Substrate stuck in mouth/possible mouth rot?
Finally figured out my login info, and Hector is having a lot of trouble lately.
so his mouth has been like this for a couple weeks. I’ve tried soaking a bunch and I’ve tried prying open his mouth to take out the substrate, though some people say is mouth rot. I’m not sure if I can go to a vet during this time of COVID so I’m really worried
When I try to pick at it I’m afraid I’m hurting him so I don’t like to do it. The substance really seems stuck in his mouth, but it’s only at the top.
‘he’s also about to shed, and I think it will get worse if I let him shed with this stuff in his mouth. He also won’t eat and he can’t use his tongue.
any advice would be super helpful. His tank is at 75 degrees and it’s pretty humid in there.
Here’s what he looks like, sorry it’s hard to get good pictures, he’s very headshy
The bottom of his mouth also goes to the side very often
(after second soak)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/reWUwdx.jpg
(After first soak)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/VsDgkBY.jpg
(Before soaking)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/YkrR5bA.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/EAI3P21.jpg
Re: Substrate stuck in mouth/possible mouth rot?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Snakies
I talked with my mom (she’s my transportation since I can’t drive) and we both were able to take a good look inside of his mouth, and it’s definitely concerning. We’re going to take him into the vet tomorrow.
i don’t mind taking him in or paying for it (I can afford it just fine), I’m just worried that my mom will give up on him. We’ve had to take him to the vet multiple times for various things, and he gets into trouble a lot. I love him to pieces and I can’t believe she keeps saying he’s more trouble than he’s worth. It makes me really upset to know she won’t try for him anymore.
When I was younger and stupid, I brought home my first cat against my parents' wishes. I was old enough to work and buy food and supplies, and I could drive. In light of that the cat stayed mostly in my room and left them alone, anything and everything about him would trigger my mom.
The point is, even if your snake was healthy, I bet you that your mom will find something else wrong with it to persuade herself that the pet was not worth it (to her).
I can't blame her though or my parents. If I could do it over again, I should have moved out first. It is her home so she can have her decision and comments of what resides in her home. Just nod, smile and don't fight with your mom because she could at any day kick that snake out. Focus on your studies, get a job when you are old enough, save up and move out when it is time for college. Then you can take your snake with you.
Yes it is disheartening not to have your mother's support, and worrying that she may give up on the snake. But she has not yet. You can put her back in a good mood by offering to help around the house chores. Do the laundry, wash the dishes, mop the floors. If she feels appreciated by you, she may start to understand why the snake means so much to you.
Fyi, I agree it needs vet care.
Re: Substrate stuck in mouth/possible mouth rot?
That looks like a little more than bedding stuck in its mouth unfortunately. That will need to be irrigated thoroughly and treated with a topical and possibly injections to keep it from spreading systemically. Even looks like it might involve the eye as well.
