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My 5' female python has been staring up at the top of her cage for about 4 days now. I recently read an article in Reptiles Mag talking about a phenomenon called stargazing which is a symptom from several diseases that are fatal. I'm not sure what to do at this point as i have other herps in the house and need to ensure their safety as well as do right by my snake. I inherited her from a friend about 4 months ago and she was in horrid condition: eye caps, unshed skin, sore on belly, and hadn't eaten in months. She ate about 4-5 days ago as well and is doing remarkably better than before. I can post photos if needed but not immediately.

What should i do?
~I live in a small town and we only have a cow/horse vet here so that is out of the question?

is she in the middle of the cage looking upward or leaning on the cage kind of pointing her head up.

often when they have a respiratory infection they will raise a front portion of their body pointing nose up to aid in breathing.

stargazing is a symptom of IBD(inclusion body disease) which can be transferred to other snakes. I don't know the incubation time or how common IBD actually is, but since she was a new addition you should have been quarantining, and washing thoroughly after interacting with her.

You really need to see if there is a reptile vet anywhere in driving distance, if not for this problem for future problems.

TomChambers

Stargazing (true stargazing that is) is a sign of brain damage from an infection. The cause is most likely a bacterial infection ( meningitis ) that has travled to the brain and caused a retardation of sorts. This is also an unfortunate event as it is almost a death warrent for the snake. There are methods to make the snake more comfortable (i.e. hydration and proper heating) and some antibiotics may also easy the discomfort the snake is going through. However the snake must be quarintined as the cause is most likely HIGHLY contagious and could spread to other snakes or even you. I am sorry to hear of this and I hope the best for you and the snake as the same happened to a snake of mine almost a year ago to the day. Again I am truely sorry.

Is she responsive while she stargazes?? When you attempt to open her cage does she move? Does she act like she hears you?

Does she wheeze frequently or maybe even every now and than? Does she squeak when she breathes sometimes?

Where do you live? I'm a vet-tech, and I know us and veterinarians get a really bad rep in our hobby, but not all are bad. Tell us where you live. I do work an an exotic animal hospital and maybe I or someone on here can find you someplace that's not unreasonably far and can accommodate ball pythons,,, because she needs a vet soon.
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Cheers!
• Chelsea Lynn Gardiner
(and Frank M. Wood)