Thamnophis on speed

[hitsurfer]

My tetrataenia x parietalis female has been searching her cage in a VERY STRANGE way through hours now. She's completely out of control with her movements - not like cramps or anything - just restless and hyperactive. Like she's not able to relax. She's totally overstrung. Like a snake you have caugt in the wild and put in a box - but she has not been handled and there's nothing disturbing around her. It's almost in a state where i fear that she will harm herself by smashing her head against something.

As you problaly know from earlier threads she might be pregnant, but I'm not sure. Don't know if that could have an influenza. Her "thiaminase-fish" has always been heated to 80 degrees.

[guidofatherof5]

Is there a way you can cover her enclosure with a blanket? That may calm her down.
If she was about to give birth that might also explain it but that doesn't sound like that would be it at this point.
It may not be anything but it's worth keeping an eye on.

Have you tried to hold her during this time? I've had restless snakes calm down after they were held for awhile.
Keep us informed on this.

[hitsurfer]

She's on day 86 from first mating observed - but you don't think it could be birthing time? She's not getting much bigger than on the photos I posted last.

I can't handle her - she's extremely aggressive. I tried to change her water dish this morning and she tried to bit me several times. It's only her head movements - the best way I can describe it in english is that it's like she is "headbanging". Moving her head fast in every possible directions. wish I could show you a vid.:-)

[hitsurfer]

I'm studying her close right now - it's like she's throwing her head back very brutal again and again and in rotation. I seriously fear it could be thiaminase deferiency - men then again, I doubt it can arise from hour to hour.

I will try to cover her cage.

[guidofatherof5]

It doesn't sound good if your description is right.
B1 deficiency loads in the body then hits them suddenly. Unfortunately, by the times the symptoms start showing it too late to save the snake. I hope that isn't what it is.
Sounds like a Vet. visit is called for ASAP.

What you're describing sounds like a convulsion of some kind.
Best of luck, your snake is in my prayers.

[hitsurfer]

She's a little more calm now. I have handled her and my girlfriend described her head movements as "wavings" - up, down, up down. I think you're right about the thiaminase

I read somewhere that pregnant females would act strange and maybe twitch a lot before birth so I prayed that it was because of her pregnancy

Thanks a lot

[guidofatherof5]

Is she still doing a lot of tongue flicking? Is the head waving constant?

[hitsurfer]

Yeah, her tongue is doing very fine... and yes, unfortunately the waving is almost constant while I was handling her. It's ONLY her head and "neck" 5 cm. from her head - up and down, like waves. Very hard to describe.

actually, it seems a little better now while I'm typing this.

[guidofatherof5]

Time will only tell but a Vet. visit sounds like it is order.
Is there anyway you can video tape it. If you don't have a youtube account I would be glad to upload it and post it back to the forum. Just a thought. Let me know.
tradixranch@cox.net

[infernalis]

so not good, I will be reading this for updates... Best wishes and good luck.