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is-the-snake-video-cute · 2 years

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Hi, I was wondering if you could give some advice? I've only been keeping for a year so I'm not exactly sure how to proceed and am quite concerned. I have a python who I noticed had a bit of a whistle to their breathing when I took them out, and I haven't noticed any other signs they're due to shed soon yet which in past experience has been the cause of whistling. My first instinct was 'Go to the vet!' but the issue mainly lies in that

1. Though I have enough money to pay for any expenses, I am reliant on my mother driving me to the appointment, and she would not be so eager to do so given that we're currently going through some issues at home and

2. I've gone to the vet quite a lot and fairly recently within the past year, with our last appointment less than half a year ago. Each time other than the first (during which we discovered the original whistle breathing cause was a mouth infection, made me very paranoid about regular shedding signs later on) the different vets were unable to find any issues with the snake or my husbandry, which hasn't changed, and I'm worried if I just go to the vet again I'll just receive the same result

Another thing is that I live in the southern hemisphere and so it is currently getting colder. Though theoretically conditions should be remaining relatively the same, at least as much as I could possibly get it, is there a possibility the whistle is due to that? Such as when some people get sniffly as the weather changes? Because if the temperature shift is not the cause I am legitimately unsure how to continue

Sorry for the text wall, I am physically unable not to overexplain everything, and thank you in advance for whatever answer you grant if any. Have a nice day!

Alright, I don't think it's a shift in the weather causing it. Snakes can't really get sniffles like humans do. My first instinct with any whistles is always to recommend a vet visit, where they can run a blood test (if only as a precaution) to check for elevated white blood cell levels, which are one of the earliest signs of an RI that can be picked up at the vet's.

It's very possible, if you don't notice any other signs, that there could just be a piece of dust or substrate stuck in their nose. Some snakes will also just whistle a bit when they're excited or on the move and breathing hard - how active was your snake when you heard the whistling? It's possible they can also just be in the early stages of preparing to shed, even if they're not far enough along for there to be shed in the nostrils - sometimes the fluid under the skin as a shed comes on can put some pressure around the nostrils and cause a whistle.

All of those non-RI reasons should be very short term and clear up in minutes-hours.

Here are a few signs to watch for that might be indicating your snake is indeed in the early stages of an RI:

Popping, clicking, or crackling noises, along with very heavy breathing while the snake isn't moving

Resting with their head pointing up, excessive saliva, or "drool" around the mouth

How loud is the whistle, and is it consistent? With RIs, I usually hear inconsistent whistles, that vary in loudness and length. With something stuck in the nostrils, though, whistles are usually about the same every time. A whistle that you're hearing constantly as opposed to just occasionally is also a red flag.

Refusal of food and unusual irritability/snappiness

Sometimes a whistle can be benign, but it's always something to keep a very close eye on. Take a look at your snake's other behaviors for anything amiss - you know them best, after all. If I were you, and you're not noticing anything (even little things) amiss with your snake, then I'd wait a short while (like, a day tops) and see if the whistle goes away on its own. If it doesn't, that's when I would take them to the vet.

When in doubt, although I understand your reluctance, I think a vet visit is usually the best option when hearing whistling or other breathing issues, if only for your own peace of mind. RIs can turn very nasty very fast.

#not a rating #snake health #respiratory infections

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