Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a juvenile Eastern Garter that i think is showing signs of thiamine deficiency(ie. 'spiral' locomotion, loss of equilibrium, etc.) is there anything i can do to help him or is it too late? i also have a Western Ribbon snake and both snakes have been feeding on rosy reds, but the Ribbon snake isn't exhibiting these signs. i appreciate any help or advice anyone can give.

thanks!
greg

According to one veterinary reference book I have looked in,
"treatment can be acomplished with oral thiamin at 50 to 100 mg/kg daily, and encouraging the snake to eat eartworms, guppies, and tadpoles". This is according to the book, I wouldn't use tadpoles, but this gives you the thiamine dose. You should consult with a licensed reptile veterinarian to confirm this diagnosis, though. Good luck!
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Debbie
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If it is a thiamine problem .Start feeding it something else.like worms,tadpoles or frogs.I doubt that is the problem though.I raised a lot of garters on rosey reds(easterns)with no problems.I have a flame that is over a year old that I have just had taken her first pink.She was fed rosey reds every four days.Do you feed the roseys live?Did the heat go up in the enclosure?That could cause a heat stroke.
Tom