Just some Illnesses...

Infectious stomatitis, commonly known as "mouth rot," is a bacterial infection that affects a snake’s mouth and gums. This condition typically arises due to poor husbandry, injuries, or underlying health issues that compromise the immune system. Contributing factors include stress, improper temperature and humidity regulation, and an unclean enclosure.

Symptoms of mouth rot include the development of hemorrhagic patches on the gums, often starting as pinpoint lesions that enlarge over time. Affected boas may have thick mucus in the mouth, sometimes containing pus or blood. The mouth may appear swollen, and excessive drooling is common. In severe cases, the snake may breathe with its mouth open and exhibit a foul odor around the mouth. Difficulty eating or complete loss of appetite is also a significant indicator of infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to systemic illness and severe discomfort

To prevent mouth rot, it is crucial to maintain a clean enclosure with appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Feeding pre-killed prey instead of live rodents helps prevent bite injuries that can introduce bacteria. Regular inspections of the snake’s mouth can help identify early signs of infection before it progresses. If symptoms appear, immediate veterinary care is essential. Treatment typically includes injectable antibiotics, antiseptic mouth rinses, and in advanced cases, hospitalization to manage systemic infection. Providing clean water and ensuring the boa is well-hydrated also support healing and recovery.

Internal parasites often infiltrate a boa’s system through contaminated water, infected prey, or exposure to other infected reptiles. Some parasites remain dormant until stress weakens the immune response, leading to illness. These organisms can severely affect a boa’s digestive and metabolic processes, leading to long-term health complications.

Common symptoms of internal parasites include regurgitation and difficulty digesting food, diarrhea or abnormal stools, lethargy, and unexplained weight loss despite normal eating habits. Some boas may develop mid-body swelling, particularly in cases of Cryptosporidiosis, a severe protozoan infection that affects digestion. Cryptosporidiosis results in thickened stomach walls and chronic regurgitation, severe weight loss, and bloating. The disease is highly contagious and poses a serious risk to other reptiles in a collection.

Preventing internal parasite infections involves regular fecal examinations by a reptile veterinarian, quarantining new snakes for at least 60 days, and maintaining a clean enclosure while avoiding cross-contamination between animals. Treatment varies depending on the parasite but may involve deworming medications. Unfortunately, Cryptosporidiosis is notoriously difficult to treat and often fatal. A snake diagnosed with this disease should be isolated from others, and extreme sanitary measures must be taken to prevent its spread.

External parasites, such as snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis) and various tick species, feed on a boa’s blood and cause irritation, stress, and potential transmission of bacterial or viral diseases. These parasites can quickly multiply and infest an entire collection if not addressed promptly.

Symptoms of external parasite infestations include the presence of tiny black or red dots on the skin, particularly around the eyes and mouth. Infected boas may soak in water excessively, scratch or rub against enclosure surfaces, and in severe cases, develop lethargy and anemia. Left untreated, mite infestations can cause significant blood loss, dehydration, and secondary infections.

Preventing external parasites requires quarantining new snakes before introducing them to an existing collection. Enclosures should be deep-cleaned, including all hides and decorations. Treatment includes reptile-safe mite sprays, diluted betadine soaks, and in extreme cases, veterinary intervention. Some keepers also use predatory mites that feed on snake mites without harming the host reptile. Proper substrate selection and frequent enclosure maintenance further minimize the risk of infestations.

Skin infections in boas often result from prolonged exposure to excessive moisture, dirty substrate, or retained shed skin. Poor ventilation can further contribute to bacterial or fungal growth on the skin.

Signs of skin infections include red, inflamed, or ulcerated scales, fluid-filled blisters (especially on the underside), shedding difficulties with retained skin patches, and foul-smelling discharge or pus. In advanced cases, the infection can spread deeper into the tissues, making treatment more challenging.

To prevent skin infections, snake enclosures should maintain appropriate humidity levels and provide a clean, dry substrate. Adequate ventilation is essential to reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal growth. Treating minor wounds with antiseptic solutions such as chlorhexidine can help, but severe infections require veterinary-prescribed antibiotics. A well-balanced diet that supports healthy skin shedding is also crucial for preventing retained shed and associated complications.