Throat Lump

[Simland]

I was a bit worried since he ate less than usual last weekend and earlier this week, but I gave him a pinkie for the first time yesterday and it took it right away (once I scented it with worm smell). I was skeptical about the scent working since he had refused a worm the same morning, but it worked.

I'm continuing the bath treatment because I haven't been particularly good at giving him 2 baths per day (sometimes I was only back long after dark), but the lump seems a bit bigger today. Nothing as dramatic as the first time I thought it had grown, but still...

Do you guys know any anti-inflamatory drugs that can be used for garter snakes. The vet said that would be the next step and she has already prepared a prescription, but, I believe the name they mentioned was metacam and I'm a bit reluctant to go for that, in part because it's probably really expensive since it's a vet-prescription only drug but also because, from what I've read about it, it doesn't seem appropriate. It's said to be only for cats and dogs and the most accurate measurement (to avoid overdose) is one drop per half-pound. My snake doesn't even weigh a quarter of a pound. How am I supposed to split a drop?

[Albert Clark]

I would really think about getting a second opinion from a qualified herp vet for this condition if there is any way possible for you to do that. As far as the anti inflammatory meds are concerned the reptile would need a different drug concentration for the appropriate dosage. I don't know if that is just a band aid on a more pathological condition. This swelling to me should be incised and explored for any infectious process so that could be truly ruled out. Parasitic and other pathogens need to be ruled out definitively by specimen testing and visualization. Just my .02 cents. Good luck. Keep us updated.

[joeysgreen]

Meloxicam (Metacam) is very practical advice from this veterinarian. It is licensed for cats and dogs... you won't find a single drug licensed for reptiles, because there isn't a market for the pharmaceutical companies to excuse the costly process. Meloxicam is a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that has studies supporting its use in reptiles, which can be extrapolated to use in your specific species. Doses are generally higher in reptiles, up to 0.5mg/kg, to potentially even 1mg/kg. Your vet is very experienced at dosing and making dilutions, so just follow their directions and you should be fine.

As far as additional diagnostics and treatments (like exploratory surgery), they might be necessary down the road, but they are invasive and thus it makes more sense to see how the snake responds to pain and inflammation control.

Ian

[Albert Clark]

The final decision is yours Simland. We are just putting the information out there. All I am saying is a experienced herp vets approach to this condition may be different than the approach given to you already. There is needle aspiration of suspicious swellings that can be done to rule out parasites and pathogenic processes. Needle aspiration is something the herp vet may want to visit with you. But again, good luck. Always a good choice to get a second opinion if it's practical.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

I've rescued and rehabbed alot of herps and i've seen this before is some animals with mouth rot/gum infections, and respitory infections that was caused by drainage. If you look hard at the pics it look's like it's mouth is not properly aligned. Have you inspected the mouth for any obstructions or inflammation? Have you noticed any heavy breathing or wheezing sounds?

[joeysgreen]

I agree that sometimes the two are related but I would have hoped an oral exam would have been part of the veterinary visit which has already been done.

[Simland]

I agree that a second opinion is always a good thing, but for the moment it's out of the question since the nearest specialist is about 2 hours away.

Bluesirtalis, I think I see what you mean in the pictures, but it's an illusion. The mouth is ok and an oral inspection was indeed done by the vet. (Thanks for paying close attention to the pictures, though!)

There was, maybe, a bit a swelling inside, way at the back, but even the vet wasn't sure.

I'll wait and see, as long as he doesn't go off food in a worrying way and the lump doesn't get bigger. If there's no change or the lump gets bigger, I'll try the anti-inflammatory drug, and then, we'll see...

[Albert Clark]

That's fine. Great choice. Keep us updated please. This is a very interesting scenario and history of present illness in the reptile.

[Simland]

Just a little update. He's still fine and I never had to try the anti-inflamatory drug.

I wish he were a reliable eater all the time, but, when he goes off food, I don't think it's related.

[guidofatherof5]

Just a little update. He's still fine and I never had to try the anti-inflamatory drug.

I wish he were a reliable eater all the time, but, when he goes off food, I don't think it's related.

Thanks for the update. Glad things are going as well as they are.