What does a snake respiratory infection look like?

Snakes with respiratory infections may have excess mucus in their mouths, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, wheezing, and may make 'gurgling' sounds or open mouth breathe.
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How do you tell if a reptile has a respiratory infection?

Typical symptoms of a respiratory infection include:
  1. Difficulty breathing.
  2. Mouth held open while breathing.
  3. Unusual wheezes, crackles, or other sounds while breathing.
  4. Discharge from the mouth and/or nose.
  5. Lethargy.
  6. Loss of appetite.
  7. Weight loss.
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What does an infection look like in a snake?

Skin infection (dermatitis) is often seen in snakes (and other reptiles) kept in environments that are too moist and/or dirty. Snakes may have red, inflamed skin with numerous small, blister-like lesions that may be on the underside of the snake making them easy to miss.
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How can you tell if a snake is dying?

The most common signs that may signify a dying snake include:
  • Breathing problems.
  • Abnormal posture.
  • Scale-related issues.
  • Sudden weight loss.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Unusual discharge.
  • Weakness.
  • Dehydration.
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Are respiratory infections contagious in snakes?

Willems: Nidovirus is a viral infection that causes respiratory disease in ball pythons. It's considered a fatal disease, there is no treatment for it and it's highly contagious, so it's a really big deal, and it's something we haven't seen in the Denver area.
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Identifying Upper Respiratory Infections in Snakes



Does my snake have an infection?

Discharge from the eyes, nose, and/or mouth can definitely be red flags in snakes. Gums that look inflamed or discolored can also be a warning sign. You may also notice a cottage cheese-like discharge in the mouth of a sick snake.
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Why can I hear my snake breathing?

Some snakes may have an audible sound when they breathe, during or right before the shedding process, from the skin expanding and contracting when it inhales and exhales, and that is not a sign of disease or illness.
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What does a wheezing snake sound like?

Snakes often wheeze or make a clicking sound when they are about to shed. This is no cause for concern, and will go away shortly after the snake sheds. Snakes that continue to wheeze for more than a day or two after shedding should see a veterinarian promptly.
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Why is my ball python making a sneezing sound?

Causes. Unsettled dust from cleaning his tank or bedding may cause a snake to sneeze, as well as other airborne irritants. With those ruled out, one of the most common causes of sneezing in reptiles is a respiratory infection.
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Why is my ball python making a clicking noise?

If your Ball Python is wheezing, clicking, gasping, or bubbling when at rest, it may have a respiratory infection. Other symptoms can include: a swollen neck. excess mucus around the mouth or nostrils.
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What causes a respiratory infection?

You get an upper respiratory infection when a virus (or bacteria) enters your respiratory system. For example, you might touch an infected surface or shake hands with a person who's sick. You then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. The germs from your hands enter and infect your body.
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How do snakes get pneumonia?

Most cases of pneumonia in snakes are caused by bacterial infections of the lung. The bacteria may be aerobic (living in air) or anaerobic. Generally the bacteria that cause pneumonia are gram negative on cytology stains. Although primary fungal pneumonias are rare, secondary fungal infections are not uncommon.
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Can snakes cough or sneeze?

Yes snakes can cough and sneeze, just like us you may cough but it doesn't mean you have a cold. also aftershave and perfumes can cause this, or too much dust in the room.
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How do I know if something wrong with my snake?

Signs of Illness in Snakes
  1. Change In Behavior. Behavioral changes are often a red flag in our animal companions. ...
  2. Shedding Problems. Snakes should shed their entire skins at once. ...
  3. Body. Your snake should feel robust and supple. ...
  4. Mouth/Face. Snakes should breathe quietly through their noses. ...
  5. Appearance. ...
  6. Diet/Digestion.
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Why is my snake blowing bubbles?

For example, a snake with bacterial or viral pneumonia will commonly blow bubbles from its mouth and nose and may breathe with an open mouth. A snake showing these signs should be examined by a veterinarian right away.
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When should I take my snake to the vet?

Does he really need to see a veterinarian? Within 48 hours of your purchase, your snake should be examined by a qualified reptile veterinarian. The veterinary visit typically includes determining the animal's weight, as well as checking for abnormalities such as lumps and bumps or signs of external parasites.
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What is the fastest way to get rid of a upper respiratory infection?

Things you can do yourself
  1. get plenty of rest.
  2. drink lots of water to loosen any mucus and make it easier to cough up.
  3. drink a hot lemon and honey drink to help soothe a cough (not suitable for babies under 1 year old)
  4. gargle with warm salty water if you have a sore throat (children should not try this)
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Can a snake survive Nidovirus?

There is evidence that reptiles can be asymptomatic when infected with nidoviruses. Detections have been reported in snakes, lizards and turtles in the absence of clinical disease.
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What does a dehydrated snake look like?

A dehydrated ball python will have wrinkly skin, creasing eyes, constipation, and a dry mouth. A stuck shed may also occur due to inadequate moisture and enough fluids in the body. Mist your ball python lightly every day and provide drinking water to fix dehydration in your pet snake.
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Why does my snake look wrinkled?

Another visual that can tell you your snake is ready to go into shed is the appearances of wrinkles on the neck just around the head. It will take on a dehydrated look, where the skin will bunch up in sharp ridges. Beware! If more than the neck portion of your snake is wrinkled, that means it is dehydrated!
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Is it normal for a ball python to yawn?

Generally, the yawning of ball pythons is normal behavior. Most new snake owners though still wonder whether or not they should be concerned by the yawning of their reptilian pets. The concern is understandable since every snake keeper has a duty to ensure their reptiles live happier and healthier.
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