Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I just moved my bp to a new cage that I thoroughly cleaned and aired out before I placed him in. He is alert and active as per usual but seems to be yawning quite a bit, he also seems to push against the glass as though he is attempting to push his jaw back into place, I have noticed that when he does yawn there seems to be quite a bit of mucous present, I have seen this once before a couple of weeks ago when I cleaned my cages and sprayed with provent as we had a slight mite issue due to unclean living situations where I purchased one of my boas, this was preventative maintanance for the bp and my other boa... could the behavior that my bp is exhibiting be signs of a respiratory infection or something else?

regards,

Verita

Could be either RI or a reaction to the PAM treatment. See my post just below on "General rules for small snakes", concerning mite treatment. The procedure I describe in that post can be used just as effectively with larger snakes. Also, did you use the spray for mites this last time you cleaned the cage?

I would stop all mite treatments at this point and observe this python for a few days. Some snakes will be overly active when placed in an unfamiliar new cage, but my concern is the observation of mucous for the second time and the frequent yawning, which are common signs of respiratory irritaion whether it is chemical, mechanical, or bacterial in origin. Did you notice if the mucous was clear or opaque? Also, some pythons will rub their noses when they have an RI due to the nasal irritation and excess mucous. If it is an RI, the excess mucous will not go away in a few days, but if it is a chemical irritation, it most likely will. Obviously if the environmental conditions are good and the symptoms continue, a vet visit may be in order. What was your cage setup before you made the change? Temps, humidity, hide box, etc. Ball pythons are fairly adaptable, and usually husbandry needs to be off a fair amount to cause health issues.

Kelly

It seems that this was do to an irritation, he has settled in quite nicely, become the usuall dweller lol.

This was the last treatment with the PAM so no more of that, normally we try to keep his basking spot around 95 degrees seems as though the rest of his habitat comes to a steady 85-90, we are still building up to the proper heat emitters etc. This is only problematic due to current financial situations but I would rather my herps be healthy and well fed more than anything.
As far as mucous is concerned was very clear...

I guess I shall see if he is up to his usuall self at feeding tomorrow... He is a very greedy eater so if that is off then off to the vet.

Thank You so much...

Regards,

Verita

Sounds good, and just a last thought on the temps. Your basking temp is alright, but the cooler side should probably be in the lower 80's. With those higher temps, be sure to watch the humidity, as a cage gradient from 85 to 95 will lower it considerably, and that could play a role in lung irritation. Thanks,

Kelly