Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My conda sems to be losing muscle mass. Here's her feeding log
2/12 quail
2/24 quail lg.rat
3/13 lg. Quail
3/15 lg. rat
4/01 sm. rabbit
4/21 lg. guinea pig
I've thought about internal parasites and have yet to have a fecal exam.
How do most of you bring a fecal sample(when most of mine are in the water) in to the vet. Jar? or do you you strain it?(disgusting).
What is more beneficial to the vet? In water? or without?
Any other ideas about the muscle loss?
Remember she just tried a large rabbit and failed. I waited 2 days and then she gobbled up the large guinea pig.(while I as seeing "dawn of the dead".(dumb as hell).
She'll be passing the guinea pig in a while and any advice would be appreciated.

oh yeah.For those of u not familiar with my snake, 9 1/2' female green.
I can start to see her backbone right behind her head for a couple inches. I'm not trying for the biggest conda in the world just healthy.
Arik

I think she needs to be fed a little heavier for a while. At her size, I would feed her a 2 pound rabbit once every 2 weeks until she has put on some weight. Rabbits will put weight on a boid faster than any other food item. If I remember right, she weighed about 10 pounds less than I thought she should at her length.
Collect the fecal sample as soon as possible and as it is found, preferably before it can dry out. Bag it air tight and put it under refrigeration. Try to get it to the vet within 24 hours if possible. Fecals can be broken up, preserved in formalin, and held for a longer period, but you probably don't have access to that. If you do have a fecal run, I would be curious as to the results. Aside from any health concern, I think she will do well once she starts feeding on small rabbits. Good luck.

Kelly

Thanks.

You sill weren't too clear about the way to submit the fecal matter being in the water. Bags work great when its dry but mine likes using the water tub. would a canning jar with the most concentrated part of her water dish be appropriate?

Thank'sin advance
Arik

Also she's kept @85F until i can get her cage complete. (with a temp. gradient)
I had her out tonight w/no probs. Thats when I noticed she felt skinnier
I really appreciate your comments
Arik

You should have a solid mass of material to get a reasonable result. If you really want a fecal run, and she usually defecates in the water, you may need to remove the large water container and replace it with a small one until she defecates again.
She looks a little thin in the photo, but not much. I think she will put a little extra weight on fairly quickly, just be careful not to over do it. Thanks,

Kelly