I've read some contradictory definitions, but essentially it's a question of time. If it happens within hours to a day after eating it is usually referred to as regurgitation. (Generally the food is mostly undigested and has often not even reached the stomach when it is "given back") Anything thrown up later than that is referred to as vomiting. (coming from the stomach and anterior intestine.)
Although the book I have (Mader's Reptile Medicine and Surgery) contradicts itself on the same page, saying that animals affected with Cryptosporidiosis "commonly regurgitate their meal 2-3 days after eating"
According to either definition (Beths article or the ones I've read) both Q and Crais were vomiting because the food came up more than 4 days after eating and more than a little pre-digested. (Eeeww.) I should have been more accurate in my first post and written "vomited" instead of "regurged"
The difference can be helpful when looking for the cause of the problem. Regurgitation is often due to stress or handling immediately before, during or after eating. A snake that has just swallowed a big meal and feels threatened can't move very fast, so will often regurgitate to facilitate its escape.
Vomiting is the more serious symptom. Causes range from too much food (rots in the stomach before it has a chance to completely digest), low temperatures, handling, stress, parasites, inclusion body disease in boids; ingesting bad or poisoned food, bacterial and fungal gastroenterities, obstructions, etc, etc.
Repeated vomiting can cause serious inflamations, dehydration, acid-base and electrolyte imbalances, so whenever possible the underlying cause should be found and treated sooner rather than too late.
When I "rescued" Q, he already had a chronic vomiting syndrome, was severely underweight and beyond saving.
Hopefully with Crais this was a symptom of the parasite infestation and will get better with the Panacur treatments.
Speaking of which: he had his second dose this evening and although he didn't enjoy it (AT ALL), we got a good look in his mouth and on his body... there are no signs of infection or irritation from the bites (couldn't even see them anymore) nor from the missing tooth: he still has PLENTY in there!
He cruised around for a while after putting him back into his terrarium but he settled down under his hidebox after about 30 minutes.
I'm guessing he was in a lot of pain yesterday. Poor beast.
