Rheumatoid arthritis in a young one

[guidofatherof5]

Thought I would post a few updated pictures of my little fighter. This little snake lets nothing slow him down. Eating, growing, doing all the Radix stuff.

[anji1971]

Oh my God......
I can't believe I missed this thread before.
A couple of the babies from Chili's litter have lumps in their spine. One that I adopted out and my Sweetpea. They aren't nearly as pronounced as your little guy (only 3-5 lumps spread along the spine), but they are there. I had pinned it down to a birth defect, because I didn't even realise snakes could have rheumatoid arthritis, or scoliosis. (My husband will be thrilled. He has scoliosis too. Maybe he and the snake can bond now.)
I have to check up on the adopted baby -- haven't heard any news one way or the other about her, but mine is doing well at the moment. The only time it really affects her is when she is trying to scramble quickly out of the way when I reach into the tank. Then she gets kind of tangled up in herself and flips about for a moment until she relaxes. Other than that, she eats well enough, is growing and seems pretty content.
I'm so glad I saw this, finally.
I'm anxious to see how all of these little ones fare.

[reptile3]

Oh Steve, glad to hear the snake is doing great... boy that looks painful!!

Love the pic of your son & the bird!! too precious

[infernalis]

Steve ask your vet for some Metacam, It is a prescription pain med, like a vicodin for your snake.

I have used it on one of my garters, and trust me it works.

Its oral, so getting it in the snake is interesting, I cheated and laced food with it.

[guidofatherof5]

Wayne,
I'm not sure he's in any pain. He seem to be operating just like all the others. Thanks for the info. I will see if my Vet. will give me some for future problems.

[guidofatherof5]

Just an update on this guy. Since my last post, he's gone through 2 sheds. Tonight, he started eating pinky parts without scenting. He's growing and doing very well. Since I worry about his spine I haven't held him much. He is very friendly and comes out of his hide to see what I'm up to. I hope he live a good long life. He has a great attitude and doesn't let his disability get in his way. Lots to be learned from a little one like this.

[infernalis]

Great to hear Steve.....

[Snake lover 3-25]

aww that's great news!

[olive oil]

In your care, we all know he will live a nice life

[guidofatherof5]

Our little guy had a first, last night. He started eating pinkies. He had 2 before he was done.
Very glad to see that he continues to grow and do all the other radix things.(other than breeding)
As you can see his back isn't getting any straighter.