Rheumatoid arthritis in a young one

[guidofatherof5]

My little Krinkleback seems to be improving in some respects. A week ago I could see he was in blue phase and knew I would have to be ready to shed him, soon.
When I went in to get him, I found a fully shed snake. He was cruising around with his buddies as if to say "took care of it myself". I felt kind of unneeded.

Looking forward to Oct. 15th as that will be his first birthday. Hoping he blows right by that date and keeps going. The Vet. thinks his disease(scoliosis) will claim his life and predicted he wouldn't see his first birthday.
He is a lot of fun to have around. All my kids love seeing him and interacting with his. I feel blessed to have the honor to take care of him.

[guidofatherof5]

My liittle friend did a first(that I know of) He was in the big water dish,swimming
Looked like and ordinary radix enjoying a midnite dip in the pool. He spotted me and got out in his own and headed to bed.
I won't write him up for being out of his bunk after lights out. He'll get off with a verbal warning.
This little guy is full of surprizes.

[GarterGeek]

It's great to hear that he's doing well! His life is becoming quite an inspiring little story.

[guidofatherof5]

When I checked on my boy Krinkleback he looked fine but refused to eat. I offered pinkies and worms. This is unusual but not alarming. I held him and gave him the once over. Everything seemed fine. I thought that he might enjoy a drink so I held him in the water dish. He was very thirsty. It got me thinking that maybe I need to install a handicap accessible water dish for him. He may not be able to get up into the raised water container. I've placed branches and rocks around the dish but then again climbing may not be something he likes to do or possibly can do.

[gregmonsta]

He's getting all the paternal care and attention he could wish for .... you'll make the others jealous.

[guidofatherof5]

I gave my little man a shallow water dish. Tonight, as I was leaving the big snake room I saw him in it swimming around.
My kids came downstairs to see what all the excitement was. I guess I was pretty vocal about it.
He's a great little man and I only want to provide a good life to him.

[ConcinusMan]

That's all anyone can do. It's all anyone should do. All is right at The Radix Ranch, I'm sure of it.

[guidofatherof5]

This is not the update I would like to make.
Krinckleback is having some difficulties. This morning I found him out of his hide. When I picked him up I noticed he was very limp. Usually he is strong and coils like any other snake. He is doing a lot of tongue flicking which is normal. He doesn't have the strength to hold up his head. He has been eating well and this whole situation comes as a surprise. A surprise in the sense of how healthy he has been.
I know that he has cheated death with this disease he has but I didn't expect something so sudden.
When I hold him I can see in his eyes that he's still there but his body just won't respond. At this point I feel helpless and I seem to be waiting for the end. I'm fine with that outcome as I know he's had a good life here on the Ranch. My biggest problem is the thought that my buddy might be leaving. He really is my buddy and I look forward to seeing him everyday. I'm hopping this is just some passing thing but commonsense and experience tells me different.
Please keep my little man in your thoughts and prayers.

[gregmonsta]

Sorry to hear that. Still rooting for the little guy.

[Stefan-A]

Very sorry to hear that.