Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my snake is making kind of a cracking sound from its mouth, when he does it his mouth opens very slightly, it sounds almost like a hiccup, or he is snapping his teeth together. overall he looks to be in good shape, normal breath sounds, temps are fine, humidity fine, active, not lethargic. moves regularly between hot and cool hides. no bubbling or liquid from nostrils. lung(s) sound fine. mouth closed (except when he makes the snapping sound. seems to it more when agitated, but it is still pretty regular (not in sync with breathing however) ant thoughts?
mike

If it is a very faint audible cracking sound it could be the snakes epiglottis opening on the bottom of the snakes mouth to inhale or exhale. I have from time to time noticed a noise such as the one described especially when a snake is eating and stops to inhale. If there is no inflamation or bubbly mucus the snake should be fine.
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Brad Ratliff
Ratliff Reptiles
Email

i have noticed that sometimes the crackling sound is accompanied by the lower part of the throat expanding ever so slightly, but again it is not every time and getting the snake to hold still and crackle on command is beyond my snake-keeping capabilities.
but my mind is eased somewhat, thanks
Mike

That would be the start of a respiratory infection. What are the snake's temps and humidity and how are you measuring them?

I would get the snake to the vet, so they can do a culture and get your snake started on antibiotic treatment. You don't want to wait long to treat an RI.
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-Becky Brown, RVT-
1.0 Lemon Pastel Classic Jungle(NERD),1.0 Black Pastel,1.0 Enchi,1.0 Yellow Hypo,0.1 100% het Butterscotch Hypo,3.24 Normals,1.1 Spider,1.1 Yellowbellies(BHB),1.0 100% Het Pied Classic Jungle(Don Kaye),1.0 50% Poss. Het Pied(Gary Kettring),0.1 Classic Jungle(RIP K..),1.3 66% Poss Het VPI Axanthic, 1.1 Poss Het VPI Snow,1.0 100% het Genetic Stripe

low side ~75 high side ~90, humidity 50-60% all measured via digital thermometer w probes in hides at substrate level. routinely take ambient measurements via another digital @ middle of cage mid level of tank ~80F . humidity gauge is petco stick-on type.

thanks for your concern, but i don't think the symptom fits the disease, there is no open mouth breathing, fluid discharge, or anything else to indicate an RI. i listened very carefully to the snakes breathing and the sound was definitely coming the throat, not the lungs. much like the sound of a rubber band snapping. I'll keep a close eye on him and if any other symptoms occur i'll take him to the vet.
thanks
mike
BTW as i fed my other snakes today i heard the same sound FWIW.
m