Metacam by mouth

[zina10]

Is there any way you could try to get that noise/behavior on video and share with us ?

If you went to a reptile experienced vet and he found nothing wrong with your snake, that is encouraging. I do question why he would then give you any medicine at all, though, esp. if you aren't experienced in giving the medicine, as its possible to injure (and certainly to stress) a snake if done wrong.

Its always a good idea to have a little basic health care kit for reptiles at the house. I have never needed mine in recent years, but if I ever should, its here. I have a clean glass dropper for administering oral meds. I do not like to administer those in syringes. Syringes have relatively sharp edges that could get scraped along the tissue in the mouth/neck.
I have these tools which help to hold a snakes mouth open gently, while giving access to it. Its really not needed just for administering oral medicines, because that is relatively quick, but it does help if the mouth needs to be open for a really good look or to clean/treat an area of concern.




Years ago, before I moved, I used to do rescue for quite a few snakes. Usually imported Ball Pythons that were in really, really bad condition. They usually had more then just one problem. And almost all of them needed oral meds (as well as shots). The oral meds were usually for parasites and protozoans.

The Vet I had back then was wonderful. Very patient and truly cared for all his patients including reptiles. He is very experienced with snakes. He showed me exactly how to hold them and how to administer the meds. There may be different ways, and some like a different way, but I have had nothing but good luck with this way. Never had a snake aspirate any of the meds or have it come back up. Medicine bubbling out through the nostrils means the snake breathed in some of the meds.

Whenever getting ready to treat any snake, preparation is key. Find a place where you can sit down comfortably and have all the supplies in easy reach. I find sitting at a table best. Settle the snake on your lap, wrapping a towel around its body can help (leaving the neck and head free). When you have everything ready and within reach, gently but firmly grasp the snake by the neck, your thumb and forefinger will hold it right behind the head/jaw. Your fist and other fingers will keep the neck straight. The snake will start to struggle. It helps to use your lower arm of the hand that you hold the neck with to push down on the body of the snake gently, to keep it in place. Follow its movements slightly, but never loose your grip and keep that neck straight. (firm but gentle, don't squeeze it) I like to use a glass dropper like I said, it has smooth edges. Use it to gently pry the mouth open, might take a couple tries. Stay calm and patient. Once open, slide it into the mouth and a bit down into the throat.That is why it is important to keep the neck straight. Make sure you have good light and that you see where the dropper is going. By sliding it down slightly (I used to do one to one and a half inch), you will make sure it goes past the glottis and you aren't accidentally pushing the medicine into the lungs. Push the medicine in, withdraw the dropper and allow the snake to close its mouth, but keep the head and neck elevated for a little while, but loosen your grip and only slightly support it, the snake will relax some and swallow, keeping the medicine down.

It does take practice. It takes a lot of patience. You have to be calm.

If its medicine that really isn't needed, I wouldn't put the snake through the stress and possible injury to administer it. The snake resting with the head elevated and the medicine coming out of the nostrils means some of it got aspirated. Hopefully it was just a small amount and the snake blew it out.

Here are a couple of pictures that show how I hold a snake that needs oral meds...


This is the way they are in my lap and I have the neck/head in a grip , and up at a angle, holding the neck straight. My thumb and the side of my forefinger would be resting right behind the jaw/head.




This just shows the underside of my hand, how I use the other fingers and fist to keep the neck straight





And once more, the angle I hold it in, having the body of the snake wrapped up into a big towel or blanket can help, so they don't flail all around with their body. Remember you can let them move some, follow the movement, but that neck and head stays straight.




I would get in touch with that vet and tell him you have trouble administering the medicine and that the snake had it bubbling out of its mouth. Ask if the vet feels the payoff of taking it is worth the stress/risk of either you keep doing it or subjecting the snake to the frequent trips for the vet to do it.

There are issues where it absolutely IS necessary, but I'm not sure it is in your case ? However, I'm not a vet.

I would still like to see a video, if possible.