not sure what's wrong...could be mouth rot, among other things.

[latesam3]

Ok, I got a python from a friend that had been awfully neglected. it has a bad shed, still on it's skin, and it was terribly hungry. So, I moved it into a new cage, one that was easily cleaned, and got it fed and with the proper temp. gradient and humidity, and of course regular fresh water. The first time it fed: no problems. During the second feed it was very concerning. It ate, but in the tank where it fed it I had this Douglas fir & Eucalyptus shavings, and the shavings got all stuck in my snake, Curly's mouth, on the side. It looked funky, and had this funky orange-ish solid goo on the side of the mouth. The mouth also looked all ripped up. And after it struck and killed the live mouth it spent several minutes doing this funny mouth/lip thing, where it seemed to have problems reclosing it's jaw, and it just kinda was like unhinging half of it's jaw and bobbing around before it ate. I suspect that this is mouth rot. What are signs of mouth rot?

I'm pretty sure I should take this snake to the herp vet.

But, to sum up, here are the symptoms:
1) funky jaw/lips issues with a hard orange puss like substance, and gnarled up lips when it eats. You can't tell otherwise, when it's not eating; it looks nor

2) Left over shed, still on

3) Dull eyes/not shiny, possibly skin from the shed left over from previous poor sheds.

OK. So, before i go running off to the herp vet does anyone have suggestions?

Much Appreciated

[starmom]

Advice:
Go running off to the herp vet and then read more advice

[rabernet]

Only a vet who can see this animal in person is qualified to diagnose it. Based on the description alone, I would recommend you get it to a vet sooner, not later.

[wilomn]

Pictures would be helpful as well.

[starmom]

No pictures; we are not qualified. With the info already provided it is clear that a vet trip is in order.