Why did my garter snake throw up his food? Should I be worried?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 15th, 2019

  There is a parasite called Cryptosporidium that can cause chronic regurgitation as it causes a thickening of the stomach. So, it could be that. It could be that the prey you are feeding are too large and that is why he is regurgitating. It could be from too much handling after eating. I suggest you get him to a reptile vet for an exam.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 8th, 2019

  This is regurgitation of food.
  
  Vomiting/regurgitation of ingesta is not common in reptiles and when seen, it is a something to be taken seriously. When a reptile regurgitates, it is usually due to one of the following conditions:
  
  too cold
  too stressed
  food/prey too large
  food/prey spoiled
  systemic infection
  high levels of protozoans or parasites (intestinal)
  disturbed too soon after eating
  obstruction in digestive tract
  
  I suggest you first start with making sure your husbandry is 100% correct - lighting, temperature, humidity, etc (depending on the species of snake you have). I don't know how often you are feeding him but you may want to fast him for a couple weeks. If you feed him at that time and he either doesn't want to eat or he eats and then regurgitates again then you will need to have him examined by a vet.
  
  Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.
  

  

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