7 Common Diseases in Pet Snakes: Important Facts for Their Wellness

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REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Pet snakes are often thought of as hardy and resilient pets, but like any other animal, they can develop health conditions and diseases that require veterinary attention. Most health issues in pet snakes are related to suboptimal husbandry and are easily prevented with proper care and nutrition.

It’s always important to be aware of what kind of ailments can affect your pet and what kind of signs to look out for. Keep reading to learn more about the most common diseases observed in pet snakes, their causes, and how they are diagnosed and treated.

The 7 Common Diseases in Pet Snakes

1. Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infection is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract. This is a common condition in captive reptiles and is most often caused by bacteria but may also be due to viruses, fungal infections, or parasites.

Causes

Respiratory infections are often the result of poor husbandry. Snakes can easily fall ill if they are kept in unsanitary conditions or if the temperature and humidity levels in their enclosure do not mimic their natural environment. There are many different species of snake in the pet trade, so it’s important to understand their species-specific husbandry needs to prevent any negative health conditions that can easily result from improper care.

Diagnosis

A veterinarian will perform a physical examination and go over the clinical signs the snake is exhibiting. Depending on how severe the infection is, diagnostics may include X-rays, blood work, fecal tests, and even the collection of respiratory samples for cytology or culture to determine the exact microorganism involved.

Treatment

Respiratory infections must be treated with appropriate antimicrobials that may be given by mouth, injection, or through inhalation. If it has been determined that either parasites or fungi are involved, targeted antiparasitic or antifungal medications will also be included.

Respiratory infections can easily recur if the underlying reason for the infection is not resolved. In most cases, it will involve the owner doing a thorough cleaning of the environment and taking proper steps to ensure the snake’s enclosure is kept clean and at the proper temperature gradient and humidity levels.

2. Infectious Stomatitis

Infectious stomatitis is most often referred to as mouth rot, mouth canker, or ulcerative stomatitis. This is a painful condition that comes about due to a bacterial infection within the soft tissue in the mouth. If left untreated it may even spread into the bone. The most common bacteria associated with infectious stomatitis include, but are not limited to, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Klebsiella, and Salmonella.

Causes

Snakes can develop mouth rot for several reasons. Most often, it is due to a suppressed immune system being unable to properly fight off the isolated bacteria in question. Suppressed immunity can be the result of stress due to improper temperature and/or humidity, an unsanitary environment, inadequate nutrition, or even underlying disease. This can also happen as a result of trauma to the mouth.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infectious stomatitis is done through a physical examination by a licensed veterinarian. They may also collect a sample of affected tissue to obtain a bacterial culture and find the specific culprit.

Treatment

Prompt treatment is very important considering this is a painful condition that can become more severe and lead to further problems. Treatment typically involves either oral or injectable antibiotics and proper cleaning of the affected area with antiseptics. The underlying cause of the condition will also need to be addressed to prevent recurrence. Occasionally, infectious stomatitis may be so severe that surgical removal of dead tissue may be necessary.

3. Scale Rot

Scale rot is a blanket term used to describe various types of dermatitis or skin infections seen in snakes. Scale rot may also be used to describe burns, abscesses, and any secondary bacterial infections associated with the skin. Signs of the conditions that fall under this term are easily observed and if possible, best treated in the early stages to prevent open sores, blisters, and ulcerations.

Causes

The most common cause of scale rot is poor husbandry. This includes unsanitary living conditions or improper temperature and/or humidity levels. Poor nutrition may also be associated but is much less common. While skin conditions may appear superficial, it is important to figure out what the root cause of the problem is so that it can be solved and prevented from happening again.

Diagnosis

If scale rot is suspected, the snake should be evaluated by a veterinarian. They will go over the snake’s medical history and clinical signs and will likely ask you about your care practices. It is important to have the condition diagnosed as quickly as possible to prevent it from becoming worse and leading to a more severe infection.

Treatment

Treatment often includes the use of either oral or injectable antibiotics. Sedation may be necessary in more severe cases to properly clean the affected area and remove any dead tissue as needed. Proper treatment will also include correcting the root cause of the problem.

4. Parasites

Snakes can be affected by both internal and external parasites, and both are quite common in captive reptiles. Internal parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, or even Cryptosporidium, which affect the lining of the stomach and intestines. More often than not, internal parasites go unnoticed until a routine exam where a fecal test is performed.

Mites are external parasites that reproduce quickly, and clinical signs appear as the infestation progresses. Severe infestations can lead to significant blood loss, resulting in lethargy, anemia, and even death if left untreated.

Causes

Internal parasites are usually ingested by the snake, while external parasites, like mites, are typically introduced through new animals, substrate, or by the handler transferring them from another location to the snake through contact. Mites are fairly common at reptile expos and pet stores because of how many reptiles are present at these locations.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing internal parasites is done via a fecal exam completed by a veterinarian. Mites are incredibly small, and owners may not notice them until they observe their snake soaking in the water dish excessively. Mites can be seen in the enclosure, hidden within the scales, and around the eyes and mouth, but you may need a magnifying glass to get a good look.

Treatment

Treatment for parasites will be dependent on the type of parasite affecting the snake. Antiparasitic medications will be administered by the veterinarian if internal parasites are the issue.

Mites can be difficult to treat, and it can take several weeks to rid an infestation. The enclosure will need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected frequently as you work to treat the mites.

There are sprays made specifically to treat snake mites, but always take great care when using insecticides around your snake, and speak to your veterinarian if you have any questions on how to take care of a mite problem.

5. Septicemia

Septicemia isn’t a specific disease, but an extreme response to infection that occurs when bacteria and toxins proliferate in the bloodstream and organs, quickly leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Snakes with septicemia are critically ill and close to death.

Causes

Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through localized infection, traumatic injury, or even parasite infestations. Poor husbandry is often a significant factor. Improper feeding, unsanitary enclosures, inappropriate temperature and humidity levels, or significant stress have a detrimental impact on the immune system, making snakes more susceptible to septicemia.

Diagnosis

Septicemia can be diagnosed through a physical exam and blood work completed by the veterinary staff. Once diagnosed, prompt treatment is necessary to save the snake’s life.

Treatment

Septicemia is invariably fatal if left untreated. If septicemia is suspected, immediate veterinary care is necessary. Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, fluid therapy, and nutritional support through recovery.

6. Boid Inclusion Body Disease (BIBD)

Boid Inclusion Body Disease (BIBD) is a severe, fatal viral disease that is transmitted easily among captive snakes. It affects snakes in the Boidae family, which includes various species of pythons and boas. Infected pythons will often show signs quickly, while boas may carry the virus for a year or more without any indications of disease.

Causes

BIBD is caused by a reptarenavirus that particularly affects boas and pythons. Although experts know that BIBD is readily passed from snake to snake, the method of transmission is not yet understood, and scientists suggest that the virus may also be spread through mites or from infected parents to offspring. Until recently, even the exact cause of BIBD was unknown. There is still much more to be learned about BIBD.

Diagnosis

If BIBD is suspected, the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, which may include blood tests and X-rays. Until recently, this disease could only be diagnosed by observing inclusion bodies within the blood cells under a microscope, but there is now a PCR test available.

Treatment

There is currently no treatment for BIBD, and the infection is almost always fatal. As the disease progresses, infected snakes lose motor function and the ability to eat. Humane euthanasia is often recommended.

7. Dysecdysis (Incomplete or Abnormal Shedding)

Dysecdysis is the abnormal or difficult shedding of the skin. This is often referred to as a ‘stuck shed’ in the reptile community. Healthy snakes will shed their entire epidermis at once, unlike other reptiles like lizards that shed in pieces. If a snake is unable to shed the entire skin at once, there is something amiss.

Causes

Incomplete shedding isn’t a disease itself, but a sign of an underlying problem. Most often this is due to poor husbandry for the specific species. Having temperatures and humidity levels outside of the snake’s natural range can easily cause issues with shedding. Inadequate nutrition, handling the snake during a shed, parasites, bacterial infections, and a lack of furnishings in the terrarium to assist in the shedding process can also contribute to dysecdysis.

Diagnosis

It’s easy to identify an incomplete shed by observing the snake. When a snake sheds normally, there will be no leftover skin anywhere on the body and you will notice an entire piece of skin in the shape of your snake within the enclosure. An incomplete shed may slough off in pieces and some old skin may be left behind anywhere on the body, especially around the eyes and at the tip of the tail.

Treatment

Most importantly, you need to work out the reason for the dysecdysis and address it. If you cannot figure out why the snake is experiencing difficulty, it’s best to consult an experienced reptile veterinarian.

An incomplete shed can typically be handled at home by soaking the snake in lukewarm water or by wrapping them in a damp, warm towel. You should never try to peel the skin off, as it can damage the new skin and cause the snake significant injury. Any time you are concerned about the leftover shed, reach out to your veterinarian for further guidance and assistance.

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Snake Healthy

Only Purchase Healthy, Captive-Bred Specimens

Not only is there much controversy surrounding the sale of wild-caught reptiles in the pet trade for ethical reasons, but wild-caught specimens are much more likely to carry disease when compared to captive-bred animals. Captive-bred snakes that come from reputable breeders are the best way to go if you are looking for a pet snake.

Know Your Species

It is incredibly important to be familiar with the specific species of snake you are bringing into your care. Care requirements will vary depending on the species and there are numerous snake species available in the pet trade.
These animals come from various places all across the globe and are built for very specific climates and habitats. You will need to understand the specific care requirements for your snake by doing your research on the species and discussing care with a reputable breeder and your veterinarian.

Always Maintain Proper Husbandry

Improper husbandry is often the reason that captive snakes suffer from health conditions. This is very easily preventable with knowledge and proper care. Make sure you are keeping the temperature and humidity at the appropriate levels for your species of snake.

Ensure you provide the correct substrate and habitat furnishings, as well as provide fresh, clean water. Keep up with regular cleaning of the enclosure and always remove any urates or fecal matter from the terrarium through spot cleaning as needed.

Feed them an Appropriate Diet

All snakes are carnivores that eat whole prey, which is what you will need to provide. More often than not, frozen rats or mice will make up a pet snake’s diet. Make sure you are feeding appropriately sized prey items for your snake’s body size. It is highly recommended that frozen-thawed rodents be offered rather than live to prevent the snake from becoming injured or being infected with disease or parasites.

Establish Care with an Experienced Veterinarian

Not every veterinary clinic will be able to provide care for pet reptiles. When you decide to have a snake as a pet, you will need to research veterinary clinics in your area that are experienced with caring for snakes. If you ever have any questions about the health and welfare of your snake or if you notice any unusual physical signs or behaviors, always reach out to your veterinarian for assistance.

Conclusion

There are several common diseases and health conditions that pet snakes may develop. More often than not, these diseases are preventable through proper care and husbandry practices. It is very important to understand the specific needs of your pet snake, as every species has unique care requirements that must be met to ensure its overall health. If you ever have any concerns about your snake’s health, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Featured Image Credit: Andrii Medvednikov, Shutterstock