Gagging?

My juvenile BP came out of his hide just a minute ago (it's feeding night) and started gagging like he was going to regurgitate. Nothing came out but it was still startling. Is this a normal occurrence? Should I still feed him? Thoughts and advice please!

Im not sure what exactly happened. Its hard to know without being there.

Did it make sounds as it did the gagging?
Was it opening its mouth during this?
Did you see any stringy saliva if it was opening its mouth?

Was he making any noise? When you say gagging it's usually associated with noisy attempt to breathe however snakes can also have the appearance of gagging when they are about to shed and are trying to loosen the skin around the jaws and head. Even when they are realigning their jaws it may appear that way.

He made a very loud noise kind of sounded like a cough (about 3 times) but his body curled and tensed like he was trying to get something up. I wasn't close enough to see if there was any saliva in his mouth but he did have his mouth open. He finished his shed last week.

That's strange. Im not gonna say it wasn't normal as it would be a complete guess since I wasn't there to see it.

I don't see the harm in offering a meal. It you do this try to see and hear the snake. Make sure you do not see any mucus or hear any raspy breathing.

Yep! If there was noise associated with the gagging/ coughing then I would consider a respiratory component and monitor the frequency. Also look and listen for other signs and symptoms of RI. Definitely consider a vet.

Honestly?

I suspect you should have been looking at the other end of the snake. I've seen them almost look like they are having a seizure with their mouth open while pooping. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Honestly?

I suspect you should have been looking at the other end of the snake. I've seen them almost look like they are having a seizure with their mouth open while pooping. :rolleyes:

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Same . My Albino Royal did that a short while back and the noise scared the life out of me :)

Well I fed him and it has been a couple of days with no other noises or problems. I got a good look in his mouth while he was getting his food down and didn't see any excess saliva or mucus and I took him out yesterday and had a good listen...didn't hear any cracking or whistling/wheezing. Seems to be in good health....Oh! and there was no feces in the area where the noise occurred ;)

Been there, I thought it was a regurgitation attempt. Turns out they open their mouth when they fart, it's normal.