Respiratory Infections in Snakes

What Are Respiratory Infections?

Respiratory infections in snakes affect the airways and lungs, causing difficulty breathing and other signs of illness. These infections are one of the most common health problems seen in captive snakes and can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Respiratory infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. In some cases, poor husbandry—such as low temperatures or dirty enclosures—predisposes snakes to infection.

Causes

The most common cause is bacterial infection, usually from gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Aeromonas. Other possible causes include:

• Mycoplasma or Chlamydophila(specialized bacteria)

• Viruses– including ophidian paramyxovirus (especially in vipers), nidovirus, and secondary infections with Inclusion Body Disease (IBD)

• Fungal or parasitic infections– less common, but possible in wild-caught snakes

• Environmental irritants– such as cedar bedding, ammonia buildup, or smoke

• Physical obstructions– abscesses, granulomas, tumors, or even foreign material can block the airways

Because the signs can look similar regardless of cause, veterinary diagnostics are important for proper treatment.

Clinical Signs to Watch For

Respiratory infections can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

• Mucus or bubbles coming from the nose or mouth (“bubble-blowing”)

• Sneezing or wheezing

• Crusty nostrils or nasal discharge

• Open-mouth breathing or frequent yawning

• Abnormal posture– holding the head and neck elevated to help breathe

• Lethargy or reduced activity

• Loss of appetite (anorexia)

Any of these signs warrants a veterinary exam as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

At Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center, we use a combination of diagnostics to identify the cause:

• Physical exam to check for mucus, wheezing, and posture changes

• Cultures (bacterial, fungal, anaerobic)to identify the organism if not responding to first-line treatment

• PCR testing if Mycoplasma or Chlamydophila are suspected

• Bloodwork to assess overall health

• Radiographs (X-rays)to evaluate lungs and air sacs for pneumonia or obstruction

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity, but usually includes:

• Clearing the airways: Gentle removal of mucus or obstruction

• Antibiotics: Often injectable medications such as ceftazidime or amikacin, given over several weeks

• Anti-inflammatory medication: To reduce pain and inflammation (e.g., meloxicam)

• Supportive care:

  • Keeping your snake within its Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ)to boost immune function

  • Providing daily to every third-day soaks to maintain hydration

  • Correcting any husbandry issues (enclosure cleanliness, temperature, humidity)

Because snakes have a slower metabolism, treatment courses are usually longer (3–4 weeks or more)than for mammals.

Prognosis

The outlook depends on how early the infection is treated.

• Mild cases often respond well to prompt treatment.

• Severe or chronic cases may require prolonged therapy and can recur.

• Untreated respiratory infections may progress to pneumonia and can be fatal.

Home Care & Prevention

• Maintain proper husbandry: Correct temperatures, humidity, and ventilation are critical.

• Clean regularly: Remove waste promptly and disinfect the enclosure regularly.

• Reduce stress: Avoid unnecessary handling during treatment and recovery.

• Quarantine new snakes: Keep new arrivals separate for 60–90 days to prevent introducing disease.

When to See Your Veterinarian

Seek veterinary care right away if you notice:

• Persistent bubbles or nasal discharge

• Open-mouth breathing or wheezing

• Sudden change in appetite or behavior

Early treatment can make the difference between a quick recovery and a prolonged or fatal illness.

Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
📞 480-530-0370
🌐 www.treeoflifeexotics.vet
Our team is experienced with reptile medicine and can help your snake breathe easier and recover quickly.