I know they are pretty rare in well kept milksnakes, but what should I look for in stages for a respiratory infection? I ams familiar with bubbly gums (though I'm not sure what extent 'bubbly' means, since they have saliva that occasionally bubbles too, and if the bubbles mean thickened saliva), hissing, weezing, and popping sounds.
I ask because I have been leaving my snakes alone lately and just took one out for a photoshoot after a good shed, and he drooled on me! I've never had the pleasure of meeting snake saliva before, and there were a few bubbles on occasion, especially when I lightly restrained his head to examine his mouth, the head 'squeeze' as he wriggled backwards out of my fingers gave a small amount of bubbles through his tongue space. He also has had popping sounds when he breathes every third breath or so all spring, since he has been digging incessantly and has quite a nice snub nose going on (this happens every spring).
Any help is greatly appreciated!
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Signs of an RI?
Replies (4)
Jasmine,......
Yes, the saliva, bubbles, ticking-popping are all signs of an RI.
I would STRONGLY suggest you get the snake looked at by a qualified vet so they can take measures with appropriate antibiotics BEFORE it advances any further.
You should most definitely keep the snake in the mid 80's so it's metabolism is raised a bit to help combat this until you DO get it to the vet.
Hopefully it is still feeding, because that is another sign it is getting even worse. If it doesn't get turned around ASAP, it could esily lead to the snake's death.
Best of luck getting this turned around!
~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing" 
my website -Serpentine Specialties
Thanks, I will make an appointment as soon as they open tomorrow.
Good deal Jasmine!
I hope the snake ends up okay.
~Doug
-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"
my website -Serpentine Specialties
The vet put him on close watch with mandatory soaks and observation, but it was not a respiratory infection. He has been digging a lot and the vet thinks that he just keeps pushing substrate into his mouth and trying to salivate it out. With increased heat and soaks, he has stopped making sounds.
