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Eating normally but losing weight

R

RISD Nature Lab

New member
Hello, we have an 11-year-old corn snake who has been healthy and docile all his life. Recently he has seemed to be losing weight (evident by his spine protruding more than usual). He is eating and pooping normally and we can find no other abnormalities on his body. Equally strangely, he recently assumed an aggressive posture when being handled for the first time EVER.

Any ideas about the possible causes to look into or advice on how to move forward would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you!

-The Nature Lab @ Rhode Island School of Design
 
A vet trip to rule out any issues would be a good idea. I hate to say it but maybe your snake is nearing end of life. Like a lot of animals, no matter what they eat they tend to lose weight and get cranky in old age.
 
RISD Nature Lab said:
Hello, we have an 11-year-old corn snake who has been healthy and docile all his life. Recently he has seemed to be losing weight (evident by his spine protruding more than usual). He is eating and pooping normally and we can find no other abnormalities on his body. Equally strangely, he recently assumed an aggressive posture when being handled for the first time EVER.

Any ideas about the possible causes to look into or advice on how to move forward would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you!

-The Nature Lab @ Rhode Island School of Design
Click to expand...

You should have posted this topic under health concerns, as there are many more members and visitors reading the posts there. However, you should take the advice and visit your vet as soon as possible. Get a fecal sample to take with you. Ask your vet how to store it until you get your appointment. The corn snake can live for many years, and an 11 year old is not that old. I can only guess that your corn has internal parasites that don't allow it to utilize all the nutrients available in the mice you are feeding. Reptiles usually harbor coccidia in their systems, and most of the time vets don't even treat low levels. Cleanliness and quick removal of feces usually prevent high levels of coccidia affecting a snake. Worms are quite common in snakes and are more easily treated than coccidiosis, but only a fecal exam will determine the cause of the weight loss. Let us know what you find out.
 
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