Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This literally happened about a minute ago, and I wanted to post it simply because of how sudden and upsetting it was. My perfectly healthy, shedding-in-one-piece water python suddenly had a serious case of bad gas.

I heard a violent thrashing in her tank so I rushed over. She was out of her hide, mouth gaping open in pain while her body contracted, and vent passing a LOT of gas. In a panic I yanked open the door of the cage and helped hold her head above water because she was starting to foam at the mouth (her head just happened to be perched above the water basin, but the contractions were so hard she went under a couple times). Can't say how long this lasted, but maybe 20-30seconds? And just as suddenly as it started, it stopped, her mouth closed and she acted as usual while she went back 'home'. Right now I can see her, head propped out of the hide during the usual daytime nap.

Last she ate was on the 14th of March, so she should be pretty finished and passed by now as far as digestion goes. This has never happened before, she's never strained about defecating, not being bred, the other day urates came out fine, and like I said her sheds have been perfect. So I assume this is just a freakish one time deal? Obviously if it happens again she's going straight to the vet ASAP, but for now I'm just confused and wanna know if anyone's seen ANYTHING like this before.

I did notice this once before. My female BHP was rather bloated and gassy. She was subsequently diagnosed with a mild RI. Not saying this is the case, but keep an eye out for any symptoms, as when they have any trouble breathing, they tend to breathe through their mouths which causes them to swallow some air and accounts for the gas.
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"He who would stifle debate rather than engage in it, does so at the expense of his integrity and credibility"

Mike Curtin

I've had pythons in the past that were perfeectly healthy that let out a snakefart that you could hear across the room. A bit of fluid with it maybe....but usually just gas.

But they don't turn and look at it like dogs do