yes this sounds like a temp spike more than a chemical issues ( unless he sprayed the snake and does not wanto own up to the fact. I know this chemical is dangerous to cats, as mom got one that getting over the issuesfrom getting the fles treatment on it that was 55%permethine. I would not purchase the snake as the nero issues can prevent it from eating and other things. but i am leaning more ot a heat spike issue .. I can only see this being chemical from direct contact and or it was sprayed andtherew was no air holes.