I need your advice!

[Phluffy]

I never post in forums, but I'm really worried about my snake. He's been fasting for almost a month, and during that time he's been making a very odd noise. I don't know exactly how to explain it.. It sounds a little like a balloon letting out air, only slightly less squeeky. Do you think he may have something stuck in his throat?
I would take him to a vet but I live in a small town and it's a long commute to a herpetologist, I'm afraid the trip would stress him out, and only further the problem. Please help! I'll welcome any advice and/or opinion at this point!

[CeraDigital]

In my opinion, get it to the vet. The noise is possibly wheezing, which could be an indication of a respiratory infection. If the snake does have a respiratory infection, it'd be best to get it medical attention.



...I was going to say its fairly normal for a Ball Python to fast during this time of year. It might still be the reason, but with you stating it is making an odd noise associated with breathing; it made me think its a possible RI. No one can really help you on this, other than make a few small recommendations, and for you to seek some type of medical attention for the snake. The recommendations might help, and might not. I wish you the best though!

[juddb]

It could possibly be an RI , i would try and get him to the Vet as soon as possible....

[rabernet]

I would take him to a vet but I live in a small town and it's a long commute to a herpetologist, I'm afraid the trip would stress him out, and only further the problem.

If he has an RI, the stress of being ill is far greater than any stress you would put on him traveling to a qualified herp vet. The only way to know for sure if he has an RI, is to get him seen by a vet, have his saliva cultured, and if it comes back positive, put on a round of antibiotics administered through shots.

Good luck with your little guy!

[casperca]

I would get him to a vet asap. RI's don't go away on their own (if that is indeed what it is). Another symptom, besides the weezing, is spending long periods of time with the head elevated (draining fluid). Also, excessive yawning, and holding the mouth open to breathe. Even if you don't notice any other signs right away, I would get the snake in so that it doesn't progress any further. Snakes can die from drowning on the fluid that collects in their lungs, which occurs with an RI and personally, I wouldn't take any chance on that. While you are waiting to take him/her to the vet, raise the humidity in the enclosure to around 70% and also raise the temp on the hot side to around 94. I know that some people will tell you to lower humidity, but this only masks symptoms by drying up the mucus instead of breaking it up. The higher humidity will help to break up the flem and help your snake breathe easier. Hope this helps.

[Phluffy]

Thankyou! I'll try to get him to a vet as soon as I can. I'm sure had I not gotten your opinions, I would have second guessed myself and waited too long. I really appreciate all of your help!
He has been elevating his head for hours at a time, and opening his mouth a lot.. So I'm pretty sure you guys are right. Thanks again!

[frankykeno]

Sounds like a vet trip is needed as soon as possible. Also do have a look at our caresheet here for BP's so you can adjust his temps and humidity in case they were a contributing factor to the snake getting the RI in the first place. Please let us know how it goes.

[Phluffy]

I'm having a harder time finding a Herpetologist than I thought I would.. I was wondering though, how much does it cost, on average? It would be helpful to know how in debt I'll be at the end of it!

[Freakie_frog]

I'm having a harder time finding a Herpetologist than I thought I would.. I was wondering though, how much does it cost, on average? It would be helpful to know how in debt I'll be at the end of it!

For me an office visit is 25.00 and the if they need any meds that can range. just depends. I'd say 25.00-75.00 for the vet check up just depends on the extent of the visit.

[Rapture]

I never post in forums

Problem#1

Solution: Become active in the forums. There's a wealth of knowledge on here that you may not find in a book or definately at a pet store.

He's been fasting for almost a month

Problem#2

Solution: Check your temperature and humidity levels and make sure they are where they should be, and make sure you have hides for the snake to feel secure in. Read the ball python caresheet provided by this website for more info.

he's been making a very odd noise like a balloon letting out air

Problem#3

Solution: Check your temperature and humidity levels and make sure they are where they should be. Get your snake to a qualified vet for a check up.

it's a long commute to a herpetologist

Problem#4

Solution: Try looking on this website for a herp vet close to you: http://www.arav.org/USMembers.htm