HELP..rub infection.

[Traci]

I have a rtb that I rescued. When I rescued him he had an upper resp. infection and had rubbed his nose raw and it was never cared for. In the mean time he got an absess in each nostril (which I have cleaned out and cared for) and an open wound between his nostrils and the start of mouth rot. I have been caring for it with benidone and it does look better but when it gets dry it closes both of his nostrils up. Mouth rot is gone. Also for the last two days he is opening his mouth as wide as he can and making a hissing noise...and it is almost like he is choking. He will open or stretch one side of his mouth and jaw. Does anyone have any ideas or opinions on why he is opening his mouth up so wide and hissing. Also when his face heals will it scar over his nose so he cant breath of out of them?

[AGActaeonia]

Wow, I'm really sorry to hear all that.

Personally, I'm not sure what will happen once his nose-rub heals over, but w/out seeing it, I can only wager it improbable... Perhaps another user can offer more concrete feedback.

As to the open-mouth "hissing," sounds like he may have another RI. Is there a lump in the throat, or to feel it, do you feel any swelling?

As to the rest, put him on newspaper if you've not already (will keep dust and debris from the healing wounds and decrease irritation with his already labored breathing), keep your temperatures steady and provide as much comfort (a hide on either end of the enclosure and outside a high traffic area) as possible.

A vet-inspection would also be wise, just to get another opinion if nothing else.

[Sliding Scales]

I can't help Traci....but you are an angel to take over the care of that snake. Poor thing..

[Traci]

Thanks. He keeps opening his mouth really wide, almost like he is stretching it but he is doing it very often as if he cant get is jaw back together right. Sometimes when he opens is really wide he lets out a hiss and then it is almost like he gets stuck, but eventually closes it. Any ideas on that?

[sFlsniper]

I would use either gentamicin and if you can't get that- bacitracin on his nose.
does he make the hissing noise every breath? if so- then it's RI like AGA suggested.

I wish you good luck!

[Traci]

Thanks for all the information. I took him to a friend that knows a lot about snakes and he had an absessed tooth which has been taken care of. I have been cleaning his nose and mouth with benodine everyday. I do believe he has a RI from all the infections he once had and I'm treating that. He does open his mouth a lot and lets out a loud hiss and seems to be always trying to align his jaw, that is what Im not sure about. Any ideas about that? I also have an appointment on the 21st for him to see a herp vet just to be safe.

[morti]

The vet appointment is going to be your best bet.

The snake need some good antibiotics.