BP had strange wheezing spell

[rebelrachel13]

This morning, I opened my BP's cage and lifted his hide to find that he had decided to expel urates and urinate all over himself. Naturally, I took him out to clean it up and replace the bedding. He smelled pretty gross and a lot of soiled substrate was stuck to him, I guess he must have sat in it all night. So I put some water on my hands and did a sort of "sponge-bath" on him that way and then let him slide through a towel. As soon as I was done, he started making very quiet wheezes I think I must have just startled him because I picked him up and wet him down and dried him so quickly, but his sides weren't expanding and collapsing like they would if his heart rate had gone up. It went on for about 2-3 minutes.

I am pretty sure it's nothing but I am posting this just to reassure myself. I have no reason to believe he's sick other than this instance. He eats like a pig (never refused) and grows like a weed. Always hides, doesn't cruise during the day, sheds regularly. Very docile, not easily startled except for he hates his head touched, of course. I've had him for a little over a year.

Today is his feeding day so I'll update you later. He's draped on my neck calmly now and I haven't heard a wheeze in almost 15 minutes.

Thanks,
~paranoid ball python owner

[Mike41793]

Are you sure he wasnt trying to hiss at you? Their hissing is so lame it sounds like wheezing sorta lol. He was prolly really pissed at you for the sponge bath...

[rebelrachel13]

Possibly, hah. I've only heard him hiss once before and it was the second day I owned him. Lifted his hide up and he was in a tight ball. He's really not that antsy most of the time. I probably should have moved slower - I think I just got a little too comfortable since he's usually so chill with everything.

[Mike41793]

Possibly, hah. I've only heard him hiss once before and it was the second day I owned him. Lifted his hide up and he was in a tight ball. He's really not that antsy most of the time. I probably should have moved slower - I think I just got a little too comfortable since he's usually so chill with everything.

Probably. Just keep an eye on him but he'll probably be fine

[rebelrachel13]

Thanks!!

Update - he ate his f/t small rat as eagerly as usual tonight.

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