My young kingsnake soaked today, and after leaving the water she coughed out a small amount of water and some bubbles from her mouth. She has soaked before without problems so I'm not sure why she inhaled water this time. She definitely wasn't coughing before and I handle her often. I just checked on her (this happened a couple of hours ago) and she's still coughing. I'm really worried now and would like to know if there's anything I can do for her. Any advice would be grestly appreciated. thank you
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snake coughing after soak
jelakiwi
Oct 06, 2007 03:21 AM
Replies (1)
joeysgreen
Oct 07, 2007 04:45 PM
Snakes can't actually cough, so you are seeing it's best attempts to clear any fluid it may have accidently inhaled. You can try holding it up with tail higher and head lower. This will allow gravity to help bring the fluid down and exit. Can I assume the water was clean, without soap or debris? If so, then small amounts of water remaining will be absorbed. If debris was also inhaled then you have a bigger problem.
Right now, if you keep your animal at optimum husbandry you should be fine. If the coughing action continues through tomorrow take it to the vet for sure. Of course if things escalate prior too, don't wait.
Ian
