I had two young eastern kingsnakes get sick while I was away for several weeks. Both were around 20-24". I had someone changing water etc. Anyway, they both developed a distended look about and inch or so behind the head that continued for a couple inches. No discharge from the mouth although it seems they had initial trouble sticking their tongues out when handled. Both refused food, got sluggish and died. I have a third eastern about the same age that may be developing these symptoms, or I could be paranoid. She is refusing food, the upper third of the snake looks fatter than usual (or this could be my imagination) and she appears more sluggish than usual. She had been eating alot and I was thinking of slowing down the feeding schedule for fear of her getting to fat (what I'm saying is I think I may have been over feeding her). Unfortunatley I can't get pics on here with my laptop? I hate taking a 30$ snake to the vet when I'm not even sure she's sick. Of course I'm also worried that it might be a contagious bug. Anyone w/ similar experiences and do you think panacur might help?
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Help w/ sick kingsnakes
Replies (1)
I wouldn't jump to panacur. There is no reason to think worms are the problem. Lets first assume now that your third snake is fine. What can cause two snakes to acutely have a terminal inflammed problem in the neck while under the care of a non-herp person (an assumption on my part). I've seen inexperienced people attempt neck grabs on snakes with the impression that it is the correct way to hold a snake without getting bitten. Other physical trauma like being caught in the lid might also be a possibility.
If my assumption is incorrect, then medical reasons are uncommon and vague since this is an uncommon presentation. A necropsy would have been your best bet to find out what went wrong.
I personally don't know why the purchase price of a snake determines the worth of a vet visit but that's a decision for you to make. In the mean time, I would measure it's weight and watch for fluctuations. Take photos and compare to see if it is increasing in diameter around the neck.
I hope this helps a bit,
Ian
