Health problem?

[anders_240sx]

I was just wondering ... sometimes my bp when moved into a new location ... or when I introduced another bp in there ...it would open its mouth and either his ..or blow small bubbles ... could this be a respiratory problem?.. or annoyence?... the one that I added is a female ..but I dont know the sex of the other one
thanks
Anders

[emroul]

I'm not an expert, but i know if small bubbles of mucus are coming out of his mouth that means he has a resp. infection. I had one brought into my collection that was leaving his mouth gaping open, so I opened it, looked inside, and mucus bubbles were coming out. It needs to be takin care of ASAP, RI's are contagious. Some one else will probably refer you some tips... But that is all I know of it...

[emroul]

I would suggest a search on google.com for Respiratory Infections in ball pythons....

[Big Mike]

Raise the temperature a few degrees and consider taking it to a vet.

Do you quarantine new animals before introducing them to your animals? It's a very good practise to keep new animals separate for a few months so that you can be sure that they are healthy and will not bring any infection or worse into your current collection.

[Tim_Cranwill]

Ok, first off: Yes that does "sound" like an RI. A vet would know better and be able to help you treat the problem. But start by keeping the enclosure as dry as possible and raising the temps.

Second: DO NOT put another snake in there especially if you think one might be sick!!! Do you want two sick snakes?!? Keep the "sick" snake separate from the rest of your collection to stop the RI from spreading.

I hope this helps...

Thanks,
Tim Cranwill
www.cranwill.com
cranwill@mts.net

[mykee]

Also, this is a prime example of why not to put two snakes in the same enclosure.

[Corey Woods]

If you do have a RI infection I've had good success treating it with Fortaz (Ceftazidime). It works wonders on RI, mouth rot, skin infections, tail infections, and internal infections caused by bacteria. The dosage I use is 28mg/kg injected every 3 days, however, you can use anywhere from 25 to 50mg/kg every 3 days. This drug is mainly used on humans so if your vet doesn't have it get him to call it into the hospital or pharmacy.

Good luck,
Corey