Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Have any of you guys here ever had a constipated snake? I've got one (a python, not a dry, so this is a bit off topic, but you guys are pretty helpful). I've tried soaking her several times, which helped her pass some of the crud, then I took her to the vet. He gave her a couple of enemas, which helped her pass some more, but there is still one more hard little lump inside of her. He also gave me some Ceftazidime to administer every three days to prevent septicemia or any other related problems. Have you guys got any other suggestions? Thanks.
Robert

Your vet's advice is the way to go. Other things to keep an eye on are:

1) Humidity: maintain optimal humidity levels (what type of python is this?)

2) Hydration: make sure you are providing fresh drinking water DAILY

3) Exercise: Depending on the size and type of python you have, try letting it just crawl around (and if you have a large outdoor area, even better...under close supervision). Our large pythons defecate almost every time when we let them just crawl around our grounds at the wildlife center that I run.

Hope this helps a bit,

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>Have any of you guys here ever had a constipated snake? I've got one (a python, not a dry, so this is a bit off topic, but you guys are pretty helpful). I've tried soaking her several times, which helped her pass some of the crud, then I took her to the vet. He gave her a couple of enemas, which helped her pass some more, but there is still one more hard little lump inside of her. He also gave me some Ceftazidime to administer every three days to prevent septicemia or any other related problems. Have you guys got any other suggestions? Thanks.
>>Robert
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

The python in question is a dwarf reticulated python. I know how important humidity is for them. Right now I'm keeping her on paper towels that I mist daily, and she also has a humid hide box, one of those little ziploc containers with damp moss in it. I've also been giving her fresh water at least once a day, but I haven't tried letting her crawl around a bit yet...I'll give that a shot. Thanks.
Robert

I never had a snake diagnosed as constipated, but I have seen a few "on hold". I agree with Rob, regular exercise can be a benefit in this regard, and crawling around or swimming often get things moving. Good luck, let us know how you solve it. Vic