Kole has an RI!!! (DU DEATH)

I'm flippin out here people! I think my baby boy Kole has an RI. I have taken a series of pictures to show you these odd markings that appear to be leading from his eyes down both sides of his face under his jaw. I picked him up this morning worried about the markings and he appeared to opening his mouth (just slightly) a lot when he wanted to breath. He appeared to cough a couple times scaring my sister because she thought he was mad or was going to strike or something. I haven't heard any hissing. When he opens his mouth to yawn he appears to have a lot of bubbles in his mouth... which im not sure is normal or not. I need some questions anwsered PLEASE.

How could this have happened?

How do I prevent it in the future?

I know a vet trip is in order... how much is the average rate for treating an RI?

The temps in his cage have maintained 90-93 on the warm side and 80-82 on the cool side. With an ambient hum of 35-45%.

It also appears he will be entering shed soon. His eyes are loosing his normal color and I believe I can see the fluid in between his old and new skin.

Here are some pictures of his wierd markings. Some are a bit blurry... my hand was shaking. I love my little guy!

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/1/6/ri1.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/1/6/ri2.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/1/6/ri3.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/1/6/ri4.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/1/6/ri5.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/1/6/ri6.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/1/6/ri7.jpg

I don't know about the markings...but mouth open to breath, bubbles in the mouth and wheezing are three sure signs of RI. Get him to the vet as soon as possible.

The markings are part of his pattern - nothing to do with a potential RI.


I've heard that it's "almost" unheard of for a baby ball python to get an RI, however, if there are bubbles in his mouth - not a good sign.

I'm unsure of the vet costs, as (knock on wood) I've not experienced an RI in my collection.

I'm pretty sure those markings are normal... you may have just noticed them now because you're so worried.


However, I agree that you need to get him to a vet. I'm trying to remember how much it was when I took Kinky for her RI... It wasn't over sixty bucks for both the vet visit and the medication. I believe it was somewhere around $40-50.

The markings are of a nice looking pattern.I would recheck your temps as something could be off.Also he could of had UR when you bought him. Let us know what the vet says.What are you using for heat and how are you measuring the temps? I forgot;) .

I use a heat lamp for heat and I use a Acu-Rite digital therm for readings. It's Sunday, I'm screwed. I want him fixed now! :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kilo

I use a heat lamp for heat and I use a Acu-Rite digital therm for readings. It's Sunday, I'm screwed. I want him fixed now! :(

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I bet your light is not making his heat needs high enough;) .I use under tank heaters with thermostates fot the heat output control.How big is your enclosure(yes again i forgot) ,the light and the size of enclosure can make temps differ.

Keep the temps a bit higher than usual on the hot side and lower the humidity a bit until you get him to a vet. The Mucus will have to dry up in snakes. He is probably holding his mouth open because his nostrials are clogged with mucus. Good luck and keep up updated.

Just up your temps a bit and calm down :) He'll be all right. These snakes are tough little guys. And maybe you could check around... some vets are open on Sundays and closed other days of the week (my cat's vet is).


Because he's going into shed, it's possible the yawning could be attributed to this. My snakes yawn to loosen up the skin around their mouths. They also sound like they're wheezing just before shed because they skin around their nostrils is loose. And the fluid between their scales is the build-up that helps them loosen the old skin. The only thing that bothers me is the presence of bubbles in his mouth... that really isn't normal.

I'd still recommend taking him to a vet. The least they can do is check him out and tell you that's he perfectly fine... which eases your nerves and gives you a clean bill of health on the little guy :)

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for your replies and support.

Joe: It's a 20gl Long glass tank with a medium lamp using a 75watt red heat bulb. I measure the temp of the substrate using the Acu-Rite (it sits on the bottom). For about the past 5-7 days he has been spending everyday and everynight on the cool side at about 80. He stays in the cool hide and doesn't come out much... when he does he returns right back into the cool hide.

Jake: will do!

ladywhipple: no matter what my little guy is getting a vet trip asap! the bubbles along with coughing leads me to believe he DOES indeed have an RI. I have called every emergency vet in the phone book. None treat snakes. I found a place in my town that treats Dogs - Cats - Birds - Exotics. Im guessing by exotics that mean snakes? so tommorow I will be calling them up scheduling and app.

I just want him to be ok! :(