Possible RI?!?

I just got my baby bp today, and when I walked into my room, I noticed it yawn. I saw it from behind, and didn't see if there were any bubbles or mucas in its mouth. Also, it has been basking with its head suspended (but not really for long periods of time, and hasn't been flicking its toungue out often...). Not sure if this is just me being paranoid or not, any help is appreciated. Also, if it is RI, how long will it live and what are my options...??? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you provide info/pictures on the enclosure? There is no way anyone can diagnose with that little info. A yawn doesn't automatically mean RI. What are the temps, humidity? Have you checked for mucus? What kind of enclosure? Define basking? (ball pythons don't bask...)

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Can you provide info/pictures on the enclosure? There is no way anyone can diagnose with that little info. A yawn doesn't automatically mean RI. What are the temps, humidity? Have you checked for mucus? What kind of enclosure? Define basking? (ball pythons don't bask...)

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Temp: 83
Humidity: 60%
Enclosure: 10 gallon tank (for now)
By basking I mean just sitting under the heat lamp, and I saw it from behind so I didn't see its mouth....he is also breathing kind of heavily.

As you read through posts you'll see that the majority don't find heat lamps to be the most ideal heat source for a ball python. There''' should be two sides, hot side at 88-92 degrees and a cool side at about 75-80 degrees. Two hides, so they can thermoregulate as needed. A UTH (under tank heater, or heat mat/pad) with a thermostat is the best choice. I can send you some links if you are interested. Based on the info you've given, there's no way for anyone to tell if it's an RI. I can however, link you to the caresheet to look over, and fix any husbandry issues you may have.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

I'd post any other questions you have :)

Man ^ girl is quick:D

yawning and not flicking tongue are early signs of an RI. they are not definite but it should cause you to pay attention. check its mouth for excessive mucus. check the tub and everything for mucus streaks from rubbing its face on stuff to get rid of mucus. check water bowl for an floaters. sometimes u can here pops and clicks when ur snake breathes if you hold it to ur ear.

if you suspect an RI go to the ASAP and get a Culture done to test for the correct antibiotic. injections are gonna be given so if your not confortable doing it ask your vet to teach u or if you are close enough you can go every 3 days and they will do it. its very easy to do. ive never had Oral Meds that work goos so if they prescribe it ask them to give you injections.

Many factors can cause an RI so even if your husbandry is right your snake can still get sick.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

As you read through posts you'll see that the majority don't find heat lamps to be the most ideal heat source for a ball python. There''' should be two sides, hot side at 88-92 degrees and a cool side at about 75-80 degrees. Two hides, so they can thermoregulate as needed. A UTH (under tank heater, or heat mat/pad) with a thermostat is the best choice. I can send you some links if you are interested. Based on the info you've given, there's no way for anyone to tell if it's an RI. I can however, link you to the caresheet to look over, and fix any husbandry issues you may have.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

I'd post any other questions you have :)

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Thanks for your help but im 100% sure I was just being paranoid, hes not acting weird anymore (which was obviously just from stress) and he even took a drink of water, but thanks so much for your help and advice!!!!! :) and I even saw him yawn again and his mouth looked perfectly fine. But just curious how long can a snake live with RI?

It depends on if you treat it or not, which I'd hope you'd do. You should still check on your husbandry, it seems off...