How to treat ball python mouth rot at home if I can't afford a vet?

Thanks for reaching out about E.T and including pictures. It is not possible to see the lesions you mention in the pictures but mouth rot can sometimes be managed at home. Correcting any environmental deficiencies is very important, re-check the temperature range offered. Gently cleaning the mouth with warm water and a cotton tipped applicator to remove any caseous debris in the mouth. Be careful when swabbing the mouth to not entangle the cotton on the teeth. After all the infected material is removed, the gums can be painted (with a cotton tipped applicator) with a dilute chlorhexidine or betadyne solution, once or twice daily. Severe mouth lesions recovery better with the administration of systemic antibiotics, which is only available through a veterinarian. Good luck.

I’m sorry to hear he is so sick. Stomatitis, mouth rot, is usually a disease of husbandry problems. This means that his care has been sub optimal and his immune system is suffering causing him to get infections. When they are this sick they are in need of veterinary care. Antibiotics will be necessary to help control the infection. Also, here is a great website with all the husbandry needs provided. www.anapsid.org Be patient as reptiles can take a long time to improve. He is lucky you own him Now and can care for him. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Have Anubis examined by an experienced herp veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. Mouth rot, or infectious stomatitis, typically requires antibiotics. Minor cases can be managed with topical cleaning, usually with diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine solutions, after the area is debrided (cleaned). Serious cases definitely require veterinary attention, antibiotics and supportive care. Increase enclosure temperatures to the upper limit of the normal range for beardies during treatment. A slurry of baby food, vitamins and minerals can be fed. This is easier for the beardie to eat and digest. Fluids can be administered via misting, soaking or subcutaneously​ administered by your vet. Clean and sanitize the enclosure, change bedding frequently and monitor humidity levels. If the infection does not resolve, a sample of tissue should be submitted for pathology, culture and sensitivity.

Thanks for reaching out about Ozzy and including a photo. By the photo, the lesion does not appear serious. Cleaning with a cotton tipped applicator and a mouth cleaning agent like chlorhexidene solution. If the lesion progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Mild scale rot can be managed at home by controlling humidity and treating the affected area topically. Keep the enclosure and substrate dry and provide adequate ventilation. Use a diluted betadine solution to gently clean the affected area once or twice daily. Dry thoroughly afterwards. A dab of a triple antibiotic ointment or silvadene cream can be applied after each cleaning. More serious rot or rot that does not respond to conservative treatment should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

It is highly suspicious for an abscess or mouth rot. Ideally, she should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian for confirmation. Treatment may include draining or debridement. Antibiotics will almost certainly be required. In the meantime, increase tank temps by 5-10 degrees F to aid in healing. Make sure she continues to eat and soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent mild dehydration until she sees the doctor.

You will not be able to treat a respiratory infection without antibiotics. You will need to get him to a vet. You may have to travel a ways to get to one. I suggest you try this clinic. It's the closest exotic vet I could find to the zip code you provided. ( https://loyalsockanimal.net/exotics/ )