Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What causes stargazers in snakes? Is it neourological or is it due to parasites? Is it curable if caught in the early stages of the illness?

I believe its a neurological disorder. However, I dont think the "WHY" it occurs has been determined. It is my understanding it is incurable and one of the mysteries of snake keeping, particularly boid species.

Stargazing is a general state of pain, it has many causes and it is your snake suffering in the highest degree possible, usually right before death.

Stargazers isn't a particular disease it's actually a symptom of several possible problems. It is normally caused due to toxins such as cleaning chemicals and IBD (Inclusion Body Disease in Boides). I know there are several others but without doing the research I can't think of them off the top of my head. I do know it makes the snake appear drunk like it has an inability to keep it's balance. It actually however does affect the nervous system. it causes slight paralysis causing the muscles to not respond to the signals originally being sent by the brain. Also unfortunately just about all causes for any stargazing is extremely lethal with very little chance of treatment or curing aside from it being a toxin. If it's caused by a virus the snake normally dies and is very contagious to other snakes. If it's a type of parasite than it has become so advanced the chances of help are slim but not impossible. If you do have a snake with stargazers immediately remove it from your collection of any other reptiles and keep a close eye on all others and remove them if the first sign shows up. And clean everything in the room thoroughly. Good luck....