My ball python has a respiratory infection. What can I do at home?

Upper respiratory infection (URI) in snakes takes a very long time to resolve and it is not likely to resolve without antibiotics. You really need to get him to a vet as soon as they can get you an appointment. There appears to be multiple vet hospitals in your area that will examine/treat reptiles. I suggest you continue to call around. One thing you can do right away is go over all of your husbandry. A URI most often happens because the snake became too cold. There is really not much else you can do at home. The antibiotics are really what is needed. ( https://www.reptifiles.com/red-tailed-boa-care/sick-boa/respiratory-infection/ )

Wheezing can be a symptom of serious respiratory infection (either bacterial or fungal). Ideally, he should be seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles for diagnosis and to begin the appropriate medication. Monitor the humidity in his enclosure as this can complicate respiratory infection.

A respiratory infection will need to be diagnosed and treated by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Antibiotics are typically required to treat RI. Other symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, discharge from the nose or mouth and gaping (resting with the mouth wide open). During the exam, your vet can examine Kaa's eyes to diagnose retained eye caps. He or she should be able to remove them. In the meantime, monitor temperature and humidity. Soak Kaa in a warm bath to facilitate shedding if there are still "bits" remaining.

If the mouth rot is minor, you can use a dilute chlorhexadine or dilute Listerine and a cotton swab to gently wipe the affected area twice daily. Increasing temperature by about 5-10 F may also help. If you are seeing "cheesy" discharge, Peter should be seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

Any new pet should be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home to confirm good health or to treat any preexisting conditions. If she is having difficulty breathing, she should be seen sooner rather than later in case she has or is developing a respiratory infection. Monitor for lethargy or discharge from the nose or mouth. Increase humidity or soak in warm water to facilitate shedding. You can also use commercial shed sprays that can be purchased online or in most pet stores. Follow this link for more information regarding care of ball pythons: http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html

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.

If Enzo does have a respiratory infection, he will likely need antibiotics. These you must get from a veterinarian by prescription. Some antibiotics used by general practice veterinarians for dogs and cats can be used in reptiles. Have the local vet examine Enzo. He or she can contact a specialist by phone or online to confirm diagnosis and to get information regarding antibiotic therapy. Legally, we are prohibited from providing dosing information for prescription medications in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (Veterinarian-Patient-Client Relationship).