I need your advice!

I never post in forums, but I'm really worried about my snake. He's been fasting for almost a month, and during that time he's been making a very odd noise. I don't know exactly how to explain it.. It sounds a little like a balloon letting out air, only slightly less squeeky. Do you think he may have something stuck in his throat?
I would take him to a vet but I live in a small town and it's a long commute to a herpetologist, I'm afraid the trip would stress him out, and only further the problem. Please help! I'll welcome any advice and/or opinion at this point!

In my opinion, get it to the vet. The noise is possibly wheezing, which could be an indication of a respiratory infection. If the snake does have a respiratory infection, it'd be best to get it medical attention.



...I was going to say its fairly normal for a Ball Python to fast during this time of year. It might still be the reason, but with you stating it is making an odd noise associated with breathing; it made me think its a possible RI. No one can really help you on this, other than make a few small recommendations, and for you to seek some type of medical attention for the snake. The recommendations might help, and might not. I wish you the best though!

It could possibly be an RI , i would try and get him to the Vet as soon as possible....

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Originally Posted by Phluffy

I would take him to a vet but I live in a small town and it's a long commute to a herpetologist, I'm afraid the trip would stress him out, and only further the problem.

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If he has an RI, the stress of being ill is far greater than any stress you would put on him traveling to a qualified herp vet. The only way to know for sure if he has an RI, is to get him seen by a vet, have his saliva cultured, and if it comes back positive, put on a round of antibiotics administered through shots.

Good luck with your little guy!

I would get him to a vet asap. RI's don't go away on their own (if that is indeed what it is). Another symptom, besides the weezing, is spending long periods of time with the head elevated (draining fluid). Also, excessive yawning, and holding the mouth open to breathe. Even if you don't notice any other signs right away, I would get the snake in so that it doesn't progress any further. Snakes can die from drowning on the fluid that collects in their lungs, which occurs with an RI and personally, I wouldn't take any chance on that. While you are waiting to take him/her to the vet, raise the humidity in the enclosure to around 70% and also raise the temp on the hot side to around 94. I know that some people will tell you to lower humidity, but this only masks symptoms by drying up the mucus instead of breaking it up. The higher humidity will help to break up the flem and help your snake breathe easier. Hope this helps.

Thankyou! I'll try to get him to a vet as soon as I can. I'm sure had I not gotten your opinions, I would have second guessed myself and waited too long. I really appreciate all of your help!
He has been elevating his head for hours at a time, and opening his mouth a lot.. So I'm pretty sure you guys are right. Thanks again!

Sounds like a vet trip is needed as soon as possible. Also do have a look at our caresheet here for BP's so you can adjust his temps and humidity in case they were a contributing factor to the snake getting the RI in the first place. Please let us know how it goes.

I'm having a harder time finding a Herpetologist than I thought I would.. I was wondering though, how much does it cost, on average? It would be helpful to know how in debt I'll be at the end of it! :)

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Originally Posted by Phluffy

I'm having a harder time finding a Herpetologist than I thought I would.. I was wondering though, how much does it cost, on average? It would be helpful to know how in debt I'll be at the end of it! :)

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For me an office visit is 25.00 and the if they need any meds that can range. just depends. I'd say 25.00-75.00 for the vet check up just depends on the extent of the visit.

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Originally Posted by Phluffy

I never post in forums

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Problem#1

Solution: Become active in the forums. There's a wealth of knowledge on here that you may not find in a book or definately at a pet store.

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Originally Posted by Phluffy

He's been fasting for almost a month

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Problem#2

Solution: Check your temperature and humidity levels and make sure they are where they should be, and make sure you have hides for the snake to feel secure in. Read the ball python caresheet provided by this website for more info.

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Originally Posted by Phluffy

he's been making a very odd noise like a balloon letting out air

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Problem#3

Solution: Check your temperature and humidity levels and make sure they are where they should be. Get your snake to a qualified vet for a check up.

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Originally Posted by Phluffy

it's a long commute to a herpetologist

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Problem#4

Solution: Try looking on this website for a herp vet close to you: http://www.arav.org/USMembers.htm

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Originally Posted by Phluffy

how much does it cost, on average? It would be helpful to know how in debt I'll be at the end of it! :)

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I personally have to pay around $45.00 for an evaluation, and then the cost of treatment and/or medications. It will really depend on how much your vet charges for the check-up, and then depending on what they find, what kind of treatment your snake needs.

Here are two links to help you find a vet who is qualified to treat herps:



http://www.arav.org/USMembers.htm

http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html#vetlist

(I see Rapture already posted one of those...but never hurts to see it again! :P )

I could use your advice too. I was given a snake by a friend of just dumped it off at my house. I think I am going to keep it and want to know more, since this seems to be the place to go for info.
Any help would be grrrrreat.
Don't have a camera so I will describe the snake. It looks like one the snakes you posted pictures of, the ball python, except it is more yellow with white. It is easy to handle and kind of skinny.
Thank You

get a pic if you can and welcome to the sight this is a great place for info.

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Originally Posted by NinaNineTails

I could use your advice too. I was given a snake by a friend of just dumped it off at my house. I think I am going to keep it and want to know more, since this seems to be the place to go for info.
Any help would be grrrrreat.
Don't have a camera so I will describe the snake. It looks like one the snakes you posted pictures of, the ball python, except it is more yellow with white. It is easy to handle and kind of skinny.
Thank You

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We'll need a more thorough description or a picture to be able to tell you what kind of snake you have. And your questions will get much better attention if you start your own thread. ;)

Try this: Look through the Internet until you find a picture that looks just like your snake...then start a new thread in the "General Herp" forum and post a link to it. In particular, look for "ball python" and "albino burmese python" as the two most likely species for what your friend dropped off.

I think I've had the cage too cold. I've been struggling with the heat since I moved him into a bigger tank. He was in a 20 gal tank and the person who sold him to me told me that he'd be too cramped in it, but some care sheets say that he'd have been just fine there.. I probably should have looked into it, but more room sounded like it would make him happy.
Thanks to JLC and Rapture for the links! I did find one, 300 miles away. I really don't know when I can make a trip like that. Will there be any follow up visits if it is RI? I feel awful that I let him get sick.. Till I get him to a vet, should I hold off on handling him more than absolutely necessary? Also.. is there anyway I can keep him from getting worse till I can get him proper care?

To prevent things getting worse: Get your temps and humidity up.

About the vet: Try calling every vet in your phone book. One may be able to refer you to another. Make sure you ask them specifically whether they *specialize* in reptiles. A vet who works primarily with mammals could actually make matters worse.

Call other snake owners in your area. Call the pet stores (but take anything they say with a grain of salt).

Also try calling the vet that you found 300 miles away. She/he may know of someone closer to refer you to. Most vets won't mind offering referrals, since most vets care more about the animals than about a few extra dollars.

As for cost, again, you'll just have to ask. It varies wildly. Vets in our area start at around $65 for the visit--but then, Charlotte tends to have high-end prices in the professional services industries, so your area may be considerably cheaper. If you're very concerned about price, ask the vet whether you can order any prescriptions online or through other sources to save some money. Of course, make sure you are able to get your prescriptions relatively quickly.

Good luck. I wish your snake the best. :)

Heather

Excellent suggestions Heather! I would definitely see if you can find a vet a bit closer but if all else fails and your snake needs vet care, you're going to have to bite the bullet and drive. Unfortunately it's a part of deciding to have a snake that most people skip over...finding out beforehand if you can get vet care in your area for your new pet. Hopefully you will find a vet a bit closer. I'd start with the phone book and call every vet listed for advice/referral. I know when we were getting into snakes I phoned our regular vet clinic (our dog/cat one) first to ask about whether any vets locally saw snakes. I was extremely pleased to find out they'd recently hired a vet that had done an internship at a major zoo and was quite experienced with snakes and other exotics. We adored Dr. Pam! Sometimes a clinic doesn't advertise they do exotics but may well have a vet on staff that is experienced in that field.