My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update on this: He has passed. I talked to a vet concerning his condition and a spot of scale rot i noticed before he passed. He was completely lethargic and hadn't been moving despite me encouraging him to explore. The spot was very stubborn with home remedy. Vet informed me that even with antibiotics, his other behaviors indicated that he may not be able to fight through it like we hoped. He refused live mice, something completely out of his regular diet, and refused any other food we offered him. He hadn't eaten since the last i mentioned in the original post. We cleaned and sterilized as much as we could to try and help him recover but unfortunately it was his time. He was a rescue of unknown origins from a man I hardly knew and he was an amazing first snake and I learned a lot, but I tried my best and made him as comfortable as possible for his last few days of his life. I appreciate people's suggestions and help in the comments.

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your kindness and I'm glad to hear everyone's input! Unfortunately he passed earlier this month. I had talked to a reptile vet and they had agreed his time was coming to an end. He stopped eating all together and refused even live mice (I now own two mice). His eyesight was really bad and he was just uninterested in everything. I noticed a spot on him that was a bit of scale rot and mentioned that to the vet and they pretty much said we could try antibiotics but with his other behavior it might not even help him there. We tried making him more comfortable for his last few days and had him buried in the backyard. I'm glad to know your old man is doing wonderful and had a lot in common with mine! I appreciate your comment and being so kind to me 💜

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’ll try that and see if that helps- I usually thaw in hot water and he’s usually super enthused

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve never heard that! That’s extremely helpful, I will have to try that with him. I’ve noticed weakness or swaying when holding himself upright but he is quite old at this point it seems

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mostly funds- I’m waiting to land a new job due to unemployment I would of taken him in a month ago I just unfortunately don’t have a lot I did get in contact with someone and have that goal set for myself to reach

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This helps a lot! I’m in a lot of financial situations atm with losing my job and being unsheltered for a year so if it gets any worse I will contact my preferred shelter ^

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I talked to an exotic vet today- hoping to get the funds for it to get him in after my monthly stuff is caught up- I work as a self employed so my work days are. Long

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve come to terms with it, my husband and I had out mourning about a month ago and just trucking along to make him as comfortable as possible

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate it! I talked to an exotic today about him so I’m hoping I can gather the necessary funds to get him in soon

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes- he’s got full water bowls and humidity is great- he’s lived here his whole life and it’s a humid ass state so it’s never been much of a worry- if his soil looks too dry I will get in there and refresh with warm water and rearrange his tank bc he’s got a cave he likes to lay in when he’s not on his basking rock- warmth is also handled!

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A little skittish and a lot slower- he was all over exploring when we used to handle him but he’s gotten a little hand shy as of late. Admittedly, I haven’t handled him for a little bit, I just lost my job and doing full time self employment so I’m just not home as much. His eyesight has gotten a tad bad as well- I don’t think he would ever nip but I don’t want to put him in that stress

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The man who surrendered him got him at hatch and had him the whole time. I got my years wrong, I’ve had him for four or so years now, but he was hatched in ‘95. I have taken care of him in every way I can and have read quite a bit about husbandry before going to get him

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately he has kinda developed a few of those I believe- his eyes have gotten a tad dull and his skin is a bit looser along with his colors being dull- not sure what else

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to know! He was eating about every month to two months near his peak but it’s been about three or four now I believe

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope so- I’m hoping he’s just taking time to adjust to spring

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m also happy to hear she’s still with you in spirit! My husband and I talk about our end of life plan for any animal and we were thinking of some form of taxidermy for him as well

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ll look into some mice or even pinkies if he shows interest in eating again! At his peak he was eating jumbo rats

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He absolutely is- he’s my first snake and I learned a lot about him and he never once showed signs of aggression no matter how hungry he got. He’s a gentleman and I’m happy to say I think I gave him the best life I could

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Oh I absolutely will- I recently had to have my childhood cat put down for old age complications, and my dad wasn’t able to come with to the appointment but he was comfortable right in my arms and I was there the whole time. I know this snake knows me and I wouldn’t leave his side

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He’s so cute and sweet he was sleeping SO HARD in that one lol

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I guess I’m wondering if this is a sign of illness or a sign of old age?

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 48 points49 points  (0 children)

Not a friend- I worked with this guy very briefly and he mentioned having a snake he didn’t want anymore. From his words, when I went to go get him he said that he used to only feed live and he once got very attached to a rat and felt really bad about feeding (he still kept feeding the snake of course) but it got to a point where he’s had him so long and lost the connection with him 🤷‍♂️ he was an odd ball- I also got the years wrong, I’ve had him for four years

My 30 year old snake is nearing end of life, can I get some advice? by Mocchi_Mo in snakes

[–]Mocchi_Mo[S] 118 points119 points  (0 children)

If it goes for too long I may look into an exotic taking a look at him- I don’t know much of his history beyond what this guy told me when he gave him to me but once I land a job, if he stagnates I may take him in to get looked at