Health considerations in adders

The below is not intended to substitute the expertise of a qualified herp vet but rather to provide keepers with useful information. It is strongly recommended that treatment of any sick snake be overseen by a herp vet.

Parasites

Respiratory infections (RI)

Adders, particularly wild caught specimens are highly susceptible to nematode and protozoa infestation and before introduced to a collection should be quarantined, dewormed and kept in quarantine until cleared of parasites.

It is not entirely certain why captive snakes become overwhelmed by parasites but theories include,

  1. Snakes will regularly pass parasites and parasite eggs through defecation, the reduced space in a captive environment may increase the risk of repeated contamination via their own faeces;
  2. Snakes maintain a symbiotic relationship with parasites in the wild, and when exposed to the stresses of a captive environment their immune system weakens and the parasites overwhelm the animal.

What is certain is that snakes will succumb to these parasites if left untreated. 

There are many medications available for the treatment of parasites in snakes, two commonly used products are,

1. Metronidazole (Flagyll). Used for intestinal flagellates (60mg/kg), 2 treatments 14 days apart.

2. Fenbendazole (Panacur). Used to treat nematodes/worms (50-100mg/kg), 1 treatment every day for 3-5 days, then again after 10 days.

Another major complication which almost every dwarf adder keeper has experienced is a snake suffering from a respiratory infection (RI).

RI’s generally develop when a snake is under stress. This may be caused by general captive stress IE being interfered with too much, or environmental factors such as incorrect temperature or humidity levels. Certain species need to be kept hot and dry, while others need higher humidity levels even during the cooler months, failing to meet the needs of a particular species may result in a strung out snake with respiratory complications. 

Adders with RI may display any of the following symptoms,

  1. Clear mucous around the mouth,
  2. Swollen throat area,
  3. Clicking sound when attempting to hiss,
  4. No tongue flicking,
  5. General lethargy.

As a result snakes lose their appetite and therefore start to lose condition. Almost all adders die if left untreated.

Treatment is typically via antibiotics. Infected snakes should be quarantined and kept warm. If antibiotics are not available, some keepers have cleared respiratory infections by keeping the snake very warm and undisturbed in a quarantine container for 10 – 14 days. This is not recommended if the snake is having difficulty breathing due to mucous build-up in its mouth.

Over-feeding

One of the most commonly asked questions is “How often should I feed my dwarf adder”. The answer to this may be dependant on a variety of factors; for example what is the age of the snake, or the type of prey being fed?

As a rule, dwarf adders which are fed rodents too frequently will tend to become over-weight. Certain species live in habitat with very few opportunities to feed on rodents and whose diet is comprised heavily of lizard prey which generally have a lower fat content than a rodent. 

Juvenile adders fed on pinky mice may grow rapidly and can be fed weekly without complication. Due to the low calcium content of a pinky mouse’ bones some keepers like to supplement these meals with calcium, however this is not a necessity. Continuing weekly feeds into adulthood will undoubtedly lead to an overweight animal, poor breeding performance and potential health concerns.

Some keepers choose to avoid a feeding routine altogether and choose instead to feed according to the condition of the snake, preferring to use their own descretion as to when a snake needs a meal. This method prevents regimental over-feeding and encourages a keeper to pay close attention to their animal. Naturally as breeding season approaches it is necessary to increase feeding frequency to allow a female to build up the required condition for a breeding cycle, the same applies post-partum. 

Another means of preventing an over-weight snake is to provide means for the snake to exercise. Branches on which to climb, rocks to scale and spaces for the snake to explore all assist in maintaining a healthy wei

Recommended resource: http://www.anapsid.org/