Snakes
Learn more about our snake services below.

Snake Care in Westford, MA

Veterinary Care for Snakes
Whole Pet Veterinary Center offers expert veterinary care tailored specifically to the unique needs of snakes. Our skilled team is well-versed in snake anatomy, behavior, and husbandry, ensuring your pet receives the highest standard of care. Services include thorough health assessments, parasite screenings, treatment for respiratory or digestive issues, and guidance on proper enclosure setup, temperature regulation, and diet to keep your snake healthy and thriving.
Here are some of the most common pet snake species we see. Please note, we currently do not see snakes with medically significant venom.
- Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)
- Ball Python (Python regius)
- California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) .
- Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
- Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)
- Garter Snake (Thamnophis spp.)
- Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
- Hognose Snake (Heterodon spp.)
- Children’s Python (Antaresia childreni)
- Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)
Common Health Issues in Snakes
Snakes can experience a variety of health issues, many of which are linked to improper husbandry or environmental conditions. Some common health problems in snakes include:
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Respiratory Infections – Often caused by improper temperature or humidity, leading to symptoms like wheezing, mucus around the mouth or nose, and labored breathing.
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Mouth Rot (Infectious Stomatitis) – A bacterial infection in the mouth causing swelling, redness, pus, or difficulty eating.
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Parasites – Both external parasites (like mites) and internal parasites (such as worms) can cause lethargy, poor appetite, and shedding issues.
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Shedding Problems (Dysecdysis) – Improper humidity can lead to incomplete or difficult shedding, leaving pieces of retained skin, especially around the eyes (eye caps).
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Obesity – Overfeeding or lack of exercise can lead to obesity, which can contribute to other health issues.
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Anorexia – Refusal to eat can result from stress, improper temperatures, illness, or other underlying conditions.
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Scale Rot – A bacterial infection of the skin, often due to poor sanitation or excessive humidity, leading to discolored or damaged scales.
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Injuries – Cuts, burns, or other physical injuries from enclosures, handling, or prey items can occur.
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Bone Disease – Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is rare but can result from calcium deficiency or poor UV light exposure in certain species.
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Cloacal Prolapse – The cloaca may protrude due to straining from constipation, egg-laying, or parasites.
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Egg Binding (Dystocia) – Female snakes can sometimes have difficulty laying eggs, requiring veterinary intervention.
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Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) – A viral disease that primarily affects boas and pythons, causing neurological symptoms and other health issues.
Regular check-ups, proper husbandry, and attention to your snake’s behavior and appearance are key to preventing these issues.