Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need help nursung my male Eastern back to health. He is 62.6 cm long and less than 100g, he has lost half his body weight!! He did have parasites, but I am unsure if a virus might be involved or not. He has had 2 doses of antiparasitic, and still has an appetite (never lost his appetite, just weight). For the last 3 weeks he has been eating a hopper mouse every 2 to 3 days, but does not seem to really be gaining any weight. I can see all the bones in his poor tail (see pics below, both were taken today). I lost my Female 3 days before Christmas, I was out of town and unable to nurse her (she did see a vet though). I don't plan on letting this guy go too!! Please, any ideas or suggestions on how the nurse my guy back to health.

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Jenea

1:0 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly Snake
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

What happened to account for the large initial loss?

As long as it's eating a pooping normal, just be patient on the weight gain. Is the behavior normal, or is there other symptoms that we should know about?

Ian

Yes he is acting normally, though we have been battling dehydration a little. I think that is from running our gas heat, and it drying the air out. I have noticed him drinking some, and I am misting him daily to increase the humidity.

I am not sure of the initial weight loss being caused by the parasites or a possible virus. My female also lost a lot of weight, even though she was eating. Also had her treated for parasites (had not been able to switch her to f/t or mice yet). She passed on while I was out of town, so I was not there to "baby" her.

Hope that answers your questions. Do you have an idea of what his target weight should be??
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Jenea

1:0 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly Snake
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse