Mortified + How To Check Mouth?

[KingWheatley]

Just got back from the vet.

My roommate had been handling my BP while I was at work, (apparently had been doing so for over a month... including after feeding). My python is housed in my room, and I figured it was understood that my room is off limits.

I come home from a 3rd shift at the hospital to my roommate searching the living room frantically... tossing pillows off the couch and flipping crap upside down. Apparently he had not only taken him out (I JUST fed him yesterday before leaving for work...) but had dropped him somewhere in the living room. When he got back from walking the dog, he was no where to be found. This apparently happened hours and hours ago.

We found Wheatley after about a couple hours of searching. The poor dude had crawled into the fireplace (it's never turned on) and had hidden under some of the logs.

I went straight to the veterinary hospital, as he was VERY cold (the house sits at 55-60°F down stairs) and likely had been cold for hours.

After doing a very thorough examination, it was discovered that he had thrown up his meal, but otherwise apparently fine. It was recommended to check his glottis to see if there is any bubbling or other indications of a respiratory infection.

During the debrief kind of thing at the end, I asked the assistant how to check his glottis...?

The veterinary assistant told me exactly how to open Wheatley's mouth, but it seemed excessively stressful for him... she pinched the skin back from his head, like you would when picking up a kitten, and jammed a tool into his mouth to pry it open. When she demonstrated this, Wheatley panicked and started gnashing at the tool and was flailing quite wildly.

I voiced my concern about this method, but was assured this doesn't hurt him. I'm still not so sure.

Isn't there any other way to check his mouth without manipulating his mouth or taking a bite?

All the while, Wheatley is completely blind right now, as he is preparing for shed....


Herp Derp

[Fraido]

I wouldn't bother, honestly. I'd put him back in his enclosure and leave him alone for a few days. You can listen for an RI and look at the outside of his mouth in the meantime. All you really have to do is lift his lip with your finger, if there's bubbles/lots of saliva you'll see it. He needs to be left alone for the time being, not have his mouth pulled open every day.

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[PitOnTheProwl]

I would follow your vets instructions.
There is no easy way but your vet told you to do it.

BTW there was no reason to make a vet trip for a lost and cold cold blooded reptile.

[bcr229]

I would just leave him alone and make sure he stays warm and hydrated. A few hours of being cold shouldn't hurt him.

Did your vet tell you how to help your snake recover from the regurgitation?

[LightningPython]

I agree with what the others have said. Leave him in his viv for a week, and make sure he gets a few meals in him before he is handled again

What sort of cage do you have? Perhaps get a lock to stop your roommate from handling him without your permission and when you are not around. It will stop further stress on the animal and you will be able to keep him more secure also. Make sure your roommate knows they are not allowed to handle him when you are not around, especially after he has eaten.

[wolfy-hound]

I'm confused... you started this at 4:40pm saying you "just got back from the vet" after this traumatic lost time, getting cold, taking him off to another vet visit, involving checking his glottis...

But at 3:18pm today, you posted a photo of him chilling on your lap "for an hour".

So excuse me for my confusion, but if you got back from a third shift, searched for hours, rushed the snake to the vet, got the exam and got home... to post this thread at 4:40pm, at which point was your snake laying in your lap for an hour chilling and not looking too much like he's blind from shedding?

[Neal]

Just let him be, monitor him like the others stated. I would wait at least a week to feed him, assuming he sheds within that time frame.

Also I would look at putting a lock on your door. You can get a new door handle from one of the hardware stores for $20-30 and install it. It's very easy to do all you need is a screw driver. That or maybe if you don't feel comfortable doing it, have somebody else do it.

In the mean time I would look for a new place to live, me personally. That shows they don't respect personal boundaries or even your stuff.

[KingWheatley]

I'm confused... you started this at 4:40pm saying you "just got back from the vet" after this traumatic lost time, getting cold, taking him off to another vet visit, involving checking his glottis...

But at 3:18pm today, you posted a photo of him chilling on your lap "for an hour".

So excuse me for my confusion, but if you got back from a third shift, searched for hours, rushed the snake to the vet, got the exam and got home... to post this thread at 4:40pm, at which point was your snake laying in your lap for an hour chilling and not looking too much like he's blind from shedding?

[image removed by staff]



Here. This should clear quite a bit up.


Herp Derp

[KingWheatley]

[image removed by staff]



Here. This should clear quite a bit up.


Herp Derp

>_<"



Herp Derp

[Fraido]

Did you just repost the same screenshot that was removed due to a TOS violation?

ETA: I see the diffffference, lol.

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