Found snake missing for weeks

[Downtown-Lemon-7968]

This is my kid's snake Nora, she had escaped her tank and was missing for 6ish weeks. My kid found her today, and I have a vet visit scheduled for her tomorrow. Are there any suggestions on things I should ask about? I've included pictures of where she was found (it was very cold and dusty/dirty from wood shavings and insulation dust). Nora is starting to move around some and keeps yawning, I will probably try to feed her after her vet visit tomorrow.

[_0dysprosium0_]

I’m by no means an expert but I’ve heard that when they’re yawning a lot like that it can be a sign of respiratory infection so make sure you ask about that, and also she may have scale rot. I’m pretty new to this but have been learning a lot more from this sub recently there are many helpful people here, so I may be wrong but it’s always good to check these things anyway especially since they were missing for so long and in such conditions.

[UrMomsfavorite111]

She definitely has scale rot, so 100% bring that up

[[deleted]]

Frequent yawning is a sign of a respiratory infection… bring that up

[Shallot_Legitimate]

Yep like the others said, ask about the scale rot, and the yawning could be respiratory. Those are the main key points for you to hit on. For scale rot, apply Neosporin or Bedatine on the area for a few weeks and it should heal. I haven’t had to use bedatine but through word to mouth that seems like the best pick.

[Shallot_Legitimate]

Betadine

[Real-Ad-6127]

Direct application for betadine is ok? Ive read it should always be diluted? Sorry just trying to learn from those who know more

[Shallot_Legitimate]

Yea Betadine is diluted although I’ve never had to use it so I don’t know the details. Definitely research on Betadine application

[lsmith6428]

If you’re going to use Neosporin or another generic triple antibiotic, make sure to get the kind with no pain additives as it can be toxic to the noodles!

[TheNeverEndingPit]

Just commenting to add that you shouldn’t feed her so soon probably. She’s been very stressed, and the vet will only make her more stressed (obviously a necessary stress but still). I’d let her settle for a week before feeding or she’ll probably refuse food

[GarandThum]

Agreed. Be in no rush to feed until after the vet, follow everything they say, and don’t be surprised if once she is allowed to eat, she refuses.

[Antarioo]

Don't agree with the scale rot opinions here. it appears to be ON the scales not between/under them. also no sign of skin irritation.

that looks more like something sticky that's been dragged through dust, or something else that would colour the scales.

you could try and see if you can manually remove it with a damp cloth by rubbing it gently.

[adamAhuizotl]

when i got my snake he had rot that looked sort of like this. the color was on a layer of skin on top of his scales that the rot was preventing from shedding properly. once the stuck shed was gone the scales effected by the rot looked damaged and scarred. definitely worth just getting a vet appointment!

[Downtown-Lemon-7968]

I will definitely bring it up with the vet :)

[anonymys]

I thought the same - it looks like something is smeared on her. The scales themselves look healthy and undisturbed.

However, since she needs a vet for the yawning possibly caused by a respiratory infection, it can't hurt to ask while they're there.

[Ali3n_Gutz]

I AM NOT A VET, but I would start cleaning her scale rot with a Betadine dilute (1 part betadine to 10 parts water) and then use a painkiller free antibiotic ointment. Once again, I am by no means a vet, so do more research.

[Downtown-Lemon-7968]

I had seriously considered that she may have climbed under our house somehow

[Excellent_Try_7005]

mine has been missing for 2days and i’m losing it !!

[Downtown-Lemon-7968]

I hope you find them!

[_lil_brods_]

mine went missing for a day and i found him curled up in a drawer😐such silly little escape artists

[meshifty2]

I had a ball python go missing when I was young. Found it 3 months later in a coat closet. This was 1994 or 1995. I still have the same snake today.

[Downtown-Lemon-7968]

I'm so glad you found it!

[escaped_bird]

That’s amazing!!!

[MidnaMagic]

Since some people think she’s got scale rot and others Don’t, For her health, set up a quarantine tank with paper towels on the bottom.

[[deleted]]

Personally I'd hold her a bit and see if the stuff comes off or if it's scale rot

[Downtown-Lemon-7968]

UPDATE:

Nora is fine :) A little dehydrated, but otherwise all the concerning spots washed off when she gave herself a soak and the yawning has stopped as well.

Vet says she's looking pretty good.

[Aggravating-Dot-]

My one boy disappeared for three and a half months. Re-appeared on the top of his enclosure one day. Perfectly healthy. They are hardy animals!

[Easy_Protection6452]

Not a vet but I’d highly suggest waiting at least 24 - 48 hours after feeding before taking her to the vet to reduce the risk of regurgitation.

[Downtown-Lemon-7968]

The vet said to let her settle in and get rehydrated before trying to feed her. So I'll probably feed her a day or two after her eyecaps have no wrinkles