Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I already know that I need to go to the vet. I however had a question since the reptile vet will not be in until monday and here it is friday night. My dwarf retic is haveing weird movements and she has a few red (bloody?) subcaucal scales. She also has been laying inverted for a while and i am not sure what is wrong with her I have looked online and in the Rossi Book and all that i can find is heat exhaustion or a nurological problem which doesn't account for the dammage scales or a parasite which doesn't account for the strange movements. If anyone has any helpful advice or a Reptile vet that is open tommarow or on Sunday in the upstate NY area I would be willing to drive almost anywhere to save her if it is that urgent. Thanks in advance.
Robert Wojick

It is hard to tell how dire the situation is from your description. Can you describe a bit more about the movements? For how long has the snake been laying inverted (on it's back?) The red scales could be a sign of a burn, or trauma, but if few in number, they themselves are not the pressing issue. I would definately attempt a vet appointment prior to your scheduled one.

See my post below (new jersey vet) for info on how to find a herp vet in your area. I am sure there are quite a few in your area.

Good luck with your retic, please let us know how things go

Ian

Its real hard to describe the movements they are sporatic, "twitchy", a singht motion from side to side with her head, and she puts herself in kinks I called the afterhours vet at southtown and she gave me a few ideas namly switching cages and a good long soak in some dawn. she is looking a bit better but its real hard to judge. She has stopped laying in the inverted position although yesterday she did it for a number of hours. I have kept her for about 6 months now as a rescue and have become quite attatched. After speaking with the vet i am slightly reassured and am getting her in first thing monday morning.
Thanks for the prompt responce.
Robert Wojick

A long soak in dawn? I'm curious as to what this was supposed to accomplish. Perhaps the vet was guessing exposure to a toxin?

In any case, the slight improvement is a step in the right direction. The good thing about reptiles is it often takes a long time for illness to exaggerate and cause death. Unfortunately this is reciprocated with a long healing time. Good luck at the vet

Well the vet gave me some good and bad news the good news is that she is showing a good deal of improvement. The bad news is that it is most likly a viral infection so there is not much available in terms of treatments. the vet said to keep her warm and dry.
thanks for all the advice joey.
Rob