Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know if it's possible for a snake to have allergies?

I have heard of dogs and cats having allergies and I wondered if snakes could too?

My hubby and I (with our seven foot burm) just moved to a new place and ever since both she and I have been all snuffly. I can take my allegra, but I feel bad for her. She doesn't have any of the other signs of a respiratory infection, just a lot of mucus. Which is becoming a problem because it seems to be blocking up her nasal passages, making her sneeze (I didn't know they could), and generally making it hard for her to breathe. I've tried upping the humidity in her cage and it doesn't seem to have an effect. The only thing that seems to help are warm baths (and she LOVES them loooong). After a few hours she seems to be breathing better, but nothing permanent.

Any ideas?

However little documentation exists, it is "possible" for snakes to have allergies, or to develope them.

Much more likely is that the change in enviroment, (and perhaps an airborne irritant (mold, insulation, dust...) have resulted in an upper respiratory infection. Remember that this term is a loose description of a multitude of ailments around the upper respiratory system. Worse off, it affects the lungs and air sacs. I would have this addressed by a vet before it has a chance to worsen.

As an aside, snakes cannot cough, or even really sneeze as we do, but can force air out with a quicker than normal exhalation. Remember that snakes do not have a diaphragm and can only breathe with skeletal muscles.

Ian