Pet snakes are generally healthy animals, but even under the best tank conditions, they can suffer from skin infections, respiratory problems, and parasites. These illnesses can leave reptiles feeling uncomfortable and lethargic, often leading to drastic weight loss and secondary complications. For example, some diseases, such as mouth rot, can advance to the point of tooth loss if not properly treated.
To help you protect the well-being of your cold-blooded companions, this guide explores the five most common health issues in pet snakes.
1. Internal Parasites
Most pet snakes contract parasitic infections from prey or a new tankmate. If they’ve been caught in the wild, they’re guaranteed to have parasites and should be dewormed and checked for ticks. Some of the most common internal parasites that affect snakes include coccidia, hookworms, and roundworms. Infected reptiles will refuse to eat, and they may regurgitate their meals eventually, leading to weight loss. You’ll notice their lack of energy and poor appearance in addition to bouts of diarrhea and bloating.
When parasites attack your pet snake, fight them with anti-parasitic medication. Snakes don’t necessarily need to be dewormed the way we treat and schedule worming in dogs and cats. But it is a good idea to consult with your vet, especially when you notice unexplained changes in your pets’ physical condition and behavior.
2. Mouth Rot
Mouth rot is an unpleasant condition known as “stomatitis” in snakes. It starts with small dark spots on the snake’s mouth and is accompanied by a layer of mucous or frothing with a foul odor. Mouth rot is a serious disease affecting both snakes and lizards and cannot be treated naturally or without the assistance of a veterinarian. Mouth rot can become so severe that your snake could lose its teeth and possibly its life.
In many cases, mouth rot results from an injury to the head or mouth. A snake may burn itself on a heat lamp, or the humidity in the tank could be too high, resulting in the accumulation of bacteria. Bacteria move in when the snake’s immune system is weak and the infection will spread. These animals are often unable to eat due to the swelling around the mouth and may exhibit signs of respiratory difficulties. If you think that your pet snake has this infection, consider the matter a veterinary emergency and seek professional help.
3. Skin Infections
Here’s something first-time reptile owners should know: excess humidity in a reptile’s enclosure will lead to skin infections. Factors such as wet substrate or dryness can also trigger irritating dermatitis. The problem with dermatitis is that it causes raw patches that become infected with bacteria. The irritated skin escalates to blistering, and without intervention, snakes can suffer from septicemia and sudden death.
The signs that your snake could have a dermatitis infection include small red or dark lesions, tiny bumps, and dry, inflamed skin. The first step to get the condition under control is to have the reptile examined by a vet. Tackle the tank with a thorough clean and check the temperature and humidity inside the enclosure. It should be at acceptable levels for the particular species. For example, hognose snakes can tolerate up to 50% humidity, but higher levels can cause scale rot.
4. Respiratory Infection
Snakes have a complex respiratory system, with most species possessing only one lung. When they are exposed to bacteria, viruses, or fungi, a weakened immune system increases the risk of developing a respiratory infection.
The snake’s body is placed under immense strain in these circumstances, and many of them struggle to breathe. The signs that your reptile has a respiratory condition include mucus around the mouth, nasal discharge, and frothing or gurgling. You’ll notice their appetite decreases, and if you listen closely, they may begin wheezing during the advanced stages. Most reptiles with a chest infection need antibiotics to recover.
To prevent the possibility of a future infection, always keep your pets’ enclosures clean. Sterilize new objects for the tank and control large amounts of moisture to avoid the spread of bacteria.
5. Viral Disease
One of the most significant diseases affecting constrictors, such as pythons, is inclusion body disease (IBD). The illness attacks the central nervous system but includes gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. It is caused by the reptarenavirus, resulting in a snake’s inability to turn themselves onto their backs. As the disease progresses, pet snakes suffer from paralysis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, and as the snake’s immune system becomes weaker, they are at risk of contracting bacterial infections. IBD is highly contagious among snakes, so it is important to keep reptile environments clean. If you notice troubling symptoms, quarantine the animal until they can be assessed by a vet.
How to Protect Your Pet Snake From Diseases
Providing your pet snake with a clean environment and the appropriate humidity and temperature will reduce stress and maintain their immunity. Good overall health is the best defense against diseases. Pay close attention to your snake’s overall condition, from the texture of their skin to their weight. If you notice changes such as spots on their skin, a lack of appetite, and swelling around the mouth, it’s time to see a professional veterinarian.
Diseases such as mouth rot and infections are generally treated with antibiotics and can take weeks to recover from. Once you’re aware of the most common health issues in pet snakes, you can take the necessary steps to protect your reptile companions from illnesses.
