Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! This is my first post on these boards. I'm kind of new to the reptile scene.
I rescued a 3ft. female ball python from a reptile rescue on Thursday. She seemed healthy and had no previous problems there.
I fed her a live mouse on Saturday and a prekilled one on Sunday. (Long story on why I had to split up the two days). She ate them both fine.

Well, last night I noticed a wierd breathing, but couldn't pick her up because she had just eaten. I took her out today and when she looks straight up, she makes a sound that is similar to a small child with a stuffy nose trying to breathe. (That's the best way I can put it). And she occasionally opens her mouth. Basically she sounds stuffed up. Is this a respiratory infection? She has been spending all day in her water bowl instead of her hide too.
I made an appointment with a vet. The earliest I could get was for Thursday morning. Any suggestions on what to do to keep her comfy until then? And will she be okay til thursday?

Thanks

It could be a RI, usually when the infection gets worse you will see a spit like mucus that bubbles out of their nose or mouth, also they will lay with their nose pointed up in the air or breath with their mouth open.

I had a boa this winter who only showed symptoms after I picked him up, and he was active for about five minutes, then he would start to blow bubbles out his mouth.

I would keep the heat in her enclosure on the high side of recommended temps. I kept mine at about 85 cool side 92 warm side until I could get to the vet. Some times the symptoms will lessen just by bumping the heat up.

I would guess she will be fine until Thursday, but I can’t see her so you will have to watch her symptoms and evaluate for yourself.

I remember the first time I had a ball with a RI, I was panicked because I couldn’t get an appointment with my vet for almost a week, but after I bumped up the heat, she barely had symptoms when we finally saw the vet.

Good luck
Tom Chambers