Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For the past 2 or 3 days I've noticed that my BP is always pointing his head upward. Even when he's just sitting there he has his head pointing upward toward the top leaning it against the side. Could he have a repiratory infection? I don't think he has his mouth constantly open but it's hard to tell. If he does, then he barely has it open. Anyway, any advice on this would be appreciated! By the way, I've had a heck of a time trying to keep his humidity up in there so could that be affecting him? Thanks!

Just so you guys know, he's not just doing this for a couple of minutes and stopping. He's doing in for hours straiht where he's just constantly having his head face upward where he used to just rest it on his body. Anyway, just wanted to add that. Thanks.

Try Feeding it. My snakes do this when they are hungry.

( feeling for food )

Actually, I try feeding him every Monday but he hasn't eaten in about 2 months I'd say. Although I've tried feeding him rats when I was feeding him mice. I may try and get those drops that have a mouse scent in them and put them on the rat to see if he'll take it. I noticed too that he hasn't pooped in quite a while either! I'm talking a month and half maybe! Is that normal? He used to poop every couple of weeks, but of course, that's when he was eating more too.

Sounds like a respiratory infection (Head constantly upright and the mouth barely open). The low humidity is probably the cause of this (Need to get it up if low). Check for any mucous or bubbles around the mouth as well as any swelling of the lower jaw. Also listen for any wheezing sounds. From what you described I would schedule a visit to the vet. The earlier you treat this the better.

Tom

I just checked him and their isn't any swelling around the lower jaw that I can see and I don't see any mucous or bubbling and he's not wheezing either. I actually decided to give him a luke warm, shallow bath (for humidity, plus he hasn't pooped in quite a while so I thought maybe that might help it along if needed) and he stopped pointing his head up when I had him in it. He just rested his head on his body like normal. But I'm still probably going to take him to a Vet if I can find one around here that specializes in reptiles. I've looked before and couldn't find anything. If anyone lives in the Pittsburgh area and knows of a vet, please let me know! And let me know if there's anything else I can do before I can get him there. Thanks!!!!!

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