"If I used a stethescope to listen to the snakes breathing would I be able to hear anything that would let me know if it is a respritory infection?"



http://www.drpetra.com/Exotics/Caring%20for%20a%20Snake.htm

Snakes have no diaphragm; this prevents coughing and airway clearance, and snakes with simple respiratory infections easily develop pneumonia because of this. Respiratory infections in reptiles are always more serious than similar infections in mammals.



http://www.exoticpetvet.com/breeds/ballpython.htm

Respiratory tract disease is very common in captive snakes. Difficulty breathing, discharge from the mouth, and wheezing are common signs associated with respiratory tract disease.



Good husbandry is the best way to prevent many problems. Ball Pythons should be quarantines for at least three to six months before being added to an established collection.



http://www.anapsid.org/rti.html

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms include listlessness, weight loss due to decreased appetite, swollen or bloated body, gaping, open mouth breathing, often with audible exhalations when in an advanced state. Wheezing may be heard, or clicking noises when breathing. Bubbly, stringy or sheeting mucous appears in the mouth. The head may be held in a raised position to facilitate breathing. In snakes, the tines of the forked tongue may be stuck together. Respiratory infections in snakes are especially dangerous in those snakes who have only one functioning lung (colubrids, etc.).



http://www.angelfire.com/al/repticare2/page18.html

Relying solely on symptoms is a very poor method of treating this illness. The best method for diagnosis is a radiograph to definitively determine the existence of a respiratory infection. The lungs should appear clear upon x-ray, but in the case of pneumonia the lung field will be evident by increased radiographic density.



I hope these help. The best way to make an informed decision is to be educated.

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