I'm concerned - what is it?

[zirliz]

My plains garter recently has this sort reddish colouring along the right side of his head close to his mouth and now had reached his mouth, only at once side I'll get a picture but he's a little un cooperative when it comes to his head.

He is eating fine active but does tend to lie with his body upwards a bit more than he used to.

I'm thinking of taking him to the vet as I had a boa with an respiratory infection years ago and I'm concerned he may have the same.

[guidofatherof5]

A photo would be great. Any possibility of that?

There are a few things it could be but a Vet. visit sounds like a good idea.

[zirliz]

[NikkiSixx]

It looks like an infection to me... How about you guys???

Sorry to hear that.. I hope he gets better..

[Stefan-A]

Stomatitis, but I'm not a vet.

[ConcinusMan]

That is indeed what it looks like. I've never seen it that widespread outside the mouth though. It definitely has the look of stomatitis. Looks like it has already caused a gap on the side of his mouth too.

I would get him a to a vet asap. He can be saved.

You need to take a long hard look at your husbandry and the conditions in his tank. stomatitis is a secondary infection that takes advantage of a suppressed or overtaxed immune system. Take a look at what might be suppressing his immune system. Could be secondary to a respiratory infection too. You should probably raise those temps up near 90 degrees to help his immune system and do this day and night, but do not fail to provide a proper gradient. Too much heat and low humidity without a proper gradient can cause respiratory infections too, not just too cool and damp.

I wouldn't attempt to treat this on my own. Proper treatment as early as possible by a qualified vet is his best chance for recovery.

[drache]

oops - sorry meant to post in another thread

[zirliz]

I've an appointment with vet today I hope my snake will be ok

[ConcinusMan]

Unless he is severely weakened and has been ill for a very long time (I doubt that) then his chances for recovery are good. Your vet should be able to clear this up, don't worry yourself. You can do your part by making sure the conditions in his enclosure are good. Proper range of temperature, (pay attention to air temps, don't just use a heat pad and think that's enough) clean substrate, a proper gradient, etc. Something contributed to him becoming ill. Could be stress from improper gradient/environment but could also be parasites or some other infection he caught before you got him that led to stomatitis if that is indeed what he has.

[zirliz]

the vet said looked like a fungal infection or something, she told me to call Monday as she had mislead the book that tells them which antiseptic creams one can use on reptiles.

Stomatitis she says is further in the mouth than this looked,

She gave me some liquid baytrail which I have to add to his water daily,

For respiratory infection,

I'm hopeful for him, she seemed somewhat surprised he was still eating.