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Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by Nexus on April 2, 2009
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Hi, I have a large male crotalus atrox at a guess around 4 - 5 yrs old.
For the past 6 months or so he has exhibited a odd trait, he wobbles his head when it is raised up. When you first see him doing it you would think that his head was to big or that he had problems with his neck. Also when I have him on the hook he struggles to keep his head up.
He's eating, crapping and shedding like normal.
I've had him to a local vet with exotics experience and they did x-rays and blood's but cannot find anything wrong.
Anyone have any suggestions what to look for next?
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RE: Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by Jahon on April 2, 2009
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I think my adult Southern Pacific rattlesnake has that same problem. However, when he is on the hook or when I raise is head up he does not do it. Only when he is craawling around the cage and he pushes at the screen does he do that. Just like yours though, he is eating, shedding, and crapping like normal.
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RE: Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by FSB on April 2, 2009
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Head-bobbing is usually not a good sign in snakes - lizards, yes, but not snakes! Just curious - what kind of substrate(s) are you using?
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RE: Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by Nexus on April 3, 2009
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I've used Aspen and Orchid Bark.
The head bobbing isn't like that done by lizards it's more of a lack or motor function that a controlled movement.
If the snake was human I would think parkinsons disease.
I originally thought IDB but the vet ruled this out.
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RE: Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by Cro on April 3, 2009
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Nexus, you state that you used Aspen and Orchid Bark.
Have you checked the label of the Orchid Bark to see if it contains fertilizer or pesticides ? Lots of the pre-packaged barks have those added.
Also, what is the source for the Aspin bark ? Are you purchasing it from a pet supply store, or, is it coming from a home depot or feed store, where it was intended as kennel bedding ? Often products like those are fumigated before they are allowed to cross state lines.
I would suggest going back to newspaper for now, that way, you are at least elininating a possible contaminant.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by FSB on April 3, 2009
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Precisely, John.... that's what I was thinking - some sort of contaminant. Are any pesticides used around your house, or have you ever used a dichlorvos (pest) strip to control mites? Various chemicals, even in small amounts, can wreak havoc with snakes' motor functions (mine too).
PS - Sorry, I was just kidding about the lizards...
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RE: Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by AquaHerp on April 3, 2009
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Neurological issues can also be traced back to injuries of, or around the spine.
Improper usage of tongs, dropping the animal (especially when they hit the rim of the bucket on the way down), excessive force from improper pinning, all of these can lead to an injury. Many of these symptoms may not manifest for a while.
DH
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RE: Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by Nexus on April 3, 2009
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Thanks all for the responses. Contaminate had crossed my mind, both the aspen & orchid bark are supplied from the same exotics shop I purchased the snake from and whilst I'm a bit of a newbie the shop owner certainly know's his stuff so I would think the aspen & orchid bark are untreated. Plus I have other atrox than are on the same substrates.
I semi-hibernated him over the winter and then put him to a female, different enclosure, and there were no change in symptoms.
As for spinal damage etc, that is one of the things I asked the vet to check for, and the xrays came back clean as a whistle.
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RE: Crotalus atrox head bobbing
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by Nexus on April 3, 2009
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Also, should have said, I'm in the U.K so treatment of substrates as you say, across state lines, doesn't apply as far as I know.
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