Healing Sick Royal Pythons

Parasites are the most common health issue with royal pythons. If you find your royal python lounging in it’s water dish for extended periods of time, this may be a sign of mites of parasites. Mites and ticks can sometimes be picked up from the foods your snake eats, so be sure to frequently check. Several commercial products can be purchased at pet stores to get rid of mites; however if the problem persists it will be necessary to talk to a vet. While mites themselves are not lethal, they make your snake very uncomfortable and can cause them to feel stressed.

A common ailment of royal pythons is mouth rot. This disorder appears as a chunky white blobs in and around your snake’s mouth, which may not be able to shut completely. Be careful not to overreact however, because a royal pythons natural gum color is a light whitish pink. This is usually an indication that an infection is present, and it is necessary to see a vet.

If you notice abscesses under the skin or swollen eyes, your snake probably has a dermal fungal infection. These abscesses can become bloody and turn into open wounds, which can lead to an infection if left untreated. Use a Betadine solution to clean the affected areas daily until they heal. To prevent the fungus from coming back, clean everything in the cage completely with a diluted amount of bleach and decrease the enclosure’s humidity.

Respiratory infections are another prevalent problem in royal pythons. If you notice your snake “yawning” or frequently opening it’s mouth, this is a symptom of a respiratory infection. You may also notice a liquid bubbling around your snake’s nose. These infections are life-threatening, and require immediate veterinary attention. If left untreated, your snake will die. Respiratory problems can easily be prevented by maintaining an enclosure with the correct temperature.

New royal python keepers are sometimes alarmed when they notice their snakes ventral side (belly) turning to a pinkish color. This is nothing to be worried about and is not a symptom of any disease; it simply means that your snake is preparing to shed it’s skin which can take 7-10 days. Pale eyes are also a sign of shedding. If you notice your snake having difficulty shedding it’s skin, it may be dehydrated. Soaking your snake in a warm, not hot, bath for an hour or so can help with shedding problems. A snake may decline food while shedding, which is also normal.