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Cassandra's Mouth

OkeeteeMom

OkeeteeMom

Lovin' My Snakes!
So last night I concluded that Cassandra's mouth is definitely ajar (after examining the attached zoom photos below). She's also in early Blue and making some clicking sounds. I haven't speculumed her mouth open yet, as I wanted to see what helpful ideas/thoughts/suggestions you might have before I start bugging her.

Here are as many details as I can supply, but I'm sure you'll think of something I haven't...

Clicking sounds but no visible discharge
She ate fine 5 days ago
Has clean bedding and with fresh water and clean bowl
No new items in her viv
Viv warm side is hovering at 88.5F

Since we moved here (one month ago) all my snakes have been far more active than they were in New Mexico...it's much warmer in Las Vegas, NV. I've noticed that Cassandra has been very, very active with lots of trying to ‘escape’ all around the viv (digging in the substrate and pressing her nose to glass). Her head looks kind of flaky to me and I’m not sure if it’s because of all of her new activity, or what.

EDIT: I've been all over this Forum since last night and couldn't come up with a solid decision

Should I just go ahead and get her mouth open for inspection or should I wait for her shed? Your help is greatly appreciated.
 

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Hmmmm. Not 100% sure. It may be a abcess in the lip. It is hard to say. Need some more insight from other people. Personally have not dealt with anything like this before. Hopefully it is not anything bad.
 
I would open up her mouth as best as you can and take a look. If you don't see anything obvious and she is still acting ok otherwise then I might wait till after she sheds and see if it does get better. But yeah you are not going to be able to rest until you give her a good once over so I would pull her out and examine her closer.
 
Well it wasn't too easy to get a photo of Cassandra's mouth, but here it is. It looks normal colored to me, but here it is for your consideration.
 

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If she's in blue, it might just be a case of the dead skin around her nostrils clicking, or partially clogging the nostril. She may not be able to breathe properly because of this, hence the open mouth. The mouth coloration looks okay from what I can see, and that yellow pigmentation under the chin mentioned before seems to match some of her other colors around the neck area. I would personally wait until she sheds before making any drastic changes.
 
From what I can see I don't see anything that warrants rushing her to the vet ASAP. I agree I would just wait till after she sheds and see how she does.
 
Watch for her to to position herself in an upright position, indicating she is having difficulty breathing, too.
 
RobbiesCornField said:
...She may not be able to breathe properly because of this, hence the open mouth. I would personally wait until she sheds before making any drastic changes.
Click to expand...
You know, that thought had crossed my mind, but I felt better asking. Thanks so much Robbie!

Nanci said:
The thing that concerns me is she looks a little "drooly."
Click to expand...
Nanci said:
Watch for her to to position herself in an upright position, indicating she is having difficulty breathing, too.
Click to expand...

Thanks Nanci. She actually doesn't look drooly IRL. But I really appreciate your experienced comments and suggestions.

I'm going to keep a huge eye on her, yet leave her alone until after the shed...unless things change. Poor thing has been in hiding since I checked her mouth. It wasn't something I enjoyed doing...her either, I guess.

Thanks Everyone
 
She's still hiding, lol. I think she's doing her Blue thing, and laying low. Her tail was peeking out of her main hide, but I didn't want to bug her today. I'll check her in the AM. Thanks for asking!
 
Crap. I know now for sure that things aren't right! Off to the Vet.
My poor baby girl. :(

I should'a listened to Nanci's inkling...
 

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Yikes! Poor baby! Looks like a URI. Hopefully the vet and some Baytril will get her fixed up in no time. Sending good thoughts your way! Let us know what the vet says.
 
Her whole 'flaky head' thing is freakin' me out, too. I know I'll only know after seeing the Vet, but she'd been super active since we moved...trying to escape. And I change their water at least twice a week and pick up poopies as soon as I see them. I hate it that she's not okay...ugh.
 
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