Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I own two ball pythons, both 20", 1 male and 1 female, living together in a 30gl aquarium.

One of my Balls makes popping noises while breathing, and has bubbles from the mouth. Research I've done leads me to believe it's a respiratory infection... commonly "Snake Hypothermia". I keep the humidity from 50-80%. The heat ranges from 95 in the day time basking spot to 70 in the night time cold side. I have tried to raise the cold side temp. Is there anything else I should do?

My other ball has a scab roughly the diameter of a pencil eraser on top of its head which I suspect is from rubbing against the screen lid. I have replaced the screen. About one month and a shed have since passed and the scab looks better, but is slightly larger. It doesn't look reirritated but size increase as a result of the shed. How long do wounds take to heal?

To the best of my knowledge I am trying to correct the situations that caused the problems. They eat like champs and but are less active in the past two weeks. I know that environment plays on ball python patterns.

Any help on the respiratory infection or with wound healing would be appreciated. Thanks.

Check out these URL's for more info
If one snake is dealing with a respiratory infection, take both snakes to the vet.

http://reptiles.drivennewmedia.com/ball_python_care.htm
The humidity may be a little too high if it stays at 80% for an extended period of time. 80% is ok for shed, but try to keep it down in the 40-60% range most of the time.

http://www.2ndchance.info/snakecare.htm
"...Respiratory infections in snakes are common. They occur in immuno-supressed snakes and are caused by common household contaminant bacteria. These infections manifest themselves as excess fluid in the mouth and nostrils, gaping of the mouth, listlessness and incomplete sheds. These infections result from inappropriate conditions such as cool temperatures, dry air, dehydration, stress, and parasites which all cause the snakes immune system to fail. To treat respiratory infections, we increase the temperature to 90F and eliminate or reduce all possible stress to the animal. If the condition persists, antibiotic therapy is required. The fluroquinolones (Batryl, Ciprofoxacin, Sarafloxacin) are often used for treatment. These snakes often never entirely rid themselves of the problem and relapses are common. Most respiratory problems occur during the colder months of the year or shortly thereafter."

First off, I would personnaly but highly reccommend separating them. And for the RI, might be best to take to vet to get that looked at. But sounds like ehtier to much humidty OR to cold, or a misture of both.

Remember that in most cases, to much humidty is worse than not enough.

As for the screen rub. Put some nerosporin(cant spell sorry) OR I use Virosan to put on small abrasions, which you could get at the vet.

Well, hope That helped some

Derek

i would take the one with the ri to the vet for medication. seperating the snakes will prevent cross contamination of the ri and reduce stress on the animals. people seem to forget that snakes (including royals) are solitary animals. they only come together to breed.

Thanks for the fast help guys...

I have applied neosporin to the head scab. On inspection, the wound doesn't look bad at all, but I am curious as to how long injuries of this sort take to heal.

I have found a way to keep the relative humidity around 50% and the snakes' tank has been covered completely to reduce stress. The temps over the last 24 have been contained between 86-94 degrees.

The RI ball is being treated with Ciprofoxacin.

Hope they're back to normal soon! Can't thank you guys enough.

Upon reading about RI, I read they often relapse and sometimes are never completely cured... should I be worried?