My Mountain Kingsnake appears to be constipated. It has a bit of a bulge around its middle and there appears to be no faeces in its viv in spite of the fact that its appetite is as good as it ever was. I read that castor oil was the cure but apparently this is no longer available, the closest equivalent being liquid paraffin. Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.
Constipated Kingsnake
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Liquid parafin is often useful in constipation in mammals but i have never heard of it being used in snakes. I agree with the previous post - try bathing the snake in warm water a few times. If this doesnt help a vets visit may be neccessary as he may be impacted.
I'd give him a bath (luke warm water - just deep enough to cover his body) every 3 days for about 30 mins at a time - if he hasn't passed any hard stools (have a feel of them!) after about 4 baths, or if the bulge gets larger or if his behaviour changes, get him to the vet.
What has he been eating? Might be an idea to move down a size - smaller rodents will be easier to digest and less stress on his system.
What has he been eating? Might be an idea to move down a size - smaller rodents will be easier to digest and less stress on his system.
Thanks for the advice guys, unfortunately the snake died. I put him in a container of warm shallow water, checked him after 15 mins and found he was dead. I performed an autopsy, in the interests of science, and found some faecal matter, which caused the bulge. It was soft and not impacted, further down the intestine, there appeared to be some sort of growth/tumour. I don't like losing an animal but it was sods law that it would have to be my personal favourite. He received a decent burial, next to the rabbit, in the back garden. So does anyone know of anyone who has any mountain kings for sale [Zonata or pyromelana].
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