ball pythons?

Question

I am wondering if there is ove "otc" or home remedies for a ball python with a stuffed nose? I am new to owning a snake I got mine for my birthday and I am getting worried.This just started a day or 2 ago. Any help would be apprieciated. thanx

Thank you to all that answered. I did take him to the vet today and I have my ball python on antibiotics. He is well loved. ;) Like I said I am new to this so i am just learning. Anything will help. Thank you again.

Answer 1

Very little is currently available in the OTC medications for reptiles since reptilian pets are still fairly new and are just now becoming mainstream. Later on there might be more you could do at home, but for now, you will need to take the snake to a vet. When you do, make sure it is a vet that specializes in exotics. A typical vet is poorly prepared. They might assure you that their training includes reptiles, but a normal vet could very well make matters worse.

Reptiles are not like birds or mammals. Everything is much slower for reptiles. They can be sick for months or even years before the worse part of the disease is made apparent. This is why there are stories of reptiles dying for "no reason" because they really were sick the whole time.

A respiratory infection is troublesome for a snake, especially since their nasal cavity is small and they only have one functional lung. In the beginning, the only symptom might be a snake pressing against the glass and looking up or spending more time than normal in the water dish. Then the snake may leave its mouth open for no apparent reason, or have bubbles coming out of the mouth or nose. The snake may make a wheezing or rasping noise. Some snakes become aggressive when they are in a sickened state. Then labored breathing takes effect and the snake is more lethargic than usual. Eventually the snake dies several months later, and possibly starves as well.

The reason for the increase of heat is that an immune system functions better with heat than when cold. This is one of the reasons why birds and especially mammals have an excellent immune system. The heat will boost the snake's immune system and help it to fight of the infection until you can get the snake to a vet.

Please take your ball python to the vet. While you are there, ask the vet what would be the best way to avoid another respiratory infection. Also looking into mite prevention, mouth rot, mold, burns, other common afflictions of reptiles would be wise. The more you know, the more you can prevent.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Python's don't get just a stuffy nose. If it has any fluids coming from the mouth or nose, or if there is any type of wheezing when it breathes it needs to be taken to a vet IMMEDIATELY. It has respiratory infection. Until you are able to get it to the vet, raise the temperatures and lower the humidity in the habitat. If this just started a day or two ago then your snake should be fine but it does need to see a vet before it gets any worse. Respiratory infection in a ball python or any other snake is life threatening if left untreated.

Answer 3

If your snake is snuffly or appears to be having trouble breathing, it most likely has a respiratory infection. Check to see if the animal is gaping its mouth open or if there are fluids bubbling from the nose and mouth. I'd ring a vet right away and make an appointment.

In the meantime, bump up the temperature in the tank by a few degrees.

Answer 4

You need a vet ASAP, respiratory infections in reptiles are very dangerous and there is no home/otc treatment. He needs to see a vet NOW.

Answer 5

stuffed nose ? sounds like a respitory infection starting up, does he breath hard or have bubbles coming out of his mouth. what are the temps in his cage ? basking should be 88 - 90F and cool side can be around 80 F

Answer 6

hi there
nope best thing is to take it to a vet and get antibiotic's