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I have a 2 year old Arizona Mountain Kingsnake who has developed what looks like an infection in her mouth. I don't have any pictures but I will discribe it the best I can. It is on the inside left upper part or her mouth. It is dark brown and taking up about half of the inside of the mouth. It looks like an infected gum. I tried to touch it lightly with a Q-tip and it started bleeding. She cannot close her mouth. She is very active and alert. This started Friday night after the Vet closed (as always). I can take her to the Vet Monday. He wants $100.00 just to see her and he is the only reptile Vet anywhere close. I believe there are people on here who know just as much or more than he does about snakes and was wandering if someone could help me or tell me if this might be something I could take care of at home. If not, it's off to see him tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

Ken

Sounds alot like mouth rot. Unfortunately, if left untreated it will result in the death of your snake. You will need to act quickly, and I would suggest treating the snake with the help of the veterinarian.

http://www.caringtogether.com/exotics/snakes3.html#j

^ Good description of mouth rot
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I have treated mouth rot successfully on a few occassions in kingsnakes, housesnakes, and several boas.

Here's what I do. First get a clean (!) Q-tip (sterile swab would be better) and gently wipe away the caseous (cheesy-brown material). Then rinse the area with hydrogen peroxide using a dropper or small syringe. Make sure the snakes head is pointed down so the material/fluid doesn't end up in the snake's trachea or digestive tract. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to bubble on there a few seconds then very gently apply some betadine with another clean Q-tip. Always work with the direction of the teeth with the Q-tip (or it will catch on the teeth).

Be VERY gentle. The snake will NOT enjoy this experience, but if you keep it up for a few days, you can usually nip this sort of infection in the bud. If it doesn't start clearing up in 2 days of treatments, get it to the vet for a regimen of antibiotics.
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Chris Harrison

Thank you. Does my snake have a chance of making it? It is pretty bad. I was reading where very few snakes live if it is not treated right away. And that their teeth fall out.
Ken

>>Thank you. Does my snake have a chance of making it? It is pretty bad. I was reading where very few snakes live if it is not treated right away. And that their teeth fall out.
>>Ken
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Chris Harrison

np