Signs of a Sick Snake: Common Illness Indicators Every Owner Should Know (2024)

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Recognizing the signs of an unwell snake is of utmost importance. Watch out for general symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, and weight loss. Skin may show retained patches of dry, peeling skin, or turn pinkish or reddish.

Mite infestations manifest as red or black specks around the eyes and mouth. Specific issues include stomatitis, egg binding, and blister disease. Common diseases such as respiratory infections and inclusion body disease can make your snake seem off.

Spotting these signs early gives you a heads-up on your snake’s health, helping you take timely action to maintain its well-being.

Want more insights? Keep exploring.

General Signs of Illness

If your snake appears lethargic, moving sluggishly or spending excessive time resting motionless, or if it displays a lack of appetite by refusing meals, these could be indications of illness. Additionally, signs like dehydration, evidenced by sunken eyes or wrinkly skin, and weight loss, with the snake’s body becoming thin and bony, should raise concerns about its health.

Lethargy

Lethargy is one of the first telltale signs that your snake isn’t feeling its best. If your usually active pet seems sluggish, hides more than usual, or appears to have lower energy levels, it could indicate an underlying health issue. Pay close attention to changes in activity and hiding or burrowing behaviors – they’re often the earliest red flags.

Loss of Appetite

If your snake becomes lethargic, you may notice another concerning sign: loss of appetite. This behavioral change could indicate:

1. Parasites
2. Infectious stomatitis
3. Blister disease
4. Underlying medical conditions

Don’t ignore sudden appetite loss. Seek veterinary care to identify and treat the root cause, and consider appetite supplements if recommended.

Dehydration

You can spot dehydration in your snake through sunken eyes, dry skin, and lethargy. Monitor water intake and humidity levels, as an electrolyte imbalance leads to serious issues. Here are hydration tips:

Provide large water bowl	Use proper substrate	Mist enclosure daily
Soak in shallow water weekly	Adjust humidity based on species	Offer foods with high water content

Weight Loss

If your snake is losing weight, it could indicate an underlying issue. Look for these signs:

1. Sunken eyes
2. Protruding spine and hip bones
3. Loose, saggy skin

Weight loss coupled with lethargy, dehydration, and other symptoms may signal a serious condition like septicemia or respiratory disease. Prompt veterinary care is essential for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Pinkish or Reddish Skin

Pinkish or reddish skin discoloration can indicate an underlying skin lesion or infection. This is a common warning sign that your snake may be unwell. While not all skin discoloration signifies illness, it’s important to monitor your pet and consult a reptile veterinarian promptly if you notice any abnormal changes in their skin tone or texture.

Skin Problems

As a snake owner, you should pay close attention to your pet’s skin condition. Retained patches of dry, peeling skin, stringy saliva around the mouth, hazy or opaque eyes, and retained spectacles (old, unshed skin around the eyes) can all indicate potential health issues.

Retained Patches of Dry, Peeling Skin

If you notice patches of dry, peeling skin on your snake, it could indicate a skin irritation or improper shedding. This can happen due to low humidity, skin mites, or other underlying issues. Closely monitor your snake’s skin condition and seek veterinary advice if the problem persists or worsens.

Stringy Saliva

Stringy saliva is an alarming sign that your snake’s health is compromised. Look for:

• Thick, sticky saliva strands in the mouth
• Excessive drooling or bubbles around the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or closing the mouth
• Dehydration due to an inability to ingest water

This condition often accompanies respiratory infections or stomatitis. Seek immediate veterinary care to prevent further complications.

Hazy or Opaque Eyes

If your snake’s eyes appear hazy, cloudy or opaque, it could indicate an eye infection or other vision problem. Keep an eye out for excessive eye discharge, which can also signal issues. Cloudy vision and blurred sight are concerning, so consult a reptile vet promptly to address any potential eye infections before they worsen.

Retained Spectacles

Retained spectacles, or pieces of unshed skin stuck around your snake’s eyes, can indicate issues. It may be caused by:

• Inadequate humidity levels
• Poor shedding conditions
• Underlying health problems

Gently removing spectacles prevents further issues. Providing proper humidity, surfaces to aid shedding, and addressing any illnesses helps prevent retained spectacles in the future.

Mite Infestation

One telltale sign of a mite infestation in your pet snake is the presence of tiny red or black specks around its eyes, mouth, and lower jaw, which could indicate parasitic activity.

Additionally, you may notice raised bumps under its skin scales, floating parasites in its water bowls, reduced appetite, and increased irritability.

All of these signs warrant prompt veterinary attention to address the infestation properly.

Red or Black Specks

Another sign of a mite infestation is the presence of red or black specks around your snake’s eyes, mouth, and lower jaw. These specks are actually the mites themselves. If you notice these specks, it’s urgent to act quickly and seek veterinary attention.

Red Specks	Black Specks	Location
Mites	Mites	Eyes
Mites	Mites	Mouth
Mites	Mites	Lower Jaw

Tiny Parasites in Water Bowls

If you also notice tiny parasites floating in your snake’s water bowls, it’s a sign of mite infestation. These parasites can contaminate the water, potentially transmitting diseases. Practice good water hygiene by changing the water frequently and treating it with a reptile-safe disinfectant to prevent parasite transmission and water contamination.

Raised Bumps Under Skin Scales

You might also notice raised bumps forming under your snake’s skin scales, signaling a potential parasite infection. These irritating scale abnormalities can indicate mites burrowing. If left untreated, the skin irritation and discomfort worsens. Seek veterinary guidance for proper diagnosis and treatment options to swiftly address the underlying parasite issue.

Reduced Appetite

If you notice your snake isn’t as enthusiastic about mealtime, it could indicate a mite infestation. Picky eating or weight management issues may stem from nutritional deficiencies or digestive problems caused by these pesky parasites. Don’t ignore changes in your pet’s appetite—it’s a telltale sign something’s amiss.

Irritability

An irritable snake is often a sign of a mite infestation. You may notice:

1. Increased aggression or restlessness
2. Excessive rubbing against objects
3. Frequent attempts to escape the enclosure
4. Loss of appetite due to parasites or mite bites

Inspect your snake’s skin, water bowls, and habitat for tiny parasites or raised bumps under the scales. Prompt treatment is imperative to prevent further discomfort and health issues.

Specific Health Issues

You should watch out for signs of stomatitis, an infection of the mouth and jaw characterized by redness and swelling of the gums that can progress to jaw bone infections requiring antibiotics and potential surgery.

Egg binding, where a female snake is unable to pass an egg and stops eating while developing swellings along the lower body, is another serious condition necessitating prompt veterinary examination and treatment.

Stomatitis

Another concerning condition is stomatitis, an inflammatory mouth disease. You’ll notice your snake not eating, reddened and swollen gums. Left untreated, the infection spreads to jaw bones, causing bumps and swelling. Prompt veterinary care with antibiotics and potential surgery is essential for recovery. Maintaining good hygiene helps prevent this painful ailment.

Egg Binding

Egg binding in snakes is a serious issue that may halt egg movement, causing swellings in the lower body. Look for lethargy and a lack of appetite, signs requiring immediate attention. Home treatments like warm baths and gentle massages might help, but veterinary intervention is often necessary for removing eggs surgically, ensuring your snake’s health and comfort .

Common Pet Snake Diseases

Regarding common pet snake diseases, vigilance is key. Monitor for signs of Infectious Stomatitis, parasites, blister disease, respiratory issues, and inclusion body disease; these conditions can severely impact your snake’s health .

Infectious Stomatitis

Infectious stomatitis, or mouth rot, is a common snake disease marked by:

• Causes: Often from bacteria due to poor husbandry or stress .
• Symptoms: Red and swollen gums, refusal to eat, stringy saliva .
• Treatment: Requires antibiotics and possible surgery.
• Prevention: Maintain a clean enclosure and reduce stress (Source).

Parasites

Parasites can wreak havoc on your snake’s health. Look for red or black specks around their eyes and mouth, tiny bugs in their water bowl, and raised bumps under the scales. Regularly clean the enclosure and maintain proper humidity. Keep an eye on your snake’s appetite and activity levels, and consult a vet if issues arise (Source).

Blister Disease

Blister disease in snakes can be a serious issue. You’ll notice:

1. Reddened, fluid-filled blisters on their skin.
2. Lethargy and decreased appetite.
3. Skin lesions, often with secondary infections.
4. Poor shedding.

Prevention strategies:

• Keep the enclosure clean and dry.
• Guarantee proper humidity.

Treatment options:

• Consult a vet for possible antibiotics or antifungals .

Inclusion Body Disease

Inclusion Body Disease is a viral infection primarily seen in boid snakes. Symptoms include lethargy, regurgitation, and neurological issues. The disease progresses rapidly, leading to severe health decline. Treatment options are limited to supportive care, and long-term effects often include chronic illness or death. Prevent transmission by isolating new snakes and maintaining a clean environment .

Respiratory Disease

Next, respiratory disease in snakes, like upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, and asthma, is common. Look for symptoms like wheezing, labored breathing, mucus around nostrils, and frequent sneezing . These issues often require vet attention and proper humidity levels, which can make all the difference in your snake’s health .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)