Unlike mammalian Cryptosporidium - that is usually self-limiting - C. serpentis remains chronic and in most cases, eventually lethal in snakes once an animal has become symptomatic.

Necropsy examinations of expired captive snakes infected with C. serpentis note characteristic gastric mucosal hypertrophy (enlargement of the stomach lining) that, in time, narrows the gastric lumen, resulting in classic symptoms of repetitive regurgitation and anorexia.

[6] Unfortunately, longer follow up studies with treatments in multiple individuals of other species, such as eastern indigo snakes saw the majority of animals test positive again with time.

Also significantly more promising is the use of bovine colostrum, carefully administered to the snake via a stomach tube lubricated with vegetable oil, and accompanied by thorough weekly cleaning of the terrarium with 7% hydrogen peroxide in a well-ventilated area and with the use of goggles and gloves.

Since snakes are ectothermic, higher temperatures have been correlated with an increased immune response, and may result in subsiding infection.