Please help...something's happening....

[jbt123]

I just purchased a baby spotted python from a pet store and she was doing great when I purchased her. But then I put her in my enclosure with cocosoft bedding (kinda like bed-a-beast) and it got stuck to the roof of her mouth because she rubbed her face in it. I got most of it out myself but she was so delicate that some was still in her mouth. I just removed the bedding and put her in a deli cup with about a teaspoon of water to hopefully get her to drink the dirt down. Well,I took her out and looked at her mouth and it's SWOLEN!!! Only the bottom jaw-line is swolen. Could she have mouth rot or something, or is it just irritation? I'm so worried...one side looks worse than the other. She's also making bubble-popping sounds every time she brethes..... I'm seriously crying and hitting myself for putting her on that stupid bedding! PLEASE HELP....

[jbt123]

False alarm...I think she'll be alright. i got the rest of the dirt out with the help of about 5 q-tips and some warm sugar water and her jaw swelling is going down.

[Brandon28]

Glad to hear it is working out. I would swab the mouth with a water/hydrogen-peroxide mix to help with any type of infection.

I'm sure you don't need anyone suggesting that you replace the substrate with newspaper or papertowels, for the time-being.

keep us posted!

[LdyDrgn]

Not just for the time being, but from now on. Stuff is notorious for getting into the mouth and heat pits only to cause health issues.

[jbt123]

Thanks, my friend actually is like the snake expert (seriously) and he told me to do the exact same thing when I called him freaking out. He said if there's no bubbling, there's probably no infection: so there was no bubbling, but I will definitely do that from now on, for preventative measures. Don't know why I didn't think of that...lol

I feel like a novice when I talk to someone like him, but in all honesty I've had snakes for about 8 years now...I guess I'm just a worry-wort and freak out easily... I really wish he had a thriving internet connection and enough time to answer questions on here...I don't think there's anything he doesn't already know. He's a great asset to anyone who owns a small collection of snakes.

But I really do appreciate the input. I give you my ultimate thanks!!

Also, I actually put down super-soft washcloths...my friend told me they were better than newspaper/cage carpet/paper towels because they keep more moisture and keep the humidity up. Midna (the S.P.) also has pretty dry skin, and that was another concern of his. He had me go out and get "Shed-Aid" and rub it into her skin.

I will definitely keep all of you posted. I think she's going to be just fine.

[Adrya]

If washcloths are damp or wet, even after a couple of days they can develop mold real quick and generally isn't a good idea.

Paper towels would be better, and it also would help with humidity to place another small bowl over the heat pad area to create humidity, along with misting every now and then. Easier to clean up and replace instead of washing wash cloths in the washing machine.

[RioBravoReptiles]

Substrate (what's on the bottom of the cage) is only part of proper care.. However, newsprint, paper towels and all other featureless substrate are only appropriate for new or quarantined animals. These things are not what an an animal needs for best growth and development.
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That's what I think about that.
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Good luck with your animal.

[Brandon28]

So far, all the advice is great. The only thing that I would add would be on the "Shed-Aid". It's not worth it AT ALL. I have never had a whole shed with that stuff. It makes the shed brittle and it breaks apart during the shedding process. Causes more problems than it's worth. Just keep your humidity right and you'll be fine.

[jbt123]

Alrighty, will do. I'll probably replace the towels with paper towels in a day or two...but I won't use cocosoft until she gets a little bigger...I dont want that happening again...