so, what is wrong with dearest raoule???

[Sequin]

well, my ball looks like he's having some problems.
His left eye looks a little messed, but i am almost 100% sure its not a retained eye cap. Its just in the center of the eye. it looks like a few grey lines in his eye? almost like scales in his eye? The right eye is nice and clear so i have no clue. I would post pics but my camera wont focus in enough for the problem to be noticable. other then that he seems healthy, hes been doing all the good stuff snakes do...but he was wheezing about 2 weeks ago. i figured it was because the peat moss was too dusty ( his temps are perfect its not that). so i was going to change his substrate, but i havent heard wheezing for over a week. so it healed itself i guess? i have no clue. Anyone have any idea what is up with my dear snakey?
thanks a billion to any replies
~Meagan~

 

[Wade]

The surface of the eyecap might have been scraped, and if it's not an old, retained cap then it will probably be back to normal next time it sheds.

Sometimes respratory infections will clear up if whatever husbandry issues are at play are corrected, but a vet visit and antibiotics might also be in order. Peat moss is an unusual choice for a snake substrate, IMO. I wouldn't be surprised if the dust could cause your snake some respratory problems. Also, much of it may be ingested when the snake eats.

If the reasoning behind the peat is to maintain humidity, I've found it easier to use a humidified shelter rather than trying to keep the whole cage humid. I use a plastic box with a hole in the lid. Inside is moistend cypress mulch. The rest of the cage has dry newpaper as a substrate. There is also a dry hide and a large water bowl.

Wade

 

[Herps&Inverts]

I'd try soaking Raoule for about an hour. Plug him into a tupperware (rubbermaid or sterilite container with a lid) in water that feels hot (but not scalding) to your hand. Stick the lid on the container, don't drown him...put about 1/2" of water per 1" of thickness. The humidity and water will help loosen the eyecap (if, indeed, that's what it is). If you're certain its a cap, try running a small slice of scotch tape over the eye and gently removing it. If the cap doesn't come off, wait for a few days. It might just be an abraided lens. Not too big of a deal.

Wheezing is rarely caused just by dusty bedding. Its usually a sign of a respiratory infection (which can be secondary to dusty bedding, of course). Keep an eye on him for open-mouth breathing, drooling, etc. He might need a trip to the vet just for grins and giggles.

Sam

 

[Sequin]

I'd try soaking Raoule for about an hour. Plug him into a tupperware (rubbermaid or sterilite container with a lid) in water that feels hot (but not scalding) to your hand. Stick the lid on the container, don't drown him...put about 1/2" of water per 1" of thickness. The humidity and water will help loosen the eyecap (if, indeed, that's what it is). If you're certain its a cap, try running a small slice of scotch tape over the eye and gently removing it. If the cap doesn't come off, wait for a few days. It might just be an abraided lens. Not too big of a deal.

Wheezing is rarely caused just by dusty bedding. Its usually a sign of a respiratory infection (which can be secondary to dusty bedding, of course). Keep an eye on him for open-mouth breathing, drooling, etc. He might need a trip to the vet just for grins and giggles.

Sam

Well he might just hate me for the rest of his little life if i stick him in water.... hes not a big fan...
and sad to say, where i live we have no vets that know anything on any exotics. They basically take a stab in the dark at what the problem is. then tell you there is nothing they can do for it and charge you 100 bucks for the cause. My guess is as good as theirs, but there is a local here who breeds snakes, i've been told to give him a call....
thanks for the reply
i guess i will give raoule a bath tonight...
hahaha
~Meagan~