Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all, I just brought home a neonate Asian Vine Snake from the Sacramento Reptile show. I have been in love with these guys for a while but have previously only seen adult or juvinile wild caught specimans. I'm sure this little one I have is captive born from a wild caught female so I am wondering are parasites and nematodes a potential problem here? It is eating silver minnows out of its water dish already and looks healthy but a previous mangrove snake I had for a short time had subcutaneous nematodes all over it and if I can do anything to prevent that with this little inquisitive guy I would like to do so. Should I be concerned or need to take any preventive actions? Here's a pic of the little guy. Thanks
Seth

it's unlikely, but I suppose it could have picked something up from the outside of the egg. Also, you don't know what husbandry skills were like with its previous owner. I don't know about subcutaenous nematodes, but I'd be more worried about internal parasites. I'd suggest a vet visit just for a check up.

What is it eating, out of curiosity?

Dave

A big long response only to be closed out by a co-worker prior to it being sent...
In general, parasitic contamination is much lower in egg (thus incubator) laying species. I am uncertain what pertains to your species. Many parasites do affect the developing embryos prior to entering the shell gland, which pertains to both egg-laying and live-bearing species. I would be more worried about a virus being spread to your snake in this manner.
I would quarantine as per any new snake, and perhaps longer as you would for any wild-caught snake.

Most nematodes require an intermediate host, be it a fish, mouse or snail. This self limits the infection in captives, and it is unlikely that your snake has these, unless from the above described method.

If you know me from the herp health/breeding forum (my native habitat ) then you will know that I recommend a vet visit to almost anyone. For your snake I would recommend doing whatever you normally do for any new snake (a vet check is of personal opinion at this time). Of course if your snake begins showing any symptoms of illness than a vet visit is more warranted.

For parasites, I do not recommend any treatment, or prophylactic medications unless an overbearing problem is likely. Ideal husbandry will allow your snake to keep any parasites in check. There is no way to deam an animal parasite free, but large burdens are often easy to find during a fecal analyses, skin scraping, or other means.

Ian

If they are growing and eating fine, I wouldn't worry about it. Snakes can tolorate parasites, it's only when they are under a great deal of stress do the parasites get out of control. Most people put the emphasis on the parasites, when you'd do better to worry about the stress. If necessary treat them with a mixture of panacure and metrondiazole, but be careful they are at a far greater risk of overdosing at their size.