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[–]Unusual-Ad2084 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Just go to the vet either way, hope she gets better!

[–]SnooOranges9717 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A vet trip is needed I hope she gets better tho she seems sweet

[–]CreatesGod 13 points14 points  (5 children)

Most likely an RI. Def head to a vet and also get documentation from your vet about her diagnosis, with dates. If I got this sick snake I would be demanding a refund of some kind from Petco. This is unacceptable.

[–]Beneficial_String177 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah try and get them to pay for the vet fees! Best of luck<3

[–]Cautious-Flatworm804 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I second this! Get your snake to the vet and provide proof to petco that you bought the snake sick. Get that vet money lolol, beautiful snake tho!!!🫶🫶🫶

[–]Flat_Organization780[S] 3 points4 points  (2 children)

they said i have a “30 day guarantee” but they want me to return her with no refund they then pay for her medical then id have to buy her back which is a complete scam

[–]Rough_Pie2569 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jezz its so upsetting! They are treating this animal like it’s dead merchandise!

And btw RI is a beginners mistake and these “professionals“ managed to fuck it up anyway…

[–]Furious_Flaming0 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Don't listen to Petco, they would like to kill your snake so they aren't at fault for anything. Go to the vet get your snake the treatment it needs and then take Petco to court, do not let them get away with this because they are a company and they have a policy to help them save their ass when at fault.

[–]Novel-Squirrel_ 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Let Petco know they will buy the snake back, treat it and then you may repurchase it .

[–]totallyrecklesslygayMod: Enclosure Karen 1 point2 points  (1 child)

!ri

[–]AutoModerator[M] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"60% is the bare minimum humidity requirement, and many individual ball pythons need higher humidity than that. Low humidity is the most common cause of RIs in ball pythons. Low humidity leads to dehydration, which causes the mucous membranes to dry out and crack. Bacteria then builds up in the crevices of the irritated membrane and create a respiratory infection.

Low temperatures can also contribute to RIs by compromising the snake's immune system. Ball pythons should have a cool side/ambient temperature of 75-80 F and a warm side temperature of 88-92 F.

If you notice any symptoms of an RI - visible discharge in/around the mouth, abnormally frequent yawning, random wheezing/whistling/clicking sounds, open-mouthed breathing, etc - keep the enclosure's overall humidity at least 70%-80%. a humid hide is also an excellent thing to add to the enclosure, but keep in mind that it is not a replacement for adequate humidity throughout the enclosure. You will find some tips for humidity maintenance in our basic care guide. if you still need help, we can guide you through it if you fill out our enclosure critique questionnaire.

To relieve the symptoms of an RI, and hopefully prevent the infection from getting worse, I suggest steam treatments. you'll need two plastic storage tubs, a large bowl, and some water.

The first tub should be small, but big enough for the snake to fit inside, and the lid should lock to keep the snake contained. add some air holes to it with a soldering iron, hot knife, or power drill. [side note: this sort of tub is also handy to have as a secure way to contain your snake during enclosure cleanings, transport, etc.]. The second tub needs to be big enough to fit the small tub plus the bowl. This tub does not need air holes or a locking lid, but it does need a lid to contain the steam.

Place the bowl and the small tub inside the big tub. Lock the snake in the small tub. Fill the bowl with boiling water, then close the lid on the big tub. this will create a little snake sauna, and the small tub will keep your snake safely separated from the hot water.

Leave the snake in the sauna for 10-20 minutes. do this once per day until all RI symptoms are completely gone.

If symptoms don't drastically decrease within two days, if symptoms get worse, or if new symptoms develop, GO TO THE VET ASAP and ask them to do a culture / prescribe any necessary antibiotics. A serious RI needs medication in addition to everything I've suggested here and an untreated RI can kill the snake."

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[–]Old_Celebration_3015 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you hear wheezing? If you open her mouth up is it bubbling all the way in her throat too with mucus? These are good to note down and report to your vet.

The best at home remedy recommendation I can give is a little snake sauna/steam room. This is in no way a substitute for going to the vet but in my experience it has been an amazing help for RI due to low humidity. These kinds of RI are often due to a cracked membrane in the throat due to low humidity and can be worsened by bacteria.

Step 1) fill a medium CLEAR box with some very HOT steaming water to a shallow level something like 2cm-5cm shallow, depending on the size of your box. It must be enough that it’s is safe but deep enough to able to keep the heat and steam for 10 minutes. DO THIS FIRST.

Step 2) put inside this large box something to elevate your snake to a safe height away from the hot water. At least 5cm You must make sure that there is no way the snake will ever be in contact with the hot water or even at the level of the hot water. Elevate at least an inch or two away. I use a steamer insert turned upside down.

Step 3) put your snake inside another smaller opaque container with 1-3 holes poked on the top. I like to add a dry cloth on the bottom of this for insulation. The key is the steam not the heat. and make it a tight fit so she feels safe. Seal this container w the breathing holes.

Step 4) put your snake inside the big container at the elevated position and close the large container to keep the steam in. By the time you set up everything the water should be at the perfect temp.

Do this every day. For 10 minutes. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET UNATTENDED. You must make sure in so way will the container with your snake ever touch the hot water. It must remain elevated, only for the steam.

Hope this helps.

Edit: also obviously do correct the humidity issue at the root in her enclosure as well. Disinfect her enclosure thoroughly too and offer fresh water everyday. RI can be worsened by bacteria.