Dehydrated and under weight, help plz

[guidofatherof5]

Great update, it put a big smile on my face. Take it slow on the food at first(I'm sure you're aware of that) Keep checking the poop and give her a big soaking dish. Give some lob worms a try, they will aid in hydration. Worms are very good food.
I know you are busy but how is the tongue flicking and overall movement of the snake? Alertness?

[Albert Clark]

Good job, the salts Melissa Kaplan is referring to are the "prepared hypotonic and hypertonic fluids" that are contained in intravenous solutions. When you mentioned that you were giving "salts mixed with water" it was unclear how you were doing that. Definitely ringers lactate, 0.9% sodium chloride, and d5w .45% sodium chloride are acceptable fluid replacements. The cloaca is like a sponge when it comes to soaking the animal especially if the snake is strong enough to hold their heads above water and they are alert. Rehydration definitely is the way to go before attempting to get the animal to take semi solid or solid foods also. Worms and pinkies are a good place to begin once rehydration ( fluids) is established first.

[cjbulloch]

Hey thanks very much guys, shes doing well, thermoregulating now and even pooped properly yesterday too, so grateful for all your help, was so worried about her. Im going to try feed her a pinkie twice a week, every wednesday and saturday evening/sunday morning. Her scales feel much better than what they did at first. Was at a reptile expo yesterday and got to speak with a dutch guy called Steven Bol and got his email address which is great to have, he specialises in garters. Next thing to wait on now is her shedding, hopefully wouldnt be too bad.

[guidofatherof5]

You spoke to a good person and certainly an expert in garter snakes.