sick Anaconda

[thog]

I'm an relatively inexperienced snake handler with a snake that needs more experienced care. I'm the proud owner of a 10+', 45 lb, 4 1/2 yr old green anaconda. She's been in good health the entire time i've had her until now. Unfortunately, she now seems sick. She hasn't fed in 6 weeks, but normally eats every 2-3 weeks (5-6 large feeder rats). Her last shed was normal. I don't think it's the enclosure, as it's been the same (gradual size increases) for the last 4 yrs, although I've, for the past 1 yr, been using cedar substrate (i've been told cedar may not be a good substrate). the cage maintains a constant 85 - 90 degree temperature, with 85 at one end and 90 at the other end of the 8' enclosure. light conditions are natural. she has a large enclosure for privacy and a water bowl of adequate size for soaking. the only change has been that the last time she ate, she was fed a guinea pig along with 4 rats. this has been the first time she's been fed a guinea pig. her last defacation was normal. she is currently being more active in the cage than usual, and is now keeping her head elevated into the air in an odd manner. when someone approaches the cage close to where her head is, she now shies away, when she used to track movement. i took her to a vet last week, and having little experience with reptiles, he was unable to diagnose a problem. her skin is normal, no apparent obstructions in her body. any advise/help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[Adrya]

First off, get rid of the cedar bedding. Use aspen or something else. Not pine, either.

Could it be possible that she may have some external parasites that you're unaware about? Other than that I'm unsure what her problem could be.

[02SXViper]

hmm....i dont know the EXACT thing, but maybe the cedar could be part of it...i think its cedar that is XXX POISON XXX toxic to snakes...something about the oils it contains or something......i would immediatly get ALL the cedar out and i mean even tonight and put newspaper down for temporary....and switch to aspen bedding or coconut bark.....eitherway its worth a shot...dont let the snake eat you while your in his cage, lol

[Flatliner]

if like the cedar look go with cocnut fibers thats what i use. if not just go to newspaper or astroterf.

[chrispaine]

well... ya the cedar thing, but get it to the vet...a rep vet... soon.. important...is it mean?

[reptilemama]

I agree with everyone else that the cedar could be the problem- get it out of there immediately. It's possible that the cedar has caused respiratory problems, and that's why she's holding her head up. Whatever it is, she needs to be seen by a good reptile vet right away so the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated. Try www.arav.org/USmembers.htm or www.herpvetconnection.com to find a good vet in your area. And keep us posted!

[buck2003]

Is it possible that the problem could be with the guinnee pig, I agree the cedar should go but it seems funny that this started after she ate it? Could it of been sick or could this be a natural behaviour in response to the fact her metabolism is having to work much harder to digest the guinnee pig? I mean she is gonna feel full so perhaps this behaviour is cause she knows with a full belly she cant run away as fast so chooses to hide instead? Just my thoughts ...Buck

[thog]

Thanks to everyone for the quick response and valuable input. I feel a bit foolish for using the cedar as it seems everyone agrees that it is harmful.... I'll get it out immediately. I hope I've not caused serious damage to "Annie: (my daughter named her). I have found two vets in a town 70 miles from me-I live in a relatively small west Texas town, Amarillo. I plan on contacting them in the morning for a appointment. Don't think paracites are an issue as her skin looks good. I'll defenitely look into a possible respiratory issue. And no, my anaconda seems to be relatively mild tempered compaired to others I've been told of. Of course she's not the cuddlin' type.....she allows me to move her to clean the cage (8'x2'x2') but I don't remove her for others to hold. Again, thank to everyone for the advice. I'll keep you posted on how things go. Tim

[buck2003]

HI, I think people were refering to internal parasites as well as external. If you can get a sample next time she poops and take it to the vets they can check for parasites. Glad the cedars gone. Hope she's ok. I would LOVE to see some pics though!!!