Name
Treatment for Recurrent Cloacal Prolapse in Snakes by means of Cloacopexy or Colonopexy
Scott Stahl
Description
Cloacal prolapse is relatively uncommon in snakes, and treatment usually involves manual reduction and placement of temporary stay sutures, unless tissue necrosis requires amputation. Cloacopexy, or colonopexy, is a more definitive intervention for recurrent cloacal prolapse, but it is poorly documented in snakes and other reptiles. This case series summarizes three ball pythons (Python regius) and one Plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix) that underwent surgery for recurrent cloacal prolapses that failed to resolve with other less invasive interventions. Diagnostic imaging, fecal testing, and/or empiric treatment for GI parasitism were performed in all cases before surgical intervention. All snakes underwent lateral body wall cloacopexy or colonopexy in which the cloaca or colon was secured to the body wall. In some cases, adjacent ribs were also incorporated into the fixation. Two ball pythons recovered uneventfully, with no recurrence noted several months after surgery. One ball python had a single episode of hematochezia 2 months after surgery with ~0.5 inches of prolapsed tissue. The snake was switched to smaller prey to reduce fecal bulk, and has had no recurrence for several months. The garter snake underwent two cloacopexy procedures, yet still developed cloacal prolapse and was ultimately euthanized. Cloacopexy or colonopexy appears to be a feasible option for treating cloacal prolapse in snakes and should be considered when less invasive interventions have failed to prevent recurrence.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)