Signs were there, but we failed to see them until today.

Our jcp x diamond python has been off feed for almost two months. Sign number one; he's never denied food in almost five years. His breathing started to sound strange last week...sign 2. He hasn't bit my husband in almost a month...sign 3.

Tonight, I noticed something on his lower lip. Turned out to be foam. In a few days, his breathing had gotten worse. Concerned, we loaded him up and made our way to the ER vet.

Of course they wanted to do loads of tests, which of course we can't afford, but said all signs point to a respiratory infection. Wonderful.

This is the first time one of our snakes has ever been sick. But that is no excuse, we should have caught it. I knew in my gut something wasn't right, but until today, no outward signs were caught. I've been watching him like a hawk, but ignored the signs that were right in front of me.

They gave us some antibiotics to get us by until we can get him to our regular vet this week. I have now given a snake medicine for the first time ever.

They told us since he is still as feisty as ever and hasn't experienced any weight loss is a good sign. And he was, checking everything out, crawling all over my husband, tongue constantly flicking (forks not stuck together thank goodness!). Though I worry the stress from the ride and being checked will make him worse.

So we've increased the temp and humidity in his enclosure and will give him his antibiotics. Next week will be a trip to his regular vet. Even now, after only being home an hour, he is still active. I will take all the good signs I can get, and hope that we caught it in time and he recovers well.

If anyone has recommendations, they would be much appreciated.

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