Respiratory infections are not that uncommon in snakes. Especially ones that are not kept in enclosures with the correct conditions. Respiratory infections are very contagious, and even if your pet is kept in the best conditions, the infection can be passed to another reptile through touch. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands between handling reptiles to prevent cross contamination.
Symptoms of Snake Respiratory Infections
Symptoms of a snake respiratory infection:
- Loss of appetite
- Loud breathing
- Open mouth breathing
- Mucus in their mouth
- Nasal discharge
You’ll want to take your snake to your vet if you see any of the problems related to their breathing or their mouth. A respiratory infection can be serious and can take a long time for them to get over it without treatment.
Diagnosing Snake Respiratory Infections
Diagnosing a snake’s respiratory infection can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other illnesses. A veterinarian will typically perform a physical examination and take a sample of your snake’s mucus or discharge for laboratory testing. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to help diagnose the infection.
Stages of Snake Respiratory Infections
The stages of a snake’s respiratory infection can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Generally, there are three stages:
Stage 1
Mild symptoms such as wheezing, open-mouthed breathing, coughing, and sneezing.
Stage 2
More severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, appetite loss, and nose or mouth discharge.
Stage 3
Severe symptoms such as labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, and extreme lethargy. In some cases, the infection could progress to pneumonia or other serious health complications.
Treating Snake Respiratory Infections
Treating a snake’s respiratory infection typically involves antibiotics and supportive care. Antibiotics are usually administered orally or injected directly into your snake’s body. Supportive care can include making sure that they have a warm, humid environment to help your snake breathe more easily. It also includes making sure they have clean water to help keep them hydrated. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to remove any blockages in their respiratory tract.
It’s important to take your snake to a veterinarian as soon as you notice any signs of respiratory infection. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent more serious health complications.
Preventing Snake Respiratory Infections
The best way to prevent respiratory infections in your snake is to practice good hygiene when handling your snake. Washing your hands before and after contact with them is a minimum.
It’s important to keep your snake’s enclosure clean and free of any potential sources of infection.
Finally, it’s important to take your snake to a veterinarian for regular check-ups so that any potential health issues can be identified and treated early.