Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I resantly got my bp back from a friend who was watching him for me because I was no longer aloud to keep him at my house due to my parents. Well I got him around the begianing of the Dec. I was told he had refused to eat for afew weeks. Thats now strange for him. But also he had no coordination in the top 1/4 or so of his body. He twist upond himself. I took him to the vet and she said it looked posobly like some type of trauma. He was given Baydril and hydrocordizone shots for 5 days but seems no better. The 2nd day I had him back he ate 2mice. And since then he eats like normal. But hes still twisting around himself and some times he flips over. He's getting ready to shed again, twice in one month and has gained wieght. He's about 4-5 years old. If anyone has any ideas I would be very greatful. I really dont want anything to happen to him. Other them the twisting he seems fine. Thanks in advance.

Anna

This could possibly be from trauma, but if that was suspect I have to wonder why the Vet decided to treat with Baytril. Seems an odd choice for something like that. Not second guessing the Vet, just wondering what the logic was.

Another possibilty that comes to mind is some viral infection, such as Inclusion Body Disease. Convulsions like you describe is one of the symptoms associated with IBD. If he starts to vomit or regurgitate, and/or develops respiratory symptoms, that would be my guess. Watch for "stargazing", where he holds his head up as if he's looking at something on the ceiling for periods of time and his head just sort of wavers back and forth a little.

I wouldnt really call it convotions, he just seems uncoordinated in his upper body. I wondered about the baydril too. While my friend was caring for him she had him in a large 5ftby 3ft by 2or3ft cage with another ball and a red tail boa. he was there for acouple months but the problem didnt start untill a week or two before I got him back. He's eating for me and putting on weight. I really dont know how much the vet really knows. She seemed conserned and helpful, but... Its hard to find a good herp vet around here. Thanks alot.

Anna

I don't think you should ever house pythons and boas together.

it was either that or give him up to god knows who. If you have any suggestions on what may be wrong with him or what i can do for him i would appreciate it. He is no back in my care, that was a temp. situation. Thanks for those who tried to help, any other suggestions are wellcomed.

Anna

Since there are signs of possible trauma, then the vet should consider doing x-rays. Next step may be a blood panel & testing for IBD.Goodluck

I am going to get him x-rays. If it is some sort of trauma what can be done? He's active, eating and drinking like normal for me. Thanks for the responces.

Anna