Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been observing my BP since last night when I said that he's been holding his head upward. Well, today I can see that he's holding his mouth open and at times rubbing his nose against things. I'm going to call a vet or animal hospital but what should I ask in regards to whether they have expertise or not with snakes? I've looked in the yellow pages and see vets and hospitals in there that say they take care of exotics but I'm sure that doesn't necesarily mean that they can take care of a snake. Anyway, an immediate reponse with some advice would be much appreciated because I'm worried about him. I felt I was doing everything I could to keep the husbandry right in his tank but I've had a constant struggle with keeping the humidity up and maybe that might have caused this, I don't know! I feel really bad about it right now! Anyway, advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Herp Vets

Also, I think if it says exotics most likely they will treat ball pythons.

You can call any number of those vets you saw listed to treat exotics and ask them if they treat ball pythons. You should also feel free to ask them how much experience they have with snakes.

I hope everything ends up ok. FWIW, these snakes are pretty hardy so try not to get too worried, just learn from it all.
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Rob Talkington

Is there any strange noises coming from his mouth or any saliva bubbling from his nostrils. If so it could be a Respiratory Infection. If this is the case get him to the vets ASAP. My snake had an RI last year and the symptons were an elevated / open mouthed breathing. It can be caused by too low humidity I believe but my vet who treats alot of snakes has said that it can and does happen frequently with BP's for no apparent reason. A weeks worth of injections at the vets and the BP was fine so get him there ASAP if in doubt.

I have actually taken mine to the vets today about something - I was worrying about nothing as usual but best to be safe.

Hope it goes well
Ben

Sorry, didn't want any confusion where I said 'if this is the case get him to the vets ASAP'.

By the sounds of it you should get him to a vets whether you think it is an RI or not. I was not implying you should only take him if it as RI.

Try not to worry too much, in my very limited experience and from all the research I have done they are a very hardy snake.

Regards
Ben

I was wondering what vets tend to charge for stuff like this? Believe me, I'm not putting money before the health of my pet but I have had some financial struggles of late so I'm hoping these places would let me make payments or something if the cost is that high. Either way I'm going to call somebody right after posting this and ask them anyway but I was just wondering about that since you guys have more experience in this. Thanks again.

vet exam costs about $49 on average here, and with the medicine and needles it was around $70 total when mine had an RI. But I live in Los Angeles so things always cost more around here, might be cheaper where you are.

Thanks for the info. I just scheduled an appointment for tomorroe morning and they told me $32 for the visit and whatever treatment is needed will be added on to that so it sounds to me like it will be a little cheaper. I was actually expecting it to be $100 or more for some reason so I was relieved when I heard the actual price. OK, in case you guys care I'll let you know how he does. Thanks for all thw advice everyone! I have to triple my efforts after this concerning the humidity!

My vet charges me $25 for a visit, and about $25-$30 for the Amikacin.

TomChambers