Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Eastern Hog's head is kind of hanging to the side as he's in the tank, and when I pick him up. He seems fine other than that. I was talking to a vet friend of mine, and he seems to think it might be "chripto spiridia" (or a virus that is untreatable). Any suggestions?

There are several illnesses that could cause a head tilt in snakes, and only an in-person exam by a qualified reptile vet can lead to a diagnosis.

Cryptosporidia (but I like your spelling of it ) are single-celled parasites known as protozoa, and are quite nasty little buggers to get rid of. The problem with "crypto" and herps is that it can be a chronically active pathogen with or without clinical signs.

Many difference virii or bacteria could be causing the head tilt, as it's the region of the body affected that is pertinent and not as much the actual pathogen. If you vet friend is suspecting crypto, I imagine that there was other information in your hognose's history that suggests it.

Neurological damage from physical trauma or environmental toxins is also a possibility.

Christina
www.herptiles.net

Your the first person I've seen use virii although both are correct. Totally off topic I know,...

Ian

It's analogous to using virulogy instead of virology.

Kelly

n/t