Neurological disease in snakes

The brain and the spinal cord in snakes are similar to those found in mammals.

Some snakes eat fish, for example the garter snake; in the wild this snake would catch and eat fresh fish, however captive snakes have to rely on a diet of fish that is often bought frozen and then thawed in small amounts ready for the snake’s meal.

There are 8 types of vitamin B; in snakes vitamin B1 plays an important part in helping the brain to function correctly. The action of freezing fish damages the vitamin B1, and over time this can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency. To avoid this, extra vitamin B needs to be added to the prepared fish in the form of a vitamin powder supplement. It is also important to follow instructions for supplements so you do not over supplement either.

Snakes that eat eggs are also prone to vitamin B deficiency due to the presence of avidin. This protein breaks down vitamin B and binds in to an unavailable form and is not present if the egg is fertilized. In captivity it is not common to feed fertilized eggs and so vitamin supplementation is essential.

Snakes with vitamin B deficiency show signs of muscular weakness and tremors and an inability to right itself.

To help prevent vitamin deficiencies, ensure your snake has a good balanced diet with calcium and vitamin supplements, these are essential to ensure his muscles work correctly. You also need to ensure his house is warm to help with the digestion process of food. The temperature of the vivarium is dependent on species.

If your snake has a vitamin B deficiency your veterinarian will need to give him vitamin injections.

Boas and Boids are prone to an infection called Inclusion Body Disease. This is a highly infectious condition that causes the snake to stop feeding, regurgitation, and star gazing. It is very important to quarantine or test new snakes coming into large collections. This can be passed on from mites so if you see any sign of mites it is important to take your snake to the veterinary practice so appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

Oophidian paramyxovirus is another virus found in snakes. It causes mainly respiratory signs but can also affect the brain. This is passed on via respiratory secretions so if you suspect a snake has it then keep it away from any other snakes you may have.

When choosing a suitable place for your snake to stay whilst you are away, try to find a carer that is happy to come to your house to care for him rather than moving your snake to a strange new environment elsewhere. Alternatively, it’s worth considering if you can move your snake’s whole vivarium to the carers house if they would prefer to care for your snake in their own home.

If your snake is either living in isolation, or in an isolated group, suddenly placing him in an environment where there are other snakes is dangerous; there is a huge risk of disease spread.