Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have noticed an abundance of feeding problem questions regarding Hognose snakes and am wondering how many people have actually had a Hognose snake refuse food until it died? I am asking about Western Hognose snakes in particular as I am currently dealing with a feeding problem with one. He is a neonate and has not eaten for three weeks now (refuses live, split-brained f/t, scented, etc). He has consumed a total of 4 live pinks in his 46-day life. I assumed his beahviour would remedy itself on it's own accord but I am starting to get concerned. His sibling is currently feeding on f/t with no problem.
So, has anyone had a western hognose refuse food and actually die from starvation?
Thanks all,
R

I have a Western Hog that I've been keeping for almost two years now. He has ALWAYS been a problem feeder. I think that he is probably on the extreme. He'll feed for two weeks in a row, then he won't eat for 6 months. He has been dangerously thin for about the last 6 months, and I'm afraid I'm going to lose him this winter because he simply will not feed. I have brought him to the vet several times. The vet could not find any problem with him although he did give me some antibiotics. I administered those and I give him electrolytes occasionally.

Tried all the tricks to get him to feed. I basically just don't know what to do anymore. I keep several other snakes (kings and milks) and do not have a problem. He is not remotely interested in food.

All I can say is hang in there... When mine eats, he really pigs out but he just REFUSES to eat 95% of the time.

I am completely frustrated at this point...

Hi,

I'm just wondering if you had fecal work done... It is not normal for a vet to prescribe antibiotics when they do not make any diagnosis.

If you are going to take a shot in the dark you should treat your hog with a round of panacur and flagyl. Unless he has mouthrot, respiratory infection, etc... antibiotics are not going to help anything.

You should take a FRESH fecal sample to the vet and get a fecal float (checks for nematode eggs mainly) and a direct smear done (checks for protozoans mainly).

If your snake is not defecating (an obvious possibility since he is not eating) than the vet can do a cloacal rinse/wash.

Did your vet check for internal parasites at all?
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Leos Anonymous

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