[GarterGuy]

Ummm...actually hole-in-the-head disease is caused by a parasite (Hexamita) that actually burrows into the head of the fish (used to manage a pet store and also have had fish for over 25yrs.). You can get some secondary bacterial or fungal problems associated with it, but you don't normally use antibiotics to treat it.....usually Flagyl is used. Did some checking and Hexamed is a brand name (used to treat Hexamita...get it!) and it's actually just metronidazole (Flagyl) for fish. I worry about the vet's assesment of the lesions on the skin as being parasites that will "work themselves out".....I've seen imports come in before (especially small, semi-aquatic snakes) that had lesions on them and they were from the snakes being kept too moist and dirty and not associated with parasites at all. These snakes ususally improved with being kept on a nice dry substrate with a small water bowl available. Now I do have to say that I'm not a vet and wouldn't try to second guess a vet, but I also know there are LOTS of vets who will "treat" reptiles out there with out any real experiance or training in how to do so. So I give this as just educated advice. The lesions are most likely caused by the snakes being kept in overly damp, unsanitary conditions and should heal up with proper care and as far as parasites, usally these guys have flagellates and possibly nematodes that may need to be treated. Flagyl (metronidazole) is a good treatment for the flagellates and for the nematodes, Panacur (fenbendazole) works well.
Hope this helps and good luck with the new memebers of the family.
Roy

PS...You know I think I do remember somewhere that Flagyl does have an affect of being a slight appetite stimulant.