![]() Signs and symptoms of egg-binding are a lack of appetite and swelling in the lower half or third of their bodies. Egg-binding is also referred to as dystocia, egg retention, and post-ovulatory stasis. It is necessary to take the snake to the vet for treatment if you notice this sign of a sick snake.įemale snakes may get egg-binding, where they are not able to pass a formed egg. See below in the section “Common Pet Snake Diseases” for more information about parasites.Ī snake with swollen gums and a bumpy and swollen jaw may have a mouth infection (also see “infectious stomatitis” further down in the post). This type of infection is one reason why good sanitation for your pet snake is so incredibly important. All porous items, like wood, should also be removed. ![]() However, the whole snake enclosure must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected as well. The mites can be treated with an anti-parasitic medication your vet will be able to give you. The snake may also become anemic due to the blood taken from its body by the mites. Other signs of a snake mite infection are a reduced appetite and irritability due to the discomfort. Small red and black specks around the snake’s mouth, lower jaw and eyes may be an indication of a mite infection. However, the most important thing is to NOT peel the scales off yourself as you could severely damage the corneas of the snake’s eyes. It is a good idea to see the vet before any infection can occur and not to wait too long before you visit the vet. These “spectacles”, as they are sometimes called, can become infected by bacteria and may need medicated eye drops. This happens when the clear scale that covers and protects the eye does not shed, but remains attached to the eye. One or both of the snake’s eyes may look hazy or have an opaque color to the surface. This could mean that the snake is dehydrated, but could also be an early indication of thickened mucus caused by infection. The snake may seem to have stringy saliva. MY MILKSNAKE CHEWED ON ME SKINThe most common shedding symptom is that not all the skin is shed, but that patches of dry and peeling skin remain on the snake. Skin shedding issues, called dysecdysis, are quite common and also easy to spot. If this is the case, see a vet must immediately. ![]() Your pet snake may also be too weak from illness to stick its tongue out to sample its environment.Īn ill or weak snake will simply lie limp when it would usually move away, or coiling up when it wants to move away from you.Ī snake with bacterial or viral pneumonia will often have a symptom where bubbles of thick mucus are blown from the mouth or nose. If you spot this, you need to get your snake to the vet immediately - no time to waste. Look out for a pink or reddish hue to the skin along the underside of the snake’s body, as this could be an indication of sepsis, a very serious bacterial infection of the bloodstream. This sign of a sick snake can be even more obvious when you handle the animal. The weight loss is usually visible on the upper body and the bony spines of the vertebrae may start to appear more prominent. Their saliva may also appear thick and sticky. Signs of dehydration are sunken eyes or not shedding completely, but retaining pieces of unshed skin. This is especially true if they won’t even take notice of their favorite food. Some snakes may eat less at different times of the year (for instance in winter) but if they continue to show no appetite and no interest in the food you give them, there is cause for worry. Your pet may stop eating or show no interest in food, regardless of how or what it is fed. ![]() ![]() While many snake species are quite shy and hiding is usual for them, if you notice that your pet’s behavior changes and that it is hiding for prolonged periods of time, this could be a sign of a sick snake. This could be a sign of disease or of it not getting enough heat.Ī sick snake may hide or bury itself. Your snake may be lethargic and less active than before. ![]()
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