Just got back from the vet.
My roommate had been handling my BP while I was at work, (apparently had been doing so for over a month... including after feeding). My python is housed in my room, and I figured it was understood that my room is off limits.
I come home from a 3rd shift at the hospital to my roommate searching the living room frantically... tossing pillows off the couch and flipping crap upside down. Apparently he had not only taken him out (I JUST fed him yesterday before leaving for work...) but had dropped him somewhere in the living room. When he got back from walking the dog, he was no where to be found. This apparently happened hours and hours ago.
We found Wheatley after about a couple hours of searching. The poor dude had crawled into the fireplace (it's never turned on) and had hidden under some of the logs.
I went straight to the veterinary hospital, as he was VERY cold (the house sits at 55-60°F down stairs) and likely had been cold for hours.
After doing a very thorough examination, it was discovered that he had thrown up his meal, but otherwise apparently fine. It was recommended to check his glottis to see if there is any bubbling or other indications of a respiratory infection.
During the debrief kind of thing at the end, I asked the assistant how to check his glottis...?
The veterinary assistant told me exactly how to open Wheatley's mouth, but it seemed excessively stressful for him... she pinched the skin back from his head, like you would when picking up a kitten, and jammed a tool into his mouth to pry it open. When she demonstrated this, Wheatley panicked and started gnashing at the tool and was flailing quite wildly.
I voiced my concern about this method, but was assured this doesn't hurt him. I'm still not so sure.
Isn't there any other way to check his mouth without manipulating his mouth or taking a bite?
All the while, Wheatley is completely blind right now, as he is preparing for shed....
Herp Derp
