Sweet Sunny

I'm sad to announce that Sunny, my wee little baby ball python who was recovering from surgery, died tonight. She was having a hard time pooping after the surgery (because she kept prolapsing, the vet surgically attached her intestines to the abdominal wall). She pooped shortly before she died and it appears her belly started bleeding inside.

Poor Sunny.

I'm sorry I couldn't do more to save you.

Update on Spyro

There was Good News & Bad News from Spyro's vet visit today. 

The good news is that she doesn't have eggs. The bad news is we have no idea why she prolapsed so badly. I am treating her with medicine that will kill off any coccidia or pinworms she may have. Because she has been unable to poop, we couldn't do a fecal test to check for parasites. 

For now, she's back with me and I'll keep her calm and warm. This morning, she was still straining to push though I have no idea why. I'll go back next week and the vet & I will figure out what to do next. Hopefully I can do a fecal test between now and then. 

Here she is tonight. I'm not sure why she appears to be in pain. :( I gave her pain meds. All we can do now is wait & see. 

MuShu, rescue number 90

My vet's office called today and asked if I could help with a female beardie who had a pretty severe prolapse. Her owner needed to surrender her because he didn't have the money to get her treatment.

Of course, I said "Yes." 

Dr Folland got her all fixed up and I brought her home. She'll be on pain meds for a few days and antibiotic shots for three weeks. As soon as I can, I'll do a fecal test on her to see if she has parasites that caused the prolapse. If she does, I'll treat her for that. Luckily for me, I have all the supplies & shots necessary to treat her. 

I did find out that she was on sand in her previous tank and had no UVB light. Sand collects in bearded dragon guts and eventually forms a blockage that causes a prolapse and/or death. 

SAND IS BAD!!!! I don't care what the pet stores tell you!!!!! The sand does not pass 100% out of a beardie's intestines. Over time it collects and collects particles of food. 

DO NOT USE A LOOSE SUBSTRATE!!! Paper towels, paper, newspapers, AstroTurf, tile, linoleum, fleece, Repti Carpet. You have lots of options besides sand. 

Ryuu, rescue number 80

I took in Ryuu, a 5 year old beardie, today with the worst prolapse I've ever seen. It has been out for at least 24 hours and I wasn't sure if he could be saved. Drove 45 mins one way to pick him up and rush him to my vet. 

The prolapse tissue was still alive so the vet pushed it back in & put in 2 stitches on the vent to keep it in. He'll be in antibiotics for the next three weeks. 

The next step is to see if he eats & drinks on his own. Then I will do a fecal test on him to test for parasites and treat him for that. 

He was on sand so he could have an impaction which will cause him to prolapse again. If he does prolapse, then we'll do an x-ray to see what's up. 

I have him 5 mL of Pedialyte and his first antibiotic shot and put him in his sick tank. Now we just wait and see. At least he's over the worst.