Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I have a jungle carpet python that is about 1.5 years old (I believe.) I've had him for about 3-4 months. He is currently soaking in his water bowl and has been in there for about 11 days. His eyes were hazy the last couple of days, so I assumed he's shedding. He soaked for 6-7 days before his last shed too, so I assume he likes to do this for a while. (This is only the 2nd shed I've had him for, so I'm still learning what's "normal" for him.)

He's looked normal in his bowl while soaking, but today I noticed what I would describe as cauliflower nose- his nose is all puffy and strange looking. Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm hoping it just means that his skin is separating in preparation for his shed, but I don't want to risk anything if he's potentially sick... the last time he shed he quit soaking for a few days before the shed, and I think that would be too long to ignore this.

Husbandry:
Cage is thermostat controlled to maintain 83 degrees F about halfway down. (It's an arboreal cage- 5ft tall, 3ft wide, and 2ft deep, so it maintains high 80s/low90s at the top, 83 in the middle and high 70's depending on ambient temp in the bottom.) It's heated with a ProProducts heat panel, and I keep the humidity around 65%, and a little higher when he's shedding. I realize this is a large cage for a young snake, but he has plenty of hides, foliage, and vines for cover. He acts very normal in it and doesn't seem stressed. (Lots of hunting behavior at night, active in branches, and doesn't use his hides during the day very often. His aggression levels haven't changed since I moved him in there either.. He's been in there almost 2 months.) Also, his first shed with me was in a 20gal tank and he soaked for days there too, so I don't believe the cage is an issue. I also have a ball python, so he isn't my first snake...)

Anyway, please let me know if you have any idea what this could be.
Josh

Josh...

You've probably noticed that this is a "hot topic" but no one has replied. Sorry about that, man. To tell you the truth, without some clear pictures you most likely won't get too many (or any) replies. It's very difficult to give advice based only on a person's description - everyone describes and interprets things differently but a few good, clear pictures can clear up any confusion.

Take a few shots of the "cauliflower nose" as well as a couple of the snake's enclosure. Perhaps then someone will have some ideas for you.
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Stay United!

I'm still not sure if it's weird that my best friend is a two year old boa named Ronin. He's quiet, non-judgemental and listens... what more could you want?

Thanks for the heads up. I've added a couple of pictures- one of him normal, one of looking odd, and his cage. The rock about half way up on the right side of the cage is where he's been soaking.

He is out of the water now, but still hasn't shed. (Or even started.) I'm maintaining closer to 80% humidity now that he's out of the water. His nose doesn't look "puffy" like it did, he's just got that grungy pre-shed look.

Thanks!
Josh

Can't really tell much from the photo. But Carpets often look unusually swollen around the pits/head area before shedding. If he's not in obvious decline or discomfort, wait until after he sheds. If it is still swollen or looks infected, it would most likely be stomatitis which would require oral antiseptic treatment to the area. That, along w/ heat and dry caging usually clears it up. Antibiotic injections may be necessary if its an advanced case. Either way, you'll have your answer after shedding.
Link

Good news! He shed out completely last night. He appears to be back to normal. I'll feed him tonight, and I'll feel much better watching him pound a couple of mice. Assuming he eats like his normal enthusiastic self, I'll consider him good to go.

Thanks for the info on stomatitis. I'll keep that in mind. I had also never heard that carpets get swollen around the head/pits pre shed. That's very reassuring. Compared to my adult Ball who sheds out clean in 4 to 6 days, my Carpet makes quite a spectacle of the whole deal.

Thanks for the help, interest, and reassurance!
Josh