Regurgitation 3 days later?

[simonsays]

Hello,

I am a first time corn snake owner, and tried to find an answer to my question elsewhere on the forums but didn't see anything that quite matched my situation.

I got a young (3-5 monthish?) motley anery from a local reptile store and he seemed to be doing really well until yesterday. I got him on Tuesday of this past week, and fed him Wednesday afternoon (the store said this was the day they fed). I thawed a small pinky they selected for him to room temp (didn't warm it up though - I didn't realize I needed to do this until further reading later). He got the pinky down just fine, and I put him back in his tank. I didn't bother him for about 36 hours, then I got him out Thursday evening and again Friday afternoon. I could still feel the lump from the pinky in his stomach but he was slithering around just fine and didn't seem stressed. Although I should note that he wriggled himself into the back of my recliner and I had a heck of a time getting him out - he still seemed fine after that ordeal. Anyway, I got him out of his tank yesterday evening (Saturday), and after about 20 minutes of slithering around in my hands, he vomited (or regurgitated? I'm not sure I understand the difference). It was mucus and some small meaty bits. I put him straight back in his tank. Is this something I need to see a vet about? Or just too much stress at once? I fed him in a separate container, so I know he didn't ingest any of his bedding, and he hasn't seemed ill otherwise.

I am worried that his tank temp might be too low because the ambient temp inside (not on the substrate) is only upper 60's - all I use is an undertank heating pad, and I know that temperature can affect digestion. The substrate on the cool side is about 68 and the warm side is about 82, although it will get warmer if I leave the probe against the glass for awhile. It seems he usually goes to a hide and doesn't move much at all until I get him out again, although he always seems active and well when I get him out.

I have also read that it is important to let the stomach recover after regurgitating and have read that I should wait anywhere from 7 to 10 days after regurgitating, and possibly feed half-size even then. Opinions?

Any help would be appreciated, and apologies for the long post - I just wanted to give as much info as I can so I can do the best thing for him!

 

[TWGarland]

Hey!

Yep, don't handle or attempt to feed again for 7-10 days, this apparently gives time for lost stomach fluids to be replaced. Then preferrably offer a smaller than normal prey item. Theres no need for a vet visit after one regurge although mutliple times can be a different story.

I don't think theres any problem with only offering a room temperature defrosted mouse, as long as its completely defrosted, thats the main thing.

Also if you could still feel or see a lump after eating then you don't want to handle at all... that may have added to why he regurged although if you waited 36 hours or so before handling then its more likely to be your low temps especially if thats what you already think.

Your temps do sound a little low... Can you not up the heat matt temps a little? A few degrees? Or if its especially cold in your house (low ambient temps) then could you not up the room temp for the day or so after his next feed?

Also next time you feed him leave him alone as much as possible, so he can freely move without fear of being seen by you, if its just a little hatchling it might be too scared to move between hides and thermoregulate.

All the best
Tom

 

[caherp]

Baby corns love hiding, and their very good at it. Don't worry if you don't seem him up and about during the day, although if you never see him moving around at night either their could be something wrong. My guess is that he regurgitated because hes had an awfully busy week. He was moved tuesday, fed wednesday, handled thursday and friday ( and escaped for a bit ). Probably should have given him a bit more time to acclimate. I doubt theres anything very wrong with him other than stress.

 

[diamondlil]

The reading under the substrate, against the glass, will be the most important one, as it can be significantly higher than on the substrate surface and could be high enough to burn your corn if it burrows.
Handling after feeding, while there is a feeding lump, is a complete no-no. Snakes need to rest and digest in peace, if disturbed the stress can make them regurgitate. After a regurge, the snake needs time to replenish the gut flora and for its oesophagus to heal. 10 days is usually recommended, then try a smaller feed, such as a 1g day-old pink (a 'red') or a pinky head.
Repeated regurges can lead to dehydration and death, especially in a hatchling.
I'd recommend waiting to handle until the next successful feed, and always only then 3-4 days after the feeding day.

 

[Susielea]

Here's a link to the Feeding problems FAQ, have a read and about halfway down is Kathy Love's regurge protocol, that you should find helpful

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28342

I would recommend double checking your temps, to make sure your warm spot is warm enough, mid 80's, and waiting at least 10 days before offering the next smaller feed.

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Nanci]

I'm betting it was the handling that caused the regurge. And now that you know he's sensitive, I'd wait a whole three days before handling, because you _definitely _ don't want a second regurge.