John, Doug, Mark,

Many thanks to each of you for your helpful replies. We took the Kingsnake to the Univ. of Georgia Vet Teaching Clinic, yesterday, Oct. 21st. They did a series of tests including an exam, throat or nasal wash, blood test, and culture. We came back after two hours and was told that they did not think the snake had an infection. The vet said he would call on Monday when the results from the culture came back. If there is an infection they will then recommend antibiotics. I did pay a bill of almost $200 but feel it was worth it. Upon returning home we sanitized the tank, water dish, hides, etc. Removed all Aspen and replace with newspaper. I also increased the heat under the hot hide and also in the room. Over the hot hide temp. is about 87F, room temp about 75F. I haven't observed the snake sneezing since I first noticed it sneeze with mucousst Thursday. No more mucous either. I may change all my snakes to newspaper but like the Aspen for easy of spot cleaning, etc. I've been using Sani-Chips Aspen. It's not very dusty but there is some fines and dust. I was wondering if washing the Aspen to remove fines and then drying would help with the dust. I intend to wash using only water a small quanity in a large, fine screen strainer or thru cheesecloth and see if after drying the dust is less. I never feed on Aspen but remove the snakes to a separate clean, plastic box. Thanks again, I'll post the results, etc. of the culture. Don

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