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I'm afraid my cornsnake may have gone blind!

M

Mr. Jungle

New member
I've had "Snip" for over 8 years and recently her eyes seemed to have developed these white, cataract looking spots right in the center. At first I thought she was just getting ready for a shed and they were clouded over. Well, she did shed but I found the head piece of skin and both eyecaps had come off but the white spots were still there. She is still able to eat when the mouse nears her face and touches her but I'm worried about her all the same. I can move my hand in front of her face and she doesn't seem to react at all. I've had UV lighting in her habitat since day one. I read somewhere that UV lighting can actually cause blindness in cornsnakes. Any advice friends?
 
I'm not sure, but the UV lights may have caused it. They don't need it. All it does is hurt them, and you (if bright lights bug you).

I'd take her to a vet, and have her checked over. If she's gone blind, I'm sorry, but I don't think there's really anything you can do besides make her life easier. Which I don't really know how you can do, sorry. :(
 
Thanks for the quick reply!

I know it's probably too late, but the UV light is definitely being removed. Even if she is blind, as long as she can still feed, I will care for her for the duration of her life. I'm going to contact a herp specialist in Green Bay tomorrow. Thank you for your concern! Chad
 
Sorry to hear about Snip and let us know what the specialist has to say.

Welcome to the site :wavey:
 
My 18 year old has developed cateracts as he's aged (sure it's an age thing as he's never had UV). I took part in a thread about living with a blind Corn here - http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40169 . Hope that helps.

Don't worry - they can live perfectly comfortable lives with impaired sight. You're reacting emotionally, as a human would. A Corn won't know any different other than to adapt, and in captivity we can still provide a great quality of life.

If you search for "UV" there have been a few discussions here about it. My bunch have never had UV lights and they seem to be living respectably long lives without it.

Good luck with your babe - I'm sure things will be just fine.
 
Snip is doing okay...

Well, I'm glad to report that, although I know Snip has gone blind, she still seems to be able to find her food. She's fed four times since my last post. I really appreciate all the kind words and encouragement from everyone here. I'll let you know of any changes. Have a great day everyone! Chad & Snip
 
I'm sorry to hear about Snip's blindness, but I don't think you will have to worry too much about her. Using her nose and the other senses that snakes have I don't think Snip will have any trouble living without her sight. Even most other pets can adjust quite happily to a life with no sight. Anyone who has ever had an older dog that has lost his sight will know what I mean. I'm sure that Snip will be just fine. You'll probably just have to make sure that you approach her carefully and make sure that she knows you're there before picking her up or you'll probably scare her right out of her skin. :)
 
I feel terrible that is a real heart breaker!
Sorry!I would be in tears if that happend to my baby corn!
Let us know the results!
_______________
nismo
 
Snip's progress

Snip fed again the other day, so I'm becoming a little less worried about her. She also continues to defecate and drink, so I'm optimstic that all will be okay. Thanks again everyone, for your concern! Chad & Snip
 
Major breakthrough with Snip!

I know now that Snip is totally blind. When she lost her sight a few months back, I was very worried about her being able to feed, however, she was still able to locate her food. I don't believe she was completely blind at this point. But I know she is now. Until tonight, she hadn't eaten for almost 3 weeks. She showed no sign of weight loss and continued to defecate, but I was still very concerned. Each day I would offer her a mouse but she just wouldn't feed. I know she was hungry because of the way she was "hunting" around her habitat. Tonight I picked up some frozen "fuzzys" and I'm totally thrilled to report that she, very gently, took them from my hand and ate one right after the other! My wife and I were so happy! For the first time since I began these posts, I honestly feel confident that she's going to be alright. We just need to keep a few frozen mice in our freezer next to our pizzas and ice cream! Thanks again everyone who voiced concern over the fate of one of my "kids"!

Chad & Christine & Snip
 
Mr. Jungle said:
Snip fed again the other day, so I'm becoming a little less worried about her. She also continues to defecate and drink, so I'm optimstic that all will be okay. Thanks again everyone, for your concern! Chad & Snip
Click to expand...

That good news then! :cheers:
_______
nismo
 
If she took frozen thawed after 8 years of eating live, why change back. I'd try her on a f/t food item the size she's been used to, if she eats it great. Keeping a bunch next to the chicken legs is a whole lot easier than having to deal with live all the time. Glad she's doing well and welcome to the forum:wavey: .
 
I'm sorry to hear the sad news :0(

I'm really sorry to hear about your snake..I have a basking light and I am going to remove it as soon as I can..possibly today if I get the chance..I'm pretty angered that Petco sold me the light saying corn snakes NEED it...I already have a heating pad and am in the process of trying to get that to work out..thank you for the important info and once again I'm really sorry :0(
 
Ive been reading this thread, Im glad to hear she is doing well. I was worried but at least shes okay and healthy, for the most part. Keep us updated okay.
 
Snip's doing great!

Pleased to report that Snip ate 4 more of the frozen/thawed this week! She seems to be having no trouble getting the hang of this new type of cuisine. I'm so relieved! I month ago, I was considering euthanasia. I was afraid she'd starve to death. I'm soooo glad I waited! I'll keep in touch. Thanks again all!

Chad & Snip
 
awesome..........it's a part of the family, so it's easy to see why you would be concerned and upset about the situation. also, congrats on the easy transition from live to frozen......it will be SO much easier for you and safer for her. great story and thanks for sharing.

galen
 
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