Male Garter looks disoriented - HELP!

[rusty119]

Hello

I am a first time snake owner. My roomate and I rescued our snake Rusty from a friend who's housemate was not taking care of it. He adjusted very well and normally we feed him about 10 feeder fish every 4 weeks. A few days ago, we put in about 10 feeder fish and he still hasn't eaten them. He also looks very disoriented and it seems hard for him to move without shaking his head. My roomate sez he may have been frightened by our cats however he's been fine with them for the past 6 months. Could he possibly be sick?? I'm very worried and would not like to touch him, as I don't want to worsen any possible condition. Is this normal for a snake? Also we live in NYC and it's pretty cold over here (25 degrees F). We have put the heating lamp on at 15 minute intervals. Thanks for your responses in advance!

[Stefan-A]

Sounds like it may be vitamin B1 deficiency. Get it to a vet. What type of fish has it been fed?

Not that this should have anything to do with the symptoms, but garters should be fed once or twice a week.

What type enclosure do you have? What are the temperatures in it?

[guidofatherof5]

I doubt if the cat has anything to do with this situation(I can't believe it, I defended a cat)

[drache]

ditto the above
where in NYC are you?
you will have trouble finding a vet
you can pm me if you want to talk about your options

[rusty119]

Hello thank you all for your responses.

I am unsure of how to PM in this forum >.<

We are located in upper Manhattan. Originally we were told he could go three months without being fed, but we upped it to once a month. He seemed to be okay with that schedule because he would make himself seen exactly every 4 weeks. When we turn the heat lamp on, he lays directly under it. The type of fish that we feed it are usually the tiny feeder fish found at Petland. What is usually the cause of this deficiency and how are we able to help him out?

Also if you could let me know how to PM on this forum. Thank you very much!

[Stefan-A]

If you can't PM yet, you should be able to do it soon. If you click on someone's username, you should get a drop-down menu with the option to "send a private message".

[gregmonsta]

Hello thank you all for your responses.

I am unsure of how to PM in this forum >.<

We are located in upper Manhattan. Originally we were told he could go three months without being fed, but we upped it to once a month. He seemed to be okay with that schedule because he would make himself seen exactly every 4 weeks. When we turn the heat lamp on, he lays directly under it. The type of fish that we feed it are usually the tiny feeder fish found at Petland. What is usually the cause of this deficiency and how are we able to help him out?

Also if you could let me know how to PM on this forum. Thank you very much!

You've had some pretty awful advice there. Speak to Rhea about vets in the area and also check this - Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets to read up on proper care requirements for the future.
If the problem is a vitamin deficiency the first thing a vet will do is administer a vitamin boosting injection. If all goes well you will have to cater for this nutritional need in the future.
The feeding section of the care-sheet will point you in the right direction.
Unfortunately, if the deficiency is too advanced then it might be too late to save him but it doesn't sound like you've witnessed full on seizures yet.
Fingers crossed for you. Keep us up to date and don't hesisitate to ask any further questions.

[jitami]

edit: wrote below before seeing Greg's response... the care sheet is a great place to start!

Get a thermometer and put it in the tank. Any small thermometer will work. They sell some small digital thermometers at walmart for around $10. Then you can see if you can leave the light on longer for him. You want a temperature gradient with a basking spot not warmer than 90 degrees.

His constant fish diet is probably to blame, but it's hard to say for sure. Hopefully Rhea can point you towards a good herp vet in the area. Here's some info on Thiaminase (B1 deficiency). It's an old article and the links are dead, but still good info: The long story on Thiaminase and vitamin B1

In the meantime try using feeding guppies and no goldfish. I would try to get him to take a pinky mouse, too. If he's used to fishing for his dinner try dropping one in the dish of water with a couple of fish and he'll likely take the pinky and the fish. If he spits it out the first time, don't worry. Try the same process a few days to a week later. Sometimes it just takes them a few tries to get used to the taste & texture.

Wishing you the best with the little guy.

[ConcinusMan]

Sounds like textbook B1 deficiency. An exclusive diet of fish isn't necessarily bad, although it is not the best thing. But if it's the wrong kind of fish, it would slowly kill the snake. Once a month is not even close to enough food. Sounds like they were giving you advice for an adult boa or python. Garters are not pythons obviously.

If you're seeing tremors and it is caused by B1 deficiency, about the only chance the snake has is a vet who can give him B1 injections. Giving it to him orally isn't enough.

Good luck.

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, rusty119