Sick Ball Python

Jody Wheatley · 02-07-11, 03:25 PM

Hello everyone!! I'm new here...I have an 11 month old Lemon Pastel Ball Python who has developed a respiratory infection. It's going on a month now with no results from her vet visits and injections. I'm very worried about "Kevin" as she is very sick and her partner "Doug" (male Pinstripe) is still living in same environment. What can I do for her? Do they need to be separated?

Please anyone who can help...let me know.
Thanks!!

infernalis · 02-07-11, 09:14 PM

CanadianEryx · 02-07-11, 09:20 PM

Hi Jody! Welcome to the forum--there are so many things to learn where our babies are concerned, aren't there? Personally, I would separate your snakes just to be on the safe side but what do I know? I've only had my kenyan sand boa (ksb) for three months and haven't had to deal with any infections as yet. I'm sure you'll hear some better advice soon. Stay posted!

Ch^4 · 02-08-11, 01:41 AM

Welcome! I'm sorry to hear about your BP. As mentioned, I'd separate them, as housing together could cause issues (too young to breed). You don't want to end up with 2 sick snakes.

How are your temps and humidity?

I'd up the temp a couple degrees and make sure that your relative humidity is at least 60%. Other than that, the only advice I can offer is another vet visit.

Will0W783 · 02-08-11, 10:03 AM

Welcome. I too am so sorry to hear about your situation. I would definitely say to separate the two, and for the future it's always better to house each snake separately. We humans are social animals that appreciate and need company, but snakes do much better if they have their own space. Housing two snakes together can lead to competition for favorite spots and stress and illness, because the stress lowers their immunity. Plus, if one snake is sick the other will likely catch whatever the first one has. Just something to keep in mind.

Now on to your immediate issue: What medicine has your veterinarian prescribed? How often are the shots and what dosage is it? Also, what are the temperatures in your cage? When a snake is sick, oftentimes raising the temps about 5-8 degrees and raising humidity can help encourage the immune system. For a BP, that would be raising the cage to about 95 in the hot spot and 85 on the cool end. And if you do a night-time temperature drop, eliminate that in the sick snake's cage. At this point, if she is not responding to treatment, I would say to ask your vet to do a culture to determine what bacteria you are dealing with. Some bacteria do not respond well to certain drugs. It is also possible, although less likely, that what your snake has is viral and not bacterial. That would require a different course of treatment. Best of luck, and keep us posted. Feel free to pm me if you have any more questions. I've had a fair amount of experience with RIs when I first started keeping snakes, and have learned some home remedies that often help head them off or supplement medical treatment.

Jody Wheatley · 02-08-11, 05:40 PM

Thanks guys for your input. The vet didn't tell me to keep them separated, I guess I'll have to figure something out as I cannot afford another home as of yet. Also, I didn't realize they shouldn't be kept together. Will they be less likely to breed when they get old enough if they've lived together? Because I really want some Lemon Blasts and will do what I have to to keep them healthy and happy.

I've been keeping the "hot" side @ 90' and the "cool" side @ 77'-80'. The humidity is fairly low as they're in an aquarium type enclosure with locking screen lid. I've covered almost 3/4 with plastic wrap and also draped a towell over "hot" side as well. I've installed a "hot-box" with Spagnum moss (moist) directly over a small under tank heat pad, but she will not use this, my pinstripe loves it however.

I've got another appt with her vet this eve for her 4th ?betril? injection.

Lankyrob · 02-08-11, 06:32 PM

One problem with a young pair together is if they breed whilst the female is too small she may become eggbound.

With Balls you really want humidity up at 55-65% consistently

CanadianEryx · 02-09-11, 03:54 PM

You're second enclosure doesn't need to be really fancy or expensive for the time being. Feel free to use a Rubbermaid container with small holes drilled into the lid. Newspaper works good for bedding as well so all you would need to worry about-cost wise-would be something to heat the warm side. Good luck and I hope you sick snake gets well fast!