Ball Pythons Stomatitis Mouthrot
Ball python mouth rot, also called stomatitis, is a common infection seen in some imported ball pythons. It is usually caused by bacteria that are normally present in the mouth but become a problem when the snake is stressed or kept in poor conditions. Stress, improper husbandry, overcrowding, parasites, trauma, and poor nutrition are all known triggers for mouth rot in ball pythons. Ulcerative stomatitis can also be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi such as Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Aeromonas. To check for mouth rot, the ball python’s head must be gently restrained so the mouth can be examined. Infected areas often appear packed with caseous (cheesy-looking) material. Early signs of ball python mouth rot include tiny purplish-red spots in the mouth, swelling of the upper jaw above the mouth opening, and labial scales that protrude abnormally. As the condition worsens, firm, dry diseased tissue develops along the tooth row.
In severe cases, the infection can extend into the bony structures of the mouth. If you suspect that your snake does have mouthrot you should contact a licensed veterinarian immediately. Respiratory or gastrointestinal infection may develop if the stomatitis is not treated promptly. Treatment requires the removal of any dead, damaged, or infected tissue from the wound in order to expose healthy tissue that will allow the wound to heal. The wound then needs to be cleansed with antiseptics or antibiotics. Finally, whole system antibiotics and supportive therapy should be given. Surgery may be needed in severe cases with slow-healing sores or inflamed growth. Vitamin supplementation, especially with vitamins A and C, may be helpful in some cases.
In mild cases, the snake should be treated immediately so that the stomatitis does not worsen. Treatment consists of gently removing, a little bit at a time, any caseous matter and cleansing the affected areas with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Betadine (povidone iodine) solution should be applied to the area on a daily basis. Stomatitis is infectious and care should be taken to carefully wash your hands and cleanse all utensils used in maintenance. With proper treatment, the disease can clear within a few weeks. If you do not start to see any improvements, contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.
I hope this information helps those who are experiencing possible Stomatitis with their snakes. Thank you for your time.
Best of luck,
Living Art Reptiles™.
Source Information: Philippe de Vosjoli, Roger J. Klingenberg, DVM, and Living Art Reptiles.
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