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Re: Mouth infection...
MEDICATIONS: Products such as hydrogen peroxide, and mouthwash, have been recommended for stomatitis. The problem is that these products are cytotoxic. At full strength they destroy the good tissue along with the bad. What is called for is a product that has antibacterial properties but is gentle on healthy tissue. Vets use Novasolon (chlorhexidine diacetate) and Betadine (providone Iodine). Novasolon is available by mail order from animal suppliers and from feed and grain stores. It's great to have on hand as a disinfectant, but the stuff is expensive ($36/gal or about $10/qt), but you dilute it in water. Betadine is available at drug, grocery, and many pet stores. It is also great to have on hand as an antibacterial agent for cuts and scratches.
TREATMENT: Quarantine the snake! Mouth rot (stomatitis) is highly contagious. Raise the temperature of the enclosure (see below). If there is a scab-like crust over the gums, it should be wiped away, using a Q-tip with 1/3 strength hydrogen peroxide (2 parts water : 1 part peroxide). Swab the affected area inside of the snakes mouth, roof & gums with a 1% solution of Nolvasan or full strength (10% solution) of betadine. The swabbing may result in the mouth bleeding, depending upon how advanced the infection is. This can be followed by coating the inside of the mouth with fresh aloe from the leaf of a live aloe plant. Not only does the aloe soothe, it seals in the Nolvasan/Betadine. Hopefully this helps to keep the Nolvasan/Betadine in the affected area of the mouth and decreases the amount of iodine that gets inadvertanly swallowed. The aloe can be safely injested by the snake. For slightly more advanced mouthrot (showing bleeding or enlarged, red blood vessels along the gumline), applying 1/3 strength hydrogen peroxide before applying the Nolvasan or Betadine opens the blood vessels and allows deeper penetration of the Nolvasan/Betadine. Discontinue use of the diluted peroxide or mouthwash if open bleeding occurs. Mild cases warrant daily care. Cases with dried puss warrant twice-daily care. If the condition does not improve within a week, consult your veterinarian for systemic antibiotic treatment. Wash your hands thoroughly in soap and water, followed by Betadine or Nolvasan before handling any other snakes or continuing your daily activities.
HEAT: For this condition stomatitis (mouth rot) it is widely suggested that you raise the temps in your enclosure to the upper 80s, immediately. This is to give the snake's immune system a boost. The temperature should remain elevated day & night, 24x7. My observations indicate that my snakes seem quite content to be literally *bathing* in the heat. If the snake doesn't show signs of improvement within a week, see your veterinarian.
NOTES ON MEDS: Nolvasan may also be purchased as the generic chlorhexidine, from the internet for about $10 less than the brand name. You can also find the generic equivalent of Betadine (Povidone Iodine), at most drugstores and pet stores.
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