Reptile & Amphibian Forums

About two weeks ago I bought a 3 month old GTP from a breeder near me. After three days of having it, it rectal prolapsed on me twice. Fortunately as a vet student I have access to a great clinic. They ran a fecal and the snake is infested with coccidia, which i am treating it for. I love this snake, but I do not want to keep a non-health animal after such a large investment. The breeder is allowing me to return it for a full refund.
Are the problems I had common and harmless, or should I take the opprtunity to give him back and seek out a healthier breeder?

Thanks,
Baio

Coccidia is difficult to eliminate although drugs can reduce the numbers present to a controllable amount. Unfortunately if your breeder sold you an animal that has enough to contribute to a prolapsed cloaca then his other animals are likely affected as well.

On another note, if GTP"s are anything like emerald tree boas, prolapses are near a death sentence. They can be fixed, but the snake's generally remain as poor doers for one reason or another and die down the road.

If you want to endure through this animal's problems, with your resources I'm sure you'll find success. However, understandeably, if you want a better return for your investment, I'd get your money back and find a new breeder, or at least re-evaluate the one you're using now.

Good luck

Ian

I had a ball python that had a cloacal prolapse. I did EVERYTHING possible to fix it including surgery. I ended up euthanizing her because the prolapse recurred despite everything I did. I would return your snake and get another one.
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Michael McFadden, M.S., D.V.M.

I am actually a veterinary student right now. Thank you all for your response and I have brought the snake back.
Don;t you think euthanizing your ball python due to prolapse is a little extreme?

In general, prolapsed snakes fair well with treatment; while certain species already mentioned are exceptions. Every case is different however, and reasons for a poor to guarded prognoses vary from the cause of the prolapse to the length of time before the prolapse was discovered. With some animals, euthanasia is the best end result.

Ian