My 7 year old male bullsnake died very quickly, and I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions as to why, or similar experiences. He went into a spring I-want-to-breed fast for about two months, at the same time as most of my adult male lampropeltines, didn't loose much weight, was drinking and very active. When this ended, like the other male snakes, he went into shed, but didn't actually shed. Was very milky for a few days, but the skin didn't come off after. However, after a few warm soaks didn't help the skin come off (nor could I find a loose piece to start it with) I just left him alone, because he was eating voraciously, drinking, crawling around, re-arranging his cage - all normal. Then one day he refused his meal, I didn't think much of it. The next day I found him slightly lethargic and gaping a little bit, but he was still moving, shut his mouth and was capable of supporting himself when I picked him up. He was dead within 15 minutes of me finding him like this. Any suggestions on what happened? Temps were fine, and no other herps in the room have been ill (knock on wood). He hasn't been eating substrate (I watch) and his poops looked normal. I didn't bruminate him this year, since I hadn't intended to breed him. This is just a disaster I'd like to avoid again, because I loved this snake to pieces. All his cage furnishings have been tossed, and his wooden cage bleached several times and re-painted, since I don't know if it's infectious.
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Sudden Death in Bullsnake - Any Suggestions?
Replies (2)
Could be a lot of things. Without a necropsy, any answer would just be a guess. I would assume it is contagious and treat it as such.
Tim
No answers but it hurts all of us real herps to hear such a thing. I think most of us have been there but, i agree autopsy and what your doing is the best way for the others sake. I had two chondros go due to a friends anaconda, my fault due to not being aware enough of the consecuences of others. its been 4 years with out a problem due to stubborness to not have an accident again and the loss of friends. So basicly spend the dollars to have the test done to have the peace of mind about the others which you obviously care about or you wouldnt be askin the questions. Sorry and great luck in the future sgoodson1
( sorry about the spelling )
