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chrispaine · #1 (**permalink**) 12-22-2004, 01:23 AM

hi, im not sure of how big of a deal this might be, i know that it could be mouth rot, but i dought it, i know of the normal symtoms such as, the noise when breathing and cheese like stuff in the mouth, but i dont see anything like that, but one side of my boa's mouth looks to be pushed out a little, not alot, but a little more then the other side. I tried to get him to open his mouth with a dull pen cap but it really doesnt seem like he wants to do it!! hes about 1- 1-1/2 years old.. and has been very health till this, does anyone have any idea's?.. any help would be great and also, does anyone know of any rep vets near lower Michigan?? thanks.

momakat · #2 (**permalink**) 12-22-2004, 02:43 AM

I'm still new to keeping snakes - but DD has had a ball python for several months now and had a similar problem. The 'swelling' on one side was so barely noticable we did not see it until she brought it to a vet for an annual check up. Once he pointed it out we could see it. It had developed a fungus infection inside his mouth - vet said it is quite common. He prescribed an antibiotic to be applied externally on the side of his mouth as well as a wash to be applied. DD is not home so can't recall what the wash was made of now - but we had the ingredients at home. If nobody comes up with it will be back tomorrow with the answer. This was not just an assumption from the vet - he showed opened the mouth and used a black light to highlight the fungus. It was easily cleared up. As for finding a vet - here in Tucson there are only 2 vets that I am aware of with any experience with reptiles - just call around until you find one that you are comfortable with. Or ask at your favorite reptile house for a recommendation.

nycsfinezt61189 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-04-2005, 02:46 AM

how long ago did u last feed it? Its possible that its jaw didnt align 100% after its last feeding. That would explain why the jaw is slightly pushed out on one side. Also, I wouldnt try to force his mouth open with a pen cap because it could do more harm to him. You posted this thread a while ago so how is the boa now?

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