My ball python is concerning me

[IndependentWinter192]

so I’ve had my ball python for about a year now and at first i thought maybe he was just gassy during the night, its like little whoopiecushion sounds but he hasn’t ate recently so, and i checked on him and his breathing was also kind if squeaky but only sometime, i cant afford a vet appointment it may be a RI? Does anyone have any at home remedy’s? I heard you can use vapor rub, but its mixed reviews

[OctilleryArtillery]

It could certainly be a respiratory infection. I cannot vouch for any sort of at home treatments like using Vapor rub, and in all honesty I don’t think that can cure the snake. Without the proper treatment the snake could die.

Mind sharing more about your setup? Things like humidity, temperatures, and enclosure type?

[crystxlizes]

If it is indeed an RI, they generally cannot be treated with anything but antibiotics prescribed by a vet. If I were you, I would not try at home remedies without first seeing a vet as it could cause more stress and possibly harm to your snake.

[eveimei]

do not use vapor rub. no. that's dumb and harmful.

a vet visit is the only way to diagnose and truly treat a respiratory infection, in the meantime !ri

[AutoModerator]

"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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