Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have noticed a few similar problems in Honduran milksnakes I have been keeping in the past couple years. All of the problems are similar and I am starting to think that they are related to MDB and tapwater. Does this sound plausible?

Last year I had a few hatchling die and this year I have noticed a yearling which seemed to be healthy beginning to develop what seems to be a broken and weak back. Their food is not the problem and the temperature range is good: about 79-81 degrees.

The first few snakes I raised in Hamilton on tapwater and had no problems whatsoever. Now that I am in London, Ontario I have been seeing some strange problems occur. Some funny breathing (wheezing) and the odd young snake will pass away from some strange bone disorder.

Symptoms in the bones range from spine zig-zagging, weak spines which crack (disconnect) under their own body weight hanging, limp spine, bulges ... These are some of the more sever cases.

Anyways should I get the water tested and what should I look for? Should I filter the water or just start using bottled water? I really need to get to the bottom of this. My tanks are kept very clean and sanitary so I think the water must be the problem. Food is always frozen thawed and of good quality also.

Thanks for any replies.

Out of about 60 snakes in total, I have had 5 die last year at similar times and this year only 1 seems to have the problem and I suspect it will not make it. I would say I have seen symptoms in 5-10% of anything kept in my collection longer than a few months. Too high to be a fluke.

Also local vets are not very helpful and in my opinion I have gathered more knowledge from articles, books and forums like these. I could replace the snakes easier than I could find a helpful vet. They can't seem to diagnose the problem any easier than I can.

I'm not too savy on snake problems, but I was thinking about your descriptions of the problems.

It may be due to weak genetics from inbreeding. You didn't specify if you are breeding with external bloodlines. I've never heard of water sources causing this sort of issue, but if that's the case, it would be interesting to know.

In any case, hopefully, the problems will get resolved.

Goodluck.

Tap water wouldn't be high on my list of differentials, esp. since it's suitable for human consumption. Heavy metal toxicity might be a way out there concern, but more likely if it's from a well that hasn't been tested for human usage.

While I don't know what vet's you've used, this sounds like a tough problem for even the best; I wouldn't be discouraged from not getting a quick diagnoses. Have you sent any for necropsy? Done any antemortem testing? The university of guelph has an excellent exotic path. lab; of which I'm sure your clinic would use for any troubling reptile workups. Remember that a "diagnoses" is just a guess without the lab results and examination to back it up. The internet can only throw ideas at you.

From your description, and without any more information, I'd guess either genetics are catching up to you as suggested before, or another variable from your move to London is at play here. (perhaps double check your incubation temps? and cage perameteres)

Good luck! Sounds like you have an impressive collection

Ian