Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a Jungle Carpet Python approx. 9 months old with recurring stomatitis.
The animal was a rescue so I don't know it's history.
Mid August it was treated with 7 antibiotic injections followed by 7 days of oral baytril.
For three weeks after everything was fine - eating- shedding, etc. Kept in a VERY sterile environment. Now it is back. I suppose another trip to the vet is in order, but it's expensive right now. Any suggestions on treating this for a permanent solution?
Thanks for your help.

A couple of questions for some additional background. What was the injectable antibiotic that was used first, and what is the appearance of the infection? Is it a swollen gumline and some yellowish material, or does it have a more darker or reddish open sore apperance to it?

Kelly

I think the injections were cipro but I am not positive. The vet gave them to me in seven syringes. It's more of a swollen gumline and is a grayish material. Not really red or yellow. Not an open sore, more swollen where the snakes mouth is slightly open.
He shed normally today.

Definitely sounds like the infection has not reached a severe level and that is a plus. Not knowing the exact history, and going from your description, it sounds like there is a possibility that there may be a tooth issue going on here. This could be causing more of an irritation, and possibly not that serious of an infection. That is just a guess, and the vet would need to check on that.

Baytril can be given orally, but Cipro does not have an injectable form that I am aware of (except I.V. hospital use). Could the injectable have been something different? Both are fluoroquinolone class antibiotics and very similar in molecular structure, with Cipro being slightly superior in spectrum of activity. There are several other choices if it comes down to needing alternatives if the Cipro is ineffective in resolving any existing infection. There are two cephalosporin class antibiotics that have worked well in these cases. One is ceftazidime (Fortaz) and the other is ceftriaxone (Rocephin). The superior one is probably ceftriaxone, as I have seen it resolve stomatitis in snakes that was so severe it looked to be beyond treatment. Both are typically dosed at 20 mg/kg at 48 hour intervals. Another alternative is amikacin, but this one is toxic and more care is needed with it’s use. It is however an excellent antibiotic for the treatment of stomatitis, and can be used safely.

As always, the use of any antibiotic treatment should be under consultation from a vet, as well as the dosage requirements. Be sure to let us know how it turns out.

Kelly

Did another round of Baytril from the vet. He thinks it just did not get rid of the infection totally the first time.
Snake seems fine now has shed and is eating regularly.
All of the swelling is gone from the mouth area and gums and teeth are normal.
Thanks for your advice and help.