Is my snake pregnant?

[guidofatherof5]

Just wondering, would a garter that badly impacted still be eating regularly and acting normal?

They may and it could also be an intestinal infection of some kinds.
I've seen this shape on a few radixes before. Unfortunately it was never anything they recovered from.
I sure hope that isn't what is wrong with this snake.

[d_virginiana]

Yes, fingers crossed for it just being gravid.

[ConcinusMan]

Agreed, it looks like it could be gravid, but also not very healthy.. Hopefully it's just a skinny gravid garter and not impacted or anything, but I don't think it's possible to tell from that pic.

Just wondering, would a garter that badly impacted still be eating regularly and acting normal?

Up until the point of no return, yes. But as Steve mentioned, it's not necessarily an impaction. A heavy infestation of tape worms or some other infection can cause a snake to get in this sort of condition as well which is actually cause for hope since if the snake is still eating, it could possibly recover with proper treatment. Again, I only see the one pic. more pics are needed to really get a clear picture of the snake's condition. Something just tells me from what I can see, that something isn't right.

[frostyftw]

Alright sorry, here are some pictures...









Sorry, I couldn't get the lighting right....

By the way, what do you guys mean by impacted?

[frostyftw]

Sorry, pic's are big...

It might be a good close up, though..

[ConcinusMan]

Oh crap. Just as I suspected. That snake is in pretty bad shape. I'm not a vet so I can't possibly diagnose. I still think the usual suspects are the cause.

Impaction, intestinal infection, malnutrition, probably complicated with any number of maladies and/or parasites. Whatever the cause, that snake is starving to death and there is significant swelling in the lower 1/3. I do not believe the snake is gravid or if it is, that any live young will come from it. I also don't have much hope that she can be saved. If it were me, I would humanely euthanize the snake immediately to prevent any further suffering. One thing is certain: that snake is mortally ill. Of course, you're welcome to take to a vet but I think they will tell you the same thing.


That's just my opinion Sorry I don't have better news for you..

If you have any other snakes. I would isolate the sick one immediately and sterilize everything and prevent any cross-contamination just in case whatever is bothering this snake can be spread to others.

[frostyftw]

Thanks to everyone who gave me information.

I have decided to wait to see what happens.

I have separated the snake from my others and I will clean the tank.

Again, thanks everyone...

[jitami]

Good luck... she really doesn't look good

[frostyftw]

I know, and thanks for the luck....

[jitami]

Ok, so garter experts... if the OP isn't going to Euthanize and isn't headed to the vet (waste of money at this point?) is there anything you would suggest to help this garter out?

I would probably give her a nice slightly warm soak which may help if she's impacted and/or dehydrated. I'm thinking it's too late to worm her and that may do more harm than good at this point. I'd definitely feed her... if she's been taking small meals for you I'd give her as much as she'd like. If she hasn't been eating, start with a small meal. In all honesty I would probably put her to rest in the freezer, but can certainly understand not wanting to do that.

How's she behaving? Is she active? Drinking on her own? Tongue flicking?