Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a two year old male ball python that seems to have contracted a respiratory illness. He is not eating, rubbing his snout against the walls of his cage (or anything in his immediate vicinity, for that matter), and excreting a clear, bubbly liquid from his mouth. What should I do? What kind of medication does he require? I've used Baytril extensively with tortoises, and I have the dosing for them pretty well down. Is it the same for ball pythons? Is there possibility of allergic reaction? Are injections even in order?

You'll want to take it to a vet to see if it is RI first and formost. My blood is going through one right now and its no fun at all. Although from your description, it does sounds like RI.

The next time your holding the snake listen for a wheeze when its breathing and it can be a little more conclusive. But I would say take it to the vet. Mine is on Amikacin, but I've had several people tell me not to use it because of how perfect everything has to be or you end up with kindey failure and death (amongst other things that can happen). Which is never a good thing. So I have heard of using Baytrol, and I cant remember what else is used. I also know it helps to raise your temps a couple degrees, and keep your humidity at the right level.

BUT no matter what is used it should be under the perscription from the vet. They know how to properly dose and perscribe to these kind of problems.

Lastly, you need to look at how this happened. Were your temps all good? Humidity? Double and triple check everything so that this doesnt happen again. Or to another snake.

Keep us all posted.