Respritory infection

[Chemromance98]

Im not sure if my python has a respritory infection or not. He elevates his head when he rests and he's always done that but he does it all the time now. There's no mucus on his noise and he ate fine yesterday. He did miss striking the mouse but other than that no issues. He sometimes breaths heavy but it's not all the time so I'm wondering if he's just breathing heavy at times cause he's nervous. Hes also seems more nervous than normal like if I come up to the tank and he will be skittish. I tried looking into his mouth but he really wouldn't let me get a good look. I did make a vet appt but it's in a few days. I'm just worried about my little guy. The temps in the tank are good and the humidity was a little lower than it should have been but I managed to fix it this week.

[dr del]

Hi,

Look for any signs of mucus in the waterbowl or spread on the cage furniture is my best advice.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Make sure the vet does an oral culture.....
BTW you can always use a qtip to open their mouth but take the cotton off first.

[jamjackvee]

Hi!
You do not have anything made from cedar in the cage or in the substrate do you? Cedar makes Ball Pythons nervous systems all wacky-e-mo. I hope your friend is feeling better? Jamie

[Sarabi]

I read (in a book, not the internet) that when a ball python opens their mouth a lot (as if they're yawning), it can be sign of a respiratory infection. Typically, after eating, ball pythons will open their mouths to re-set their jaw. That is normal. Opening their mouth constantly is not normal. You may wanna look out for that and/or mention it to your vet. Good luck. I hope your ball python stays healthy.

[Lizardlicks]

Gaping and yawing look very different. Yawning looks like a yawn; opening the mouth really wide and fast, maybe wiggling the jaw a little bit then closing. Gaping can be very subtle, they will open their mouth part way and hold it open as they try to breathe. If they're elevating the head, you will see them coiled normally but with the head up and rested on the top coil instead of tucking it under to protect it. If your snake is to the point that they are elevating and gaping, there is going to be mucus (this is how that deal with it, like when you have a head cold and try to sit a certain way to get your sinuses to drain). If you don't see any mucus, listen or feel of wheezing or clicking when they breathe. Whistling can also be a sign, but this can throw a false positive as whistling can be cause by dust, too dry environment, or getting ready to shed as well.