Reptile & Amphibian Forums

About three months ago I bought my first Yellow Anaconda. Everything has been great. The first time he shed he did not eat, which from everything I've read is fine. This time I could tell that he is getting ready to shed as he is dull in color, and its about that time. He also was in his hide box for a couple of weeks last time so this time when he disappeared, I thought nothing of it. Today when I checked on him, which I do every day, I decided to pick him up.

He had would sounded like "burps" coming from his mouth and he opened his mouth slowly a couple of times. When I put him back in his cage, he went into his water dish and he is actually floating.

Whats going on and what can I do? Is this anything to worry about?

Please help as I am extremely worried.

Thanks

Sounds like it could be a respitory illness. Find a good herp vet and explain. I know this sounds like a cop out but they can culture the bacteria and see if it is a gram negative or gram positive type and recommend the proper antibiotics. If it is then there are probably some husbandry concerns such as heat, thermoregulatory conditions, H2O temps, or problems that arose prior to you getting the snake. I believe that there are lots of imports coming in that people are not telling us. have a fresh fecal ready so that your vet and bring the Rossi and Rossi book because it has great charts on dosing meds and such.

Hope this was of some help, Peter
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Peter Kriz
Aquarist/Biological Programs
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Sua Sponte