Breathing problems?

[Salvation101]

Hey all, was handling my checkered garter this evening and noticed that the back of her head(jaw hinge area) was expanding and retracting rapidly as if breathing deeply? She also "sneezed" I don't know how else to describe it! I'm rather worried about her as she also opens her mouth every so often , I think it's just relocating her jaw as it's a few days after she eats but again, I'm no vet and I've never had this issue with a snake before! Help ! I have a feeling she's got a respiratory problem

[d_virginiana]

The jaw movement you say looks like breathing can be either that or swallowing. When do you notice her doing this? If mine get startled shortly after drinking they will often make that swallowing motion.

Realigning the jaw can happen at any time, but four days after eating it won't have anything to do with eating. Is this a quick 'yawn' then she's fine, or a constant opening and adjusting of the mouth? Any gaping while breathing? Those would probably be respiratory symptoms.

Sneezing can definitely be a respiratory symptom, but I have a couple that will make sneezy noises if startled. Do you hear wheezing when she breathes? Any discharge or mucous around the mouth?

If this is an RI, you'll probably need to get antibiotics for it which means a vet visit. Not 100% sure if this is an RI or not without more info... All the things you described can definitely be symptoms of an RI, but if they aren't happening often they can be just normal behavior as well.

[guidofatherof5]

I agree with Lora. If it is a RI then a reptile vet. visit is important. Meds. will be necessary.
Any chance you can post a video?

[joeysgreen]

Definitely take it to the vet. Best case scenario, is the snake is fine and you have a veterinary opinion to rest at ease with. Worst case scenario is that you need treatment, and being proactive, you're ahead of the game, catching it early while the prognosis is still good.

Ian

[Salvation101]

Thanks for the replies guys , unfortunately there is no reptile specialists where i live. The nearest person with any knowledge is 120 miles away so i'm getting in touch with him shortly , i bought a new viv for her as the previous one had some suspicious looking corners (mold i think). so she now has a nice new home and her breathing has improved ! cheers again.

[guidofatherof5]

Sounds like you may have solved the mystery about the breathing problem. I would still contact this specialists for further advice.
You might also contact one of our members who lives in your neck of the woods (Perth)
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Mold health issues - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[the_edsta]

Checkered Garter - Breathing - YouTube
Strangely enough, after asking about how to determine if my on marcianus was gravid in a previous thread, I took her out and worked her for a while and found HER breathing problem has apparently gotten worse! Here was the vid I posted a while ago (not sure if this is like yours).

She has had this problem for a long time... but when she was worked a little today, she started gaping her mouth a bit, and then all sorts of clear saliva/snot started coming out! I was shocked! It didn't look like an infection as it was perfectly clear, but I was NOT expecting it. As I said, she has had the loud and troubled breathing since I have had her and has been fine, but I am worried about this new development? Any ideas? I made a vet appt for Tuesday, though, to be safe.

[guidofatherof5]

I think the Vet. appointment is called for. As for the liquid, it sounds like water she drank.
Any chance you can post a video of her in a horizontal/ more natural position. Sometimes snakes behave differently when being held. In your video I didn't see any of the classic RI(respiratory infection) mouth gaping.
Please keep us posted on this situation.

[the_edsta]

I think the Vet. appointment is called for. As for the liquid, it sounds like water she drank.
Any chance you can post a video of her in a horizontal/ more natural position. Sometimes snakes behave differently when being held. In your video I didn't see any of the classic RI(respiratory infection) mouth gaping.
Please keep us posted on this situation.

No gaping or anything when she is in her cage. She holds her head up usually, her mouth closed. But once he has to hustle a little, the breathing gets loud (like she is just really out of shape, as in the vid). But today it was worse -- just because of the mucas substance (perhaps she had just drank, as you mentioned... I think i'll try her out again later).

[guidofatherof5]

Keep us posted.