Disturbing Drunken-like Behavior

[Reptiliancousin]

Long time no see folks! I just bought two different species of garter snake from the same pet store and both were housed together. Well after more close observation I noticed the larger acting sick. Very quiet, not at all very active. I noticed a little bit of this yesterday when I looked at her. The post gets it's name from her unusual floppiness. She falls backward and moves in circles. But this repetitive movement of upside downness has me highly concerned. It's like she's devoid of energy and just lets her body fall wherever it wants. But she moves halfway sideways and always falls upside down. It's almost like she's blind. But she follows movement in front of her so I ruled that out. When climbing on her tank she fell down and again landed upside down. She stayed that way for minutes until I turned her back over. It's like her brain is lopsided. I also noticed some bulging in her body. Do any of these behaviors sound familiar? I'd like to know if there's anything I can do. She has recently ate some pinkie pieces on Friday. My gut tells me these bahaviors are too extreme and she's going to die. I've never seen a garter so hum drum and 'dizzy'. I can post more pictures if needed. CornsAndGarters 034.jpgCornsAndGarters 038.jpgCornsAndGarters 042.jpgCornsAndGarters 047.jpg

[Reptiliancousin]

Here's one of the bulging and upside down fall.Dizzy 005.jpg CornsAndGarters 050.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

This is a serious situation and one that came home with her from the pet shop. I would be in immediate contact with them. Do you know what they were feeding her and for how long?
A vet. visit is called for.
Sweet looking girl. I hope you can get this problem solved.
Your concerns about possible death are well grounded in this situation.
Does the snake have any normal movements? What about tongue flicking?

Separate the two snakes!

[Reptiliancousin]

I've already separated her from the others. They had the snakes for a few weeks and noticed the odd behavior. They kept the two together in quarantation for a few days. The assistant manager said the snakes were fed pinkie pieces and gave me a fourteen day return notice. She moves slowly but usually with her head tilted to one side. Tongue flicking occurs but not as frequently as normally displayed by healthier snakes. Right now she's got her head buried under her water bowl. Any ideas what's wrong with her?

[guidofatherof5]

Could be a tumor, inner ear infection, mineral deficiency, etc.
A combination of, or none of the above.
Very difficult to diagnose over the web let along in person by a vet.
Please keep us updated on this situation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Reptiliancousin]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'll keep updates going.

[d_virginiana]

A vet is really the only thing that can help in this situation. A good herp vet could tell you if it's something fixable like an inner-ear problem, or something more serious, so that would be a good idea. If this is a tumor/deficiency/ect. that has caused brain damage, it probably won't get any better and may keep getting worse... If it were me I might take them up on their return policy... Not trying to be pessimistic, but if this is neurological I haven't seen many cases that end happily.
Of course, if it is a deficiency, and you can get that corrected her condition might not get any worse and she may be able to cope with her current issues.

Sorry you ended up with a sick snake from the store Unfortunately that happens quite often...

[Reptiliancousin]

I'd think I'd learn my lesson concerning pet store animals by now. I don't even think there's a herp vet close! I live out in the country and the vets out here take care of horses, cattle, goats, dogs, and cats. The only snakes they see out here are associated with pet bites and the venomous reptiles are dead and seen for verification or the usual boas or pythons. Last time I tried to get one of my ribbons in the doc wasn't sure what to do with her. I've considered the return policy option, I don't take your comment as being pessimistic but rather realistic. But I know the people there quite well and they won't do a thing about Dizzy. All I can really do is take care of her the best that I know how and hope for the best. If she's beyond help then I'd rather her pass in a comfortable place with a person who cares rather than a dirty pet store environment among people who'd discard her. But if anyone knows a reliable herp vet around here or san Antonio I'd be grateful for a name or number.

[EKS56]

[d_virginiana]

Hopefully the damage has already been done and she won't get any worse... Keep us updated on her condition