I have a ball python who is having several health problems which I think are all related together. First off, he is having problems breathing and I thought it was an upper respiratory infection but he was on antibiotics for seven days and it did not help. My next thought is that he is getting ready to shed and he has very dry skin on the end of his nose that I think might be blocking his nasal passage way and causing the weezing in his breathing. But he is also severely constipated, which is probably my greatest concern. I am unsure as to what to do about it, he just keeps sweeling up even more. He also has a pinkinsh red tint to his belly. Does anyone know what his problem could be and to how I could help his constipation and breathing.
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sick snake and my vet doesn't know what to do
Replies (3)
You think he is constipated because he is swelling up. How long has it been since he pooped? How many mice/rats has he eaten since his last poop? Keep in mind that snakes have very slow metabolism and can go for weeks to months without problems. You say he is having problems breathing and is wheezing. If very dry skin is blocking the end of his nose, then hopefully a good/complete shed will remedy that. Make sure the humidity is raised to 65-75%. The pinkish red tint on his belly sounds like he is going into shed.
It was been probably two months since he's pooped. And there is approxiamately eight mice that he has eaten and not digested yet.
...you didn't give a size for this snake but in an underfed adult BP, 8 adult mice may not result in a timely defication. The snake has digested the mice otherwise it would have regurgitated the rotting food. So it is highly unlikely the snake is constipated. After the snake sheds it will likely deficate. The pink belly is highly suggestive of a pending shed cycle.
As far as antibiotic treatment goes, selecting the wrong antibiotic often (usually) leads to treatment failures. The best antibiotics to use are a combination of amikacin and ceftazidime, with very few exceptions.
Retained skin in the nostrils can certianly lead to breathing (air movement) difficulties. The impending shed should take care of this.
Hope this helps!
Scott J. Michaels DVM
Serpent City
