Caring for pet snakes is challenging. They have very specific husbandry needs and require careful attention to detail to keep them in tip-top condition. They are also susceptible to a number of medical conditions. One particularly common condition you may have heard of is mouth rot.
Ball python mouth rot, also known as stomatitis, is a serious condition that can quickly become fatal if left untreated. As ball python owners, it’s important we understand the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of mouth rot to properly care for our snakes.
What is Ball Python Mouth Rot?
Mouth rot is an infection of the mouth and throat tissues in ball pythons It is considered an Upper Alimentary Tract Disease (UATD) which affects the oral cavity, esophagus and pharynx.
The condition is caused by harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli Pseudomonas aeruginosa Morganella morganii, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Fungal infections by Aspergillus species can also lead to mouth rot.
Symptoms of Ball Python Mouth Rot
Recognizing the early symptoms of mouth rot is crucial for timely treatment and recovery. Here are the most common signs:
- Loss of appetite
- Discharge of pus from mouth
- Excessive salivation
- Swelling and redness in mouth
- Inability to fully close mouth
- Lack of tongue flicking
In advanced stages symptoms include
- Gum swelling
- Tissue death (necrosis) causing black/dark patches
- Mouth lining erosion with yellowish-gray appearance
- Fluid draining from nose and mouth
- Severe cases can make the mouth appear decomposed
- Loose teeth from swelling
- Swollen head
- Bulging, infected eyes
What Causes Ball Python Mouth Rot?
The main causes of mouth rot in ball pythons include:
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Stress: Inadequate enclosure space, handling anxiety, high traffic areas can stress ball pythons and lower immunity.
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Improper Feeding: Low-quality food and irregular feeding affects nutrition and immunity.
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Incorrect Habitat: Temperatures that are too low and humidity levels that are too high promote bacterial growth. Snakes rubbing their snout against the enclosure glass can also cause mouth injuries.
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Poor Hygiene: Accumulation of waste, uneaten food and lack of disinfection allows pathogens to thrive.
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Weakened Immunity: Age, illness or stress can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility.
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Vitamin C Deficiency: Lack of vitamin C impairs healing and immunity against infections.
Diagnosing Ball Python Mouth Rot
If you notice any symptoms of mouth rot, take your ball python to the vet immediately. Diagnosis methods include:
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Physical examination of the mouth for inflammation, swelling, redness, ulceration etc.
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Cytology of mouth discharge to identify bacteria, fungus, blood cells.
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Culture of the discharge to identify the specific pathogens present.
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Biopsy for confirmation by microscopic analysis of mouth tissue sample.
Treating Ball Python Mouth Rot
Treatment is tailored as per severity of infection:
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Mild cases are treated with oral antibiotics for 2-3 weeks along with antiseptic mouthwashes.
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Severe cases need hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and supportive care. Surgery to remove dead tissue may be required.
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Post-recovery, oral antibiotics are continued for a few months to prevent recurrence. Multivitamin supplements are given to strengthen immunity.
With early intervention, the prognosis for full recovery is very good. However, if left untreated, mouth rot can spread systematically and eventually lead to death.
Preventing Ball Python Mouth Rot
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some key tips to reduce mouth rot risk:
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Maintain proper temperatures across the enclosure with a basking area around 90°F.
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Preserve humidity between 50-65%. Low humidity dries out mouth tissue.
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Use a larger enclosure so the snake doesn’t rub its snout.
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Clean waste and leftovers daily. Disinfect entire habitat each month.
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Feed nutritious, pre-killed prey to avoid bites. Use supplements.
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Provide multiple secure hides for stress-free resting.
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Limit handling to lower anxiety.
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Inspect mouth regularly for signs of injury.
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Ensure water is clean. Hydrate soaker meals when shedding.
With diligent husbandry, observation and hygiene, we can keep ball pythons healthy and thriving. Be alert for early mouth rot symptoms and always consult an exotic vet for diagnosis and medication. With prompt care, our ball pythons can fully recover from mouth rot and continue being our docile, beautiful companions.
What is mouth rot?
Mouth rot is the common name given to the medical condition known as stomatitis. It occurs when bacteria overgrow inside the mouth causing pain, swelling and infection. This can lead to tissue in the mouth dying and rotting, hence the name mouthrot.
What causes mouth rot?
As mentioned previously, snakes have very specific husbandry requirements needed to keep them in good health. If any one of these requirements is not met they are at risk of becoming unwell. Without an appropriate diet and habitat their immune system can become compromised. This means they are unable to fight off infections they normally would have dealt with, and as a result, bacteria can multiply and invade the mouth causing mouth rot.
It is really important each species of snake has its specific husbandry requirements met. This includes appropriate temperatures, humidity, UV light supplementation if required by the species, an appropriate balanced diet, and a vivarium of appropriate size.
If you are not sure what husbandry requirements are needed for your species, please contact your local vet who can discuss this further with you. It is important that husbandry requirements are tailored to the species and individual. They can vary significantly, and attention to detail and consistency is very important in keeping them healthy.
Other causes of mouth rot include viruses and injuries to the mouth which can lead to bacteria getting into the oral tissues causing infection. It can also occur in snakes who have other underlying health conditions. If they are immunocompromised, your snake may be more susceptible to infections.
How To Do a Health Check On a Snake
FAQ
How do you treat mouth rot in ball pythons?
Antibiotics are often needed to clear up any infection. Pain relief may also be given, as the condition often causes discomfort. In severe cases surgical treatment may be needed to remove dead tissue. If your snake is particularly unwell they may need to stay in hospital.
Can you treat mouth rot at home?
Mites and ticks often carry bacteria that can cause mouth infections, especially in snakes and lizards. If a lizard or snake is still eating well after consultation with your regular veterinarian, some early cases of mouth rot can be treated at home with topical medications and by improving nutrition and husbandry.
How do I know if my snake has mouth rot?
However, if you’ve noticed excessive drooling, yawning, excessive refusal of food, or even puss coming from his nose or mouth, it’s definitely mouth rot.
How long does mouth rot last?
The vet will most likely prescribe Baytril or similar. But if that doesn’t work a culture may be needed to determine specific antibiotic needs. Mouth rot can take 3-9 weeks to fully heal.