wild-caught, then has it ever been screened for parasites? If it is captive bred, have you been feeding live or frozen/thawed?
If the animal is captive bred and you have been feeding frozen/thawed, then parasites are not likely the culprit unless it has been caged with an animal that is carrying parasites.
I would go first after areas of possible stress. In my experience, Bitis are prone to stress related problems. It may very well be that the larger, more dominate female is causing him some stress. Separate them and make sure his cage conditions are optimal, then give him a few weeks to come around. Minimal handling during his period of acclimation to the new cage is important. Just leave him alone for a couple of weeks. Since they generally have good body mass and are naturally lethargic animals with rather slow metabolic rates, he should not lose weight very rapidly. If it is stress related, then he should begin to act normally again within 3 or 4 weeks of being placed in his own cage.
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RE: Gaboon Viper health question - oldherper, Sun Nov 23 10:05:51 2003