Mouth Problem?

[Memnoch]

Just wondering if it is normal for an adult ETB to be perching with is mouth slightly open. Is that a symptom of mouth rot?

Also, with the pinch test for dehydration, how fast is the skin suppose to bounce back? Is there any other gauges of dehydration?

Background:
The specifics of the enclosure are:
Tupperware on its side. 1/4" vent holes 1.5" apart. Temperature is 80° on the warm side and 77° on the cool side. Humidity is at 90% and drops to ~75% at night. There is a water dish that takes up about 1/3 of the bottom and the enclosure is misted 3+ times a day.

The etb is a WC and possibly fresh import. I just have treated for mites with NIX. And he/she has taken down a total of 3 mouse hoppers. Now I'm just waiting for the poop so I can do a fecal analysis and potentially blood work. (I'm not sure if it is necessary) since the only problem if it is a problem is the open mouth issue.

[Rob McRobbie]

It sounds like it might be a tempature issue. If you can't see chessey sort of deposits in the mouth chances are it is not mouth rot but rather a respitory infection. 80 F at the warm end is definitely not warm enough, even these snakes are to be kept cooler than most boids. I would provide a higher temp for the hot spot and if it is in fact a resp. infection, the temps should be cranked up a fair amount until it clears up. Try to listen for clicking sounds when it breathes or watch for the snake taking big gasps of breath.

I have used Baytril successfully with these infections. Go see a vet before the problem worsens.

Hope this helps..

Rob