bumps on skin and labored breathing

[rpguzman]

Hi all. I am a new keeper of garter snakes and it seems that one of the two juveniles I got about two weeks ago has some skin bumps and exhibits labored breathing sometimes. She seems a bit more lethargic than the other snake we brought home. I've read a lot online about everything from parasites to bacterial infections that might be the cause of either of these conditions. Any suggestions? Does this warrant a visit to the vet?

Thanks,

Romy

[adamanteus]

Hi Romeo, and welcome to the forum.
Yes... it sounds like a visit to the vet might be a good idea.
First thing I would do is separate the two.... don't want anything nasty to spread, if that can still be avoided.

[Snake lover 3-25]

it kind of sounds like a respitory infection.... but i'd take him to the vet.....

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome to the forum. A visit to a good Herp. Vet is sound advice.

[infernalis]

Ditto the above replies, and Welcome again..

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Romy

[rpguzman]

UPDATE:

Took the little one to the vet today. He said that the "bumps" were probably from injuries sustained before I got her. As for the breathing, he didn't think the ways she was breathing was particularly "labored." The visited ended up costing about 65.00, which I wasn't upset about as I expected this going into it. However, I felt like the vet didn't seem the lease bit concerned about anything I told him. Hmmm. Maybe I was overreacting--maybe I've read too many garter snake webpages and I'm being that overprotective "parent." In any case, the vet asked me to collect a stool sample to check for parasites. I'm thinking I'm gonna do this, just to be on the safe side. Thoughts? Especially cause I'm a newbie at being a snake keeper.

[infernalis]

It's one of those better to be safe than sorry scenarios.

[guidofatherof5]

Great job getting your snake to the Vet. Glad to here nothing major was found. Some pictures of your snake and the bumps would be great. Your Vet's attitude seems to be the norm now a days. I've run into a few of those in the people health care industry.

[Charlet_2007]

You said it guidofatherof5 !!! I took the little hypo to the emergency vet here in town my reg vet was out of town or he'd be here in a flash!! The emergency vet looked at my snake and was like I don't want to touch it and said that to me.. I told him and the nurse that if you didn't like snakes you shouldn't have became a vet.. I hate people like that.. That don't even give these poor guys a chance..

I took the little fellow back to my reg vet after he was back and he just loved and loved on him, baby talked to him and showed him off to every one..


rpguzman what you probably have the vet that's in it for money or just didnt know what he was doing with reptiles.. Sad to say

I hope the little fellow get better keep us updated...