Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello I have a ribbon snake that is 5 or 6 I believe. She having a lot of problems. She has gone blind I think. She is twisting around upside down and crashing into things. Is this the dying process? Or is it a neurological issue?

Thanks in advance

Did you use any chemicals recently, or change bedding, or anything? Sounds like a toxic reaction. Then again, I don't know the lifespan of ribbon snakes, probably less than kings/milks/etc, so maybe 5 yrs is getting at their end?
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Mark

The symtoms you're describing are called "star gazing". That term is most frequently used when talking about IBDV (Inclusion Body Disease Virus). I am not sure if ribbon snakes can even contract this virus beings it primarily targets boide. Someone else can probably tell you more about this or you can just read up about it. There are many different causes for star gazing. The most common was already asked of you. Reaction to some kind of toxic chemicals. This can kill your snake or the snake can get better as long as the toxic chemical is removed. Some other viruses can cause star gazing symtems such as paramyxovirus. Most virus's are unfortunately normally a death sentence for snakes. Another possibility can also be a pathogen, some kind of parasite. Some parasites can infect the body of the snake in random locations and can cause nurological affects. They can normally be treated with proper medication. Regardless of the reason your snake needs to be seen by a vet. Chances are whatever is causing this very likely can kill your snake without being treated. Good luck let us know what happens.

What are you feeding your snake? I've heard from many people (online and in person) that feeding your snake a diet consisting exclusively of Cyprinid fish (goldfish, feeder minnows, etc.) will eventually cause neurological issues and death. This is due to an enzyme found in these fish called thiaminase, which breaks down vitamin B... A vitamin B deficiency can cause the symptoms you listed and can be fatal.

Get your snake on pinky mice ASAP if it will still eat... I don't know if that will help the symptoms but it will at least stop them from getting worse. It's too bad that many pet stores that sell garters will try to tell unsuspecting owners that the snakes can live their entire lives off of goldfish, especially since that is often their main selling point ("I don't want a snake that eats rodents!").

Sorry about your snake, I hope he manages to pull through.
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- Natalie
(San Francisco Bay Area)

Ribbon snakes live from 3 to 5 years !
If yours is six or seven, you have done very well.

Sydney

what are you feeding the snake???? most pet stores tell people to feed gold fish, which can cause neurological problems. they live around 10-15 years also....