Cloacoliths

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Dehydration of captive snakes (especially if long-standing) may

result in drying out of urinary excretions.  When this occurs,

uric acid stones tend to form within the cloaca (cloacoliths).

Their presence in this location prevents expulsion of urinary

waste and feces (constipation), which creates serious illness.

Dehydration is a sign of disease and not a disease in itself, so

it becomes the veterinarian's task to determine the underlying

problem that caused the dehydration.  Cloacoliths can usually be

manually expelled with patience and the help of mineral oil

enemas.  This procedure should only be attempted by an

experienced veterinarian.