My Ball Python Dying???

[FaithMS]

My ball is 18 in long, I have had him almost 2 mths. He is flipping back and forth, opening his mouth and striking and side of cage etc!!! Acting very strange, like he is dying ! Any ideas?

[Shelby]

That is very strange.. can he right himself if you set him on his back? If not, he may have IBD (inclusion body disease) always fatal to pythons.

I would take him to the vet ASAP.

[FaithMS]

That is very strange.. can he right himself if you set him on his back? If not, he may have IBD (inclusion body disease) always fatal to pythons.

I would take him to the vet ASAP.

He has clamed down a bit now and is sleeping but breathing more heavy than normal.

I have not tried to turn him over to see if he could right himself. He is young, 18 in long. I got him 9/11/05. It does seem to me that his central nervous system is way outta wack..

I am new at this and do not know the signs to look for any illiness. The vet hasn't returned my calls so it may be Monday before I can do anything.

[Shelby]

Out of curiosity.. where did you get him? I wouldn't be surprised if you say pet store..

Has he been eating for you?

[FaithMS]

I got him at a flea market but this lady does have a pet store. She has a good name b/c in a different town where I buy the food they admire her. He eats a fuzzy every other Saturday.

[Shelby]

This probably has nothing to do with your problem, but a young BP is better off eating every week instead of every other.

I feed all but my big 7' boa weekly.

And just because some people admire this person, doesn't mean they're necessarily good.

[FaithMS]

I try feeding him weekly but he won't eat, only every other week. (except tonight) That's when all this started with him. I took him out of his cage and placed him in a box with the (dead) fuzzy. After about 5 minutes he started acting this way. I put him back in his cage b/c I didn't know what to think. He acted up in there for a short time. Got in the water bowl, then out and now is balled up sleeing.

[Shelby]

Have you checked for parasites? I haven't heard of a snake spazzing out like that over mites, but you may want to check for them (small white or red moving dots especially around head and butt)

[FaithMS]

NO I haven't looked, actually not sure I would know what to look for b/c I am new at this but I will look..God.. I have never been afraid of him but he acted so strange, I am scared he will bite me but I will LOOK..

[Shelby]

If you are uncomfortable, just put a pair of gloves on. I do that for my snippy snakes.

Just look for tiny moving dots.. about the size of a speck of... dandruff I suppose. lol

Mites like to congregate around eyes.