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Big carpet ingested a good bit of paper towel

Posted By:

ap1fun

In Relation To:

Pandora

My 6 foot carpet ingested 3 paper towels. Is there any reason to be worried? I know they ingest wood in the wild or in their cages on occasion but to eat such a huge amount of paper towel. However the question of it solidifing in the stomach has came up among friends due to the nature of paper towels. Does anyone have any actual experience on this specific question?


Points:	250
Topics:	Feeding
Species:	Pythons > Morelia > Morelia spilota spilota
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Member Comment

11/12/2008 10:21:40 PM

FyreFocks

I know nothing about snakes eating paper towels. I do however know that when my dogs eat paper towels by the roll, they have poop that looks like a tootsy roll. Its nasty but it doesnt harm the dogs. A vet visit might be in order for your snake though, just to be on the safe side.

Member Comment

11/13/2008 12:42:56 AM

Katie M

I agree with Nate - better to get in to a vet, or at least speak with a vet before it becomes a problem. I would hope a 6 foot snake could pass it, but you never know.

Member Comment

11/13/2008 2:29:08 AM

bwaffa

Nate and Katie are right to suggest the vet in the absence of any other experience to draw from (of which I also have none to offer...). After a terrible and expensive recent vet experience though I can appreciate anyone's apprehension to taking a snake in if it's avoidable...

What I can offer: the biggest risk factor associated with impaction in snakes is dehydration. Given the fact that your snake consumed a particularly absorbent material too would lead me to suggest that hydration now is even more important than ever. Make sure good fresh water is out and available. I would also handle him more frequently (just to get things moving) and do a series of a daily 20 mins soaks starting a day or two from now. I assume he consumed these towels with another food item? Check your records to see how long it takes for him to usually pass his meals, and see if you don't get poop in a similar amount of time. If you're still not seeing anything in a week or two I'd proceed to the vet. Good luck!

Member Comment

11/13/2008 9:37:38 AM

tmth

Hm... If he ate them with the food item, I guess in the future it might be a good idea to remove paper towels before feeding? Sounds like bwaffa has some good advice and if the snake isn't acting normal or unable to poo.. then definitely head to a good herp vet.

Accepted Answer

11/13/2008 9:00:24 PM

Robin Saunders

Hi David- I agree with Brad's wait and see approach. The paper towels should be easily digested by a snake this size who is capable of digesting hair, feathers and bone. Most paper towels are made from wood pulp which quickly decomposes when left in water for several days. If the animal shows any signs of distress or doesn't pass a fecal in a reasonable amount of time, then call the vet. Good Luck.

Author Comment

11/13/2008 9:48:12 PM

ap1fun

Thanks for the responces of several of you. I always hesitate a second before posting on answers because of the already covered information and the lack of the "Captian Obvious" award.

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