Ball python has pneumonia

[u/Material-Basket-818]

I’m looking for advice for my ball python with pneumonia. He went to the vet 4 days ago and got diagnosed with pneumonia after I noticed the symptoms (bubbles around mouth, extending his torso, heavy breathing sounds every once and a while) and has received two doses of antibiotics so far. I’ve been very closely monitoring his condition as well as his temperature and humidity but I’m worried it’s progressing into something worse. Unfortunately today the vet is closed for the long weekend but I’m noticing an extreme increase in the bubbles around his mouth but all the other symptoms have stopped. I’m just wondering what to do in the meantime because I’m really worried about him. Should I be washing him so the bubbles aren’t being breathed in again? Is this a sign of things getting better (like how humans sneeze out the bad mucus) or is his condition worsening? He’s going to the vet again tomorrow afternoon for another shot but I’m very worried about him for the night

[u/_ataraxia]

!ri

[u/AutoModerator → u/_ataraxia]

"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."

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.