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Throat buldge on my Gopher snake?

P

Purduepilot12

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Noticed this this morning and I'm worried it could be a respiratory infection. Any advice? Her Temps are right where they are supposed to be
 

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I'd agree, could be an RI (respiratory infection), or a local mouth/throat infection too. Do you hear any noisy breathing? Whistling or crackling sounds when she breathes?

Tell us about her housing: size cage? temps range? humidity? substrate?
Also her history: how long have you had her? age? appetite? etc.

Keep in mind, we can offer suggestions but in no way should be a substitute for a vet visit (with a vet who is experienced with snakes).
 
Some snakes will puff their throat a little after swallowing large prey, & also gopher snakes are "hissy" snakes by nature. I'm not waiting for your cage temps, but if it's actually the start of an RI, sometimes you may be able to help the snake recover on it's own just by raising the cage temps a few degrees all over...don't over-do it, but make sure she's a little warmer.
 
I haven't noticed any noises coming from her, and her nostrils are clear, no bubbling or discharge that I can see
 
If anything, I'd say her cage is a little too warm...I'd lower the cool side to 70* if you can. (what side does she spend the most time in?) If you're using UTH (I hope?) it should be easy...overhead lights/heat tend to heat all the air too much & dry it out. These are active diurnal snakes that need fresh circulating air...ie. a large aquarium with screen top is far better than the closed-up plastic type caging sold to hold in humidity for boas & pythons. Keep an eye on her...see if you notice symptoms more or less. Hoping it's nothing...
 
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