I just noticed that my brother's ball python is making noises and gaping its mouth open. It also has a very small amount of mucus bubbling out its mouth. Although I am sure that this is a respitory problem, I am unsure what is the cause. The air tempature usually ranges around 84-86 during the day(surface temp hotter on warm side)and high 70s at night. Also, the tank is dry, and the soil is not moist. Advice please? We are going to try to increase temperature by adding more water bowls and covering all but about 10% of screen lid. Also is a trip to the vet recommended. Thank You.
Justin
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respitory problems
justinmatthew
Sep 15, 2003 05:10 PM
Replies (5)
jmartin104
Sep 15, 2003 05:41 PM
Nothing you have said would lead me to believe it is a cause of RI. I have not witnessed low humidity resulting in RI. What type of substrate are you using? Does it result in dust? Are there any drafts where the snake is located? It may not be RI so it is important to have it checked by a qualified vet.
I usually treat RI (in Boas as NONE of my balls have ever had RI) by increasing the temps and REDUCING humidity. I keep the temps constant at my day-time setting. Once cleared, I go back to normal night-time temps.
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Jay A. Martin
spydergirl
Sep 15, 2003 11:18 PM
I am confused here. Some say to Increase humidty when a RI may be present,and some say to DECREASE. which is it???
jmartin104
Sep 16, 2003 05:47 AM
Perhaps Scott (DVM) could shed some light on this. There are some who recommend nebulizing with medication. Again, I do not increase humidity and all have recovered just fine. Now, in all the cases I've treated the infection was extremely minor. I think anything but the mildest cases should be treated by a vet.
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Jay A. Martin
spydergirl
Sep 16, 2003 07:22 AM
I like your way of thinking. Ive had minor problems with any and all of my herps,and have not yet needed a trip to the vet, and have not yet lost an animal or have any unhealthy ones. usually some sort of home remedy or some TLC fixes most of them up. Notices some faint sneezing, no boogies, no mouthrot. He also just shed and was left in a "sweatbox" overnight because of a crappy shed. Couldve done it i suppose?
gpgpgp
Sep 16, 2003 04:14 AM
I think a visit to the vet could be wise...
could be mouth rot at a beginning state or pneumonia...
