Snakes make excellent and unique companions for any pet owner. We want to take the best care of our snakes and keep them safe. However, when taking care of snakes, can they be paralyzed?
Snakes can become paralyzed by viral infections or spinal cord injuries. Because snakes have delicate immune systems and take a long time to heal, they require extreme care when injured. The best treatment for snake paralysis is immediately taking it to a veterinarian.
While snake paralysis is severe, a veterinarian can treat it with the proper care. Read on to learn how your snake can become paralyzed and how to effectively treat your snake if it becomes paralyzed.
What Causes Paralysis in Snakes?
The most common cause of paralysis in snakes is physical injuries which incapacitate a snake’s spinal cord and nervous system. Snakes are composed of a single vertebral column, and damage to any vertebra affects the entire central nervous system (CNS).
Additionally, large snakes (specifically boas, anacondas, and pythons) are susceptible to inclusion body disease (IBD). Symptoms of IBD also include lack of appetite, muscle spasms, and lethargy. IBD is a potentially fatal infection most common in captive snakes that you should address immediately.
Will a Paralyzed or Injured Snake Survive?
Depending on your veterinarian’s experience and the severity of the injury, an injured snake can survive. However, snakes have fragile immune systems that require significant time to heal.
If a snake is seriously impaired, it will need veterinary assistance to survive. However, a snake’s survival chances depend on the immediacy with which it receives treatment.
How To Treat Snake Paralysis
If your snake is paralyzed or impaired, contact a specialized veterinarian immediately. Secure your snake in a container where it won’t be disturbed, and carefully transport it to your vet.
Because of the rarity of captive snakes, many vets may lack the experience to appropriately treat these pets. If possible, contact a local reptile or exotic vet capable of diagnosing and treating your snake.
During the healing process, ensure your snake is safe and secure in a temporary habitat with soft bedding and not too many obstacles. Because spinal injuries can prevent thorough digestion, consult your vet on your snake’s best feeding practices.
Conclusion
Snakes make wonderful pets, and we want to ensure they live happy, healthy lives. However, sometimes accidents happen, and our snakes become susceptible to injuries.
Snakes have fragile and interconnected anatomy and are prone to paralysis. Paralysis is severe because a snake’s muscles and organs depend on spinal contractions to aid movement and digestion.
If your snake becomes paralyzed, immediately contact a qualified reptilian veterinarian to diagnose and treat the problem.