Possible RI?

[Brie Lin]

I recently acquired a young male BP in addition to my older female (with whom I've never had problems), and I'm a bit worried since I have limited experience with really young snakes (my girl was around 2 years old when I got her).

The little one has shed and eaten since I've gotten him, but I've noticed that he seems a bit off. He will occasionally 'bullfrog' up his throat, though I was thinking this was possibly a way for him to warn anything off, and today I noticed that a bubble will occasionally come out of his mouth. Sometimes he seems like he has problems opening his mouth, but I'm not sure if that is a typical juvenile snake thing. I tried to offer food last night, but he hasn't fed again.

I'm a little worried that the bubbles and bullfrog-ing might mean some respiratory issues. Any input?

[Brie Lin]

Update: I tried to check inside his mouth but he refused to open. More bubbles and drooling became apparently. Almost certain it's a RI.

[ballpythonluvr]

It most certainly does sound like an RI. I think a vet visit is in order. Please tell me you have the little guy quarantined and away from your other snake?

[Brie Lin]

He is indeed. I'll be calling the vet shortly here.

[WmHrbst]

Def sounds like a RI, poor little guy. Best of luck.

[Brie Lin]

Vet says that there's nothing we can do until Monday when the office opens.

Til then, I'm going to follow the advice I see prescribed most often on here and other forums, and up the heat. One thing I'm not sure on is the humidity. Some sources say to up it as well. Some say to keep it level. Some say to down it. I'm not sure at all.

[Brie Lin]

Okay, hi, update!

It was indeed an RI. We found a very nice vet who was very good with him, and he said that it was a good thing that it was caught early. About a month or so of doses later, and the lil one is doing a lot better. His last shot was a few days ago, and we're both pretty happy to be done with them.

More questions.

He was still drooling a bit after the last dose, which worried me, but since it's been a long weekend, the vet's office was closed. Then yesterday he shed, and now he looks and acts perfectly fine. Would anyone suggest a follow-up visit with the vet just in case, or what?

[CDs Ball Pythons]

It's always better to be care than be sorry. A follow-up wouldn't be awful, keeping the BP's best interests in mind.

[Brie Lin]

Another update.

Lil man is cleared for the RI! His mouth is entirely clear of mucus and he's being more active, and most importantly, eating again! He lost a bit of weight thanks to lack of appetite while being sick, so he's been pretty hungry lately. Thanks for all your help and suggestions. :)