growley

I'm looking for a place I could potentially take my snake to be checked out in or around Richmond. Thanks.

temp2

main prob is spider mites, theyre small and red, youll see them if it has them

Woodrow

I would recommend Off the Ark pets in Chesterfield. They specialize in snakes and reptiles. They are NOT a vet but the guy there could give you some connections to vets. He is a very knowledgeable snake guy.

What's wrong with your snake?

growley

His scales are dry rotting. I've tried a few things, including soaking him in Pedialyte. Nothing is working though. He also makes noises at times that seem to be related to his breathing. I'm not sure if these problems are related though. I couldn't bear the thought of him dying b/c of my ignorance though.

BlackEX

For the scale problem, google "scale rot". If that is what's going on, it's usually not serious and can be corrected. In my experience (keep in mind I'm not a vet) the few times I've seen it, it was caused by the enclosure/substrate being too wet or the cage just wasn't being cleaned properly.

A respiratory infection (if that's what's causing the breathing problem) can be very serious. Because snakes only have one lung and no diaphragm, any mucous buildup in the airway can cause suffocation since the snake doesn't have the ability to cough and clear it's airway. A vet can give you liquid antibiotics for the RI that you will have to force down it's throat every day using a syringe. (Not fun)

Since the snake is cold-blooded its ability to fight off infection depends heavily on temperature. Often times, the temperature not being high enough in the enclosure is what causes the RI in the first place. If this is indeed the problem, and it hasn't gotten too severe, raising the temperature to about 88-90 (I wouldn't go any higher than 92) degrees on the warm side of the enclosure should allow the snake to fight off the infection within a few days.

If you're a noob with reptiles and not comfortable trying to diagnose what's going on or treating it yourself then by all means find a reputable veterinarian. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions just ask or PM me and I'll help any way I can.

BTW...What kind of snake are we talking about?

growley

I'm constantly spot cleaning the substrate so I doubt it's because of that. It's an Eastern King Snake. I've owned him since 2003 and this has only started in the last few months.

Young L

Pm'd ya my dad is a vet.

growley

Got it, thanks.

growley

Well, just made an interesting discovery. I took him out to hold him and discovered little white bugs crawling all over him. I've never noticed them before though. Anyone know how to kill these fuckers?

Young L

did you call my dad?