Anorexic snake

Question 1

Important thing to look for on history form for a snake with anorexia

Answer 1

Temperature gradient in enclosure: Too high or too low temperature, the snake will not eat.
Ideal enclosure offer a thermal gradient for physiological thermoregulation

Question 2

DDX for anorexia in a snake

Answer 2

Shedding
Brumation for certains species (hibernation for cold blooded animal)
Reproductive
GI disease
Parasites
Respirator disease
Husbandry !!!

Question 3

Physical exam for anorexic snake

Answer 3

r/o obvious immediately treatable disease:
- Organomegaly, prolapse, injury, stomatitis, pneumonia

Question 4

Possible diagnostics test for anorexic snake

Answer 4

Full body XR (do not help diagnose respiratory disease but could help with dx of reproductive disease, organomegaly, bone issues)

PCV/Ts

Chem on abaxis/vetscan machine s9not idexx for reptile or birds)
Fecal direct and float
U/S

Question 5

Supportive treatment for anorexic snake

Answer 5

Put in warm incubator at POTZ

Fluid 20 mL/kg SC q24h

Dewrom: Panacur 100 mg/kg + flagyl 50mg/kg PO (one dose, red rubber?)

Treat the underlying cause

If indicated antibiotic cefaz 20 mg/kg q72 upper 1/3 d body

Change husbandry if indicated

Question 6

Constipation in reptile/snake

Answer 6

Humidity not right
Too large of prey
Diet related

Question 7

Treatment for constipation in a snake

Answer 7

Fluid 20 mL/kg
Soaking snake BID 20-30 min warm water
Lactulose via stomach tube 0.5 mL/kg
Exercice out environment
Manually try milking content with sedation alfaxalone

Question 8

Big take away for anorexic snake

Answer 8

Husbandry and history form always the place to start!!

Review husbandry
If you can identify the underlying problem treat it
Supportive care: fluid, deworming, antibiotic if indicated
Refer customer to ressources for further care, husbandry change