Garter Snakes and Water Snakes: From the Experts at advanced vivarium systems (Herpetocultural Library, The) by David Perlowin

Author:David Perlowin
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: i5 Publishing
Published: 2012-10-08T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

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DISEASES AND DISORDERS

Parasites

There are two general classes of parasites commonly found: internal parasites and external parasites. For the most part, external parasites, which include ticks and snake mites, are rarely found on Thamnophis and Nerodia species. This is probably due to their frequent immersion in water. On the other hand, internal parasites are commonly found in these genera, the most common being amoebas and flagellate protozoans as well as flukes and other worms.

External Parasites

Ticks

Visual inspection will reveal small gray or brown bumps on the surface of the snake’s skin if it has ticks. The tick imbeds its mouthparts in the skin between the scales. There are several ways of removing ticks. A pyrethrin spray, available from veterinarians, is quite effective. Simply spray a cotton swab, apply the medication to the tick, wait a few minutes, and remove the tick with tweezers. If the tick is imbedded near the snake’s head, pyrethrin is not recommended. In this case, with a cotton swab apply a drop or two of rubbing alcohol or a small amount of petroleum jelly directly on the tick. Wait five to ten minutes and remove the tick with tweezers. Whenever pyrethrins are used, be sure to thoroughly rinse the snake in lukewarm water after treatment is completed.

Mites

These are seen as tiny, dark, beadlike creatures crawling on the skin of the snake. A good indicator of mites is the presence of tiny white specks on the skin. These are mite feces and, in severe cases, look like white dust on the snake’s skin. Pyrethrin spray is very effective in killing adult mites, as well as their eggs, which are laid in corners and crevices of the enclosure. The best method of applying pyrethrin is to dampen a cloth with the spray and wipe the snake with the cloth. Make sure all of the skin is covered, including the top of the head and the chin and throat area. The eyes must be avoided as pyrethrin can damage the lens of the eye. Cages and cage furniture can also be treated with pyrethrin spray. Everything must be rinsed thoroughly before being used again. A 5 percent solution of chlorine bleach in water, followed by a thorough rinse, is also effective for killing mites in cages and on furniture.

Internal Parasites

Signs of probable internal parasites include lack of appetite, weight loss, little or no growth, runny stools, regurgitation, and dehydration. A snake with these symptoms must be treated or it will die. For positive identification of parasites, a fresh stool sample should be taken to the nearest reptile veterinarian. The veterinarian will analyze the sample or it will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. This procedure is relatively inexpensive.

Protozoans and Amoebas

Protozoans and amoebas inhabit the lower intestinal tract of snakes. The drug of choice to eliminate these parasites is metronidazole, administered orally. It can be obtained in powdered form from most pet stores, where it is sold to treat protozoan diseases of tropical fish. The dosage to use is 10 to 25 mg per pound (22 to 55 mg per kg) of snake; repeat in three or four days.

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