Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, we are still waiting for a couple more definitive tests, but from what we can tell, it looks as though the actual cause of death was salmonella.

She had a lot of things going on inside of her, and, oh yeah, she was a he.

I don't know how long she had been sick. I imagine the stress of moving is what allowed the sickness to take over. I don't know how angry I should be with the folks who origionally sold her. (Him.)

I am terribly worried about the remainder of my herps. I am paranoid as can be. Every little thing they do, I think to myself, "Hey! She's never done that before!! Oh no!!"

They all seem to be doing a lot of soaking in water dishes. I find this odd. I am waiting for them to provide me with fecal samples, so I can get them all tested.

I don't know what else I can do.

And joeysgreen, I know you asked for a copy of the necropsy results. I do not have a scanner. I have several pages I can copy and mail to you, if you want to give me a mailind address....

Salmonellosis? Really? Strange, usually Salmonella only causes a problem in warm blooded animals, but I guess it all depends on strain/serotype. Fortunately for you, Salmonella is usally an oppurtunistic pathogen, only attacking immunocompromised individuals, so if the rest of your collection is healthy; chances are you will have no further problems. Test and disinfect cages just to be sure though. Also, be sure to contact the individuals who sold you that snake, as any other animals they have could be carriers, and they themselves could get ill also (although in this instance I would probably be wishing severe diarrhea on that individual, but that's just me)

Thanks for the reply. That's pretty much what I figured.

And, yes, it seems to be some strian of Salmonella that does, inddes, affect reptiles. None of this is completely definitve, as of yet, but each test result that we get back seems to indicate this.

I did bring in five other animals at the same time, from the same place. So far, none of them seem to be exhibiting anything worrrysome, other than a juvie hognose that is refusing food. My fingers are crossed......