Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi,
i was holding one of my 05 female bps today.
as i was lifting her up, she spat out a large amount of mucous. (at least 10 ml)
i immediately listened for any signs of labored breeding. i didnt hear any hissing or popping, in fact i heard no sounds at all. she is approximately 2.3 ft, and at least 300g

her warm side is 92 degrees, her cold side is 78 degrees.
ambient humidity is 50% and i spray daily, they are on carpet, with plenty of hides, and 2 waterdishes, 1 large for soaking, 1 for drinking.
they were purchased from a reptile wholesaler, and i suspect they were captive hatched. they have had mites in the past, but no signs in over 4 months.

has anyone ever heard of this,is it something i should worry about?

my big female has drooled in the past,but only a few drops.

Perhaps she took a long drink just before you picked her up? I've seen this happen more times than I can count. I wouldn't worry about anything unless she does it again.

Hey,

Is your snake eating? I WOULD worry about any saliva dripping out of a snakes mouth- a sure sign of a respiratory infection. Hold the body up in the air with the head down, any saliva dripping out is a big sign to go to the vet.

Better safe than sorry!

Good luck, let us know how she does!

Steve Harrison
Jacksonville, FL

n/p

she is eating fine, she took the rat pup that i offered her a few minutes later, and i didnt hear any of the other respiratory infection tell-tale signs. their temps are good, so i am not really that worried about infection.
it wasnt water, it was really mucous like,but her head was down, i had her in my hands and she had been trying to explore, she pulled back quickly, and then spat out the mucous
she hadnt been fed in a week, so it shouldnt be food related
any thoughts?

Hey,

Every time I've dealt with an RI, the animal WOULD NOT eat- so you're already good there. What color was the discharge? If she just had a drink and saliva was mixed in, she may have "dripped" some out. I would watch to see if it happens again. You seem to know what you are doing, and keeping a watchful eye is half of it.

Best of luck,

Steve

there is no "wheezing" or coughing, and no bubbles coming out of her mouth? she is eating fine and her habitat sounds ideal. I'm willing to bet one of my paychecks that she just took a long drink before you picked her up. it comes out completely clear, not even a little color to it, and yes it is the consistency of mucous. I agree that you sound like you know what you are doing and unless I see bubbles and hear wheezing, I'm not overly concerned. I really think you have nothing to worry about.

i havent heard any bad breathing, it was perfectly clear, i have upped their cool side temp, and i have recreated the situation with no repeat, so it probably was just water, thanks for the responses all.