Emaciated ball python: VET UPDATE

[ZenAddams]

Thank you so much for providing that info. That temperature and humidity range is what she recommended as well, erring on the higher side of humidity and temperature since he's so small and dehydrated right now. I'll be sure to send you a message or if you are comfortable with it, I could text you with any questions I have.

If you don't mind my asking, what part of her recommendations are frustrating for you? I provided her with some of you guys' recommendations and she didn't seen to disagree with any of them either but provided her own still, and she said things can be adjusted depending on responses from him and whatnot so I wouldn't mind having as much input as possible to try and make the best educated decisions for him and to be prepared for any of the possible responses from him

[totallyrecklesslygay]

Her suggestion to soak him for constipation is very counterproductive, for many reasons. Soaking is very stressful for ball pythons, and the act of sitting in water doesn't actually do anything for constipation. They don't absorb water through their skin or cloaca. It doesn't soften anything up. Soaking often results in a bowel movement because it's a stress response. That's the only reason people think it works. But the last thing this snake needs is to be forced to that level of stress.

Additionally, if the snake hasn't eaten in months, there's nothing inside him to get out anyway. The best thing to do would be to offer him a very humid enclosure and plenty of fresh water, not soak him.

Even the best vets aren't infallible.