Horrible News

[guidofatherof5]

My wild caught red-phase albino radix(Rita) is close to death. I have no idea what happened.
Last night was a feeding night and she ate as she usually does. Pinkies were on the menu.
Tonight, I went down to the snake room to visit her and her roommates. There was blood all over the enclosure. Some of it was clotted. I saw Rita with blood on her mouth. I picked her up she wasn't moving and there was very little tongue flicking. While I was holding her she threw up. A large amount of blood came out, some of it was clotted. She went into a death roll so I placed her in the fridge for a quick cool down. I don't think she will last much longer.

[Hollis_Steed]

Steve,
I'm sorry for your losses as of late! Wish there was something I could do to help. Best of luck.

[Stefan-A]

Sorry to hear that.

[Spankenstyne]

Sorry to hear that Steve.
Is it at all possible she somehow got poisoned or accidently ingested something toxic? It sounds a lot like that sort of symptom. Terrible news though, hopefully it's a miraculous recovery.

[ConcinusMan]

Oh NO! NOT RITA!

Didn't she just have babies? I lose track.

So sorry Steve.

[guidofatherof5]

She's still alive but just barely. I don't think she will make it much longer.

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry to hear that Steve.
Is it at all possible she somehow got poisoned or accidently ingested something toxic? It sounds a lot like that sort of symptom. Terrible news though, hopefully it's a miraculous recovery.

Not unless their was something wrong with the pinkies she ate but I doubt that. The other snakes that ate them are fine.

[oki-inu]

So sorry to hear this. :(

[ConcinusMan]

That almost sounds like what happens a few hours or days after a crushing injury, such as a big person sitting on a snake or getting run over by a bike tire, or something similar but she would have refused food if that was the case. I won't even ask if there's a chance something in her tank fell on her because I know you know better.

[drache]

oh no, Steve, that's awful news
please let us know of any clues as to how this came about

[Mommy2many]

I'm so sorry to hear of all the losses. Poor Rita. I can't even imagine what would cause that.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Oh Steve... not Rita! I am so sorry.... :(

[mustang]

sorry to hear that...maybe its old age, parasites , or somthing like that...im sorry to that steve hope she pulls through

[guidofatherof5]

Rita did pass this morning.
She had massive blood loss.
I will do a necropsy later this evening to see if I can explain this tragic death.
Here roommates ate the same food as her at the same time. She couldn't have gotten into any poison or other chemicals. 22 hours after feeding she was near death. No way to explain it at this time.
It a real shame that such a unique garter snake had to meet such a terrible death. She was not an old snake. I expected to get 5 or more years of breeding from her.
The only saving grace is that fact I have 2 groups of offspring from different fathers.

[infernalis]

Sincere heartfelt condolences Steve from my family to yours.

[bkhuff1s]

Sorry to hear about this.

[bkhuff1s]

Steve before I ask this I just want to let you know, that I believe you take the utmost care of your snakes. Could there be something in the fridge that is contaminating some of your food sources? You fish eaters were having problems as well if I remember.

[guidofatherof5]

There can't be any kind of contaminant. All that is housed in the freezer are the mice. All the other snakes that have eaten the same mice are as normal as possible. I hope opening her up will answer the question and not add to the mystery.
She was becoming a great companion snake. A real pleasure to have around. I spent time with her everyday.

[gregmonsta]

This sucks. Really sorry to hear the news.

[GarterGeek]

I'm so sorry for your loss. :( She was a beautiful snake. I wish I could offer the condolence that she's gone to a better place, but in your case I doubt that's true.

[ConcinusMan]

Rita was very special. We're all better off for having know her.:(

[ssssnakeluvr]

very sorry Steve :( she was a special snake!

[mtolypetsupply]

Steve,

So sorry for your loss. :(

[Jeff B]

Oh man Steve, sorry to see this post and sorry for you loss. I guess at least you have her babies right?

[Quibble]

This is terrible Steve! I'm so sorry, words cannot describe my sadness and confusion. :(

[Scott F]

Steve,

Sorry for your loss. Luckily she bred this year for you and her lineage can be carried on.

Scott

[Snaky]

Sorry for the loss, she was a very nice snake. Hopefully you'll get a clue of what she had with the autopsie.

[count dewclaw]

So sorry, Steve.