Sepsis in Ivory Ball Python

[Namea]

Sepsis without respiratory prefix is fairly rare but it usually occurs when a snake has ingested its own waste, usually via an enclosure that has not been properly cleaned. Please remember the following rules for tank cleaning to protect your snakes:
-Refill their water every day.
-Remove and thoroughly clean their water dish at least once per week, twice per week is best.
-Remove any feces as soon as you notice them, if you feed once a week that means you should be scooping poop once a week at least.

-Once per month remove your snake to a secondary location and completely discard all substrate. Thoroughly clean every item that goes into the habitat including hides, dishes, and decor. Scrub the enclosure down with diluted dawn dish soap, wipe out, one of the vet approved organic soaps, or even diluted baby shampoo. Oftentimes urine will go through the substrate and settle on the bottom of your snake's home. Dry the enclosure thoroughly with a soft non-shed towel or an old shirt or something along those lines OR air dry it. I use old shirts. Depending on the type of snake re-fill the enclosure. For ball pythons I often use paper towels UNDER the substrate to help lock in moisture and absorb smells. For substrate for my balls I use a custom mix of aspen bedding and coconut husk. I vary the proportions based on the time of year and ambient humidity. Since I live in Tennessee it's quite humid in the warmer months so I use more aspen in summer. In winter it gets drier and also colder so I use more coconut. Once your have your enclosure re-built with all of the hides, decor, etc reintroduce your snake.

Yes, it is necessary to do this every single month. Snakes are pretty vulnerable to infections caused by dirty enclosures. It can be a PITA but if you have multiple snakes I recommend setting aside one day to just get them all out of the way. I do mine all at once and depending on how many rehabs I have in my snake room it can take a very long time but it's very worth it.


Right now, while your baby is recovering I recommend putting her on newspaper with no substrate. Substrate might irritate her and cause pain at the moment. It's also easier to see on newspaper or paper towels if your snake has been bleeding, shedding scales, etc. Continue with the betadine baths at a 1/10th dilution and use an antibiotic spray or even something like neosporin on the worst areas. Continue with the baths until at least a week after the visible signs of infection are gone. You can't hurt her by being TOO thorough with those but often an infection is still present even when it looks better and by stopping the treatment you're allowing the infection to come back.

Also note that Ivories are slightly more susceptible to burns so keep track of her temps very well and make sure she can't get too close to any heat source.

I hope for the best for your baby!