When a snake expels its food, it is generally referred to as regurgitation, rather than true vomiting. Regurgitation typically involves undigested or partially digested food, often indicating issues with the snake’s environment or husbandry.
Identifying Snake Regurgitation
Snake regurgitation appears as expelled food that is typically undigested or only partially broken down. The item often retains its original shape, such as a whole rodent, and may be covered in slimy mucus. This expelled meal usually has a foul odor. Regurgitation is a passive process, meaning the snake expels the food without forceful abdominal contractions.
This differs from true vomiting, which is a more active and forceful expulsion of stomach contents that have undergone significant digestion. Vomited material is often more liquid, paste-like, and may contain bile or appear mixed with fluids. Snake feces, by contrast, are dark, solid waste that typically include white urates, the snake’s equivalent of urine.
Why Snakes Regurgitate
Several factors can cause a snake to regurgitate its meal, with environmental conditions and stress being common culprits. Incorrect temperature is a frequent reason, as snakes require external heat to properly digest their food. If the enclosure is too cold, the snake’s metabolism slows, preventing proper digestion and potentially leading to internal food rot. Conversely, an enclosure that is too hot can also cause stress and prompt regurgitation.
Handling a snake too soon after it has eaten is another primary cause of regurgitation. After consuming a meal, snakes seek a secluded, quiet place to rest and digest; disturbance can trigger them to expel food. Feeding prey that is too large for the snake can also overwhelm its digestive system, leading to regurgitation. Similarly, offering multiple prey items or feeding too frequently can strain the snake’s ability to digest.
Beyond husbandry, various health issues can contribute to regurgitation. Internal parasites, such as Cryptosporidiosis, can disrupt digestion and lead to regurgitation, particularly in corn snakes. Bacterial or viral infections, internal obstructions, or other gastrointestinal diseases can also manifest through regurgitation. Stress from a new environment, lack of secure hiding spots, or inappropriate humidity levels can also induce regurgitation.
When to Worry About Regurgitation
While a single instance of regurgitation can sometimes be attributed to minor issues like a slight temperature fluctuation or accidental disturbance, repeated occurrences are a cause for concern. If a snake regurgitates multiple meals, it indicates a more serious underlying problem. This frequency can quickly lead to significant weight loss and other health complications because the snake is not absorbing nutrients.
Accompanying signs, such as lethargy, a lack of appetite, or other visible symptoms of illness, signal a need for professional intervention. Regurgitation can cause damage to the snake’s throat lining due to stomach acid exposure, which can worsen with repeated events. If these concerning signs are present, or if regurgitation persists despite correcting husbandry, contacting a veterinarian specializing in reptiles is advisable.
Immediate steps after a regurgitation event involve leaving the snake undisturbed for at least 14 days, providing fresh water, and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting its enclosure. During this two-week period, the snake’s digestive system can recover. When re-feeding, offer a smaller prey item than usual to ease the snake back into digestion. If regurgitation continues, a veterinary visit can help diagnose and address underlying health conditions such as infections or parasites.