She finally ate now I need some advise quick!!

[cschub13]

So my 07 normal ball has just taken her first meal in about 5 months. During this time she did not deficate, shed, or show many signs of getting better. In fact for quite some time she was showing signs of an RI (noisy breathing, clicking and popping, open mouth). She just shed two days ago and the breathing issues seemed to be gone so I decided to try and feed her an adult mouse. She took it fine after a little hesitation.

My questions are what could have been the issue with the breathing? Could she have had a RI and gotten over it or maybe something to do with her shed?

Also since she has not eaten in so long and she is kinda skinny, should I try to feed her again in the next day or so, or get her back on a weekly feeding?

Please throw some advise my way! Thanks!

[snakecharmer3638]

Monitor the possible RI situation. If you have not already read the care sheet on this site give it a look.

As for the feeding..... I would wait a week.

[FatBoy]

What is her husbandry like? temps, humidity, substrate?

[cschub13]

Everything is good and stable now and I have her on aspen over paper towels, but temps and humd were low because I had been away at school while I left her at my parents house for my little bro to take care of. That is why I also suspected RI...but like I said it seems gone, so hopefully it was not that.

[Kaorte]

An RI doesn't just go away on its own. upping the temps will slow it slightly, but if the snake had an RI and wasn't treated, it likely still has one.

Just keep a look out for RI symptoms. If you witness them again, take the snake to the vet.

[cschub13]

But is it somewhat safe to say that if I do not witness any more RI-like issues, that it was just something else?

[Kaorte]

But is it somewhat safe to say that if I do not witness any more RI-like issues, that it was just something else?

Most likely, yes. Sometimes they will make wheezy noises before or after a shed cycle. Could have been that.

Usually drooling or mucous around the nose and mouth are big giveaways. Clicking or popping can sometimes be a result of loose skin or stuck shed in the nostril.

[DrEwTiMe]

Ya infections always need to be treated with antibiotics to get taken care of so if it is an RI its still there. If you see the slightest sign again of RI symptoms get a vet appt right away as RI can easily become a fatal issue