Mouth rot? ):

[Kaorte]

So I was checking over my snakes this week and I noticed some strange color around the mouth of my normal. It looks very similair to the scale color on her sides, but I don't remember it being there. I might have just over looked it, but I was also thinking it might be mouth rot. I don't know how she would have gotten it though. I clean the cage right when I notice it has been soiled (I check twice a day). I make sure she doesn't eat substrate when she eats, although occasionally a small piece will sneak in. Would that be enough to cause mouth rot?

She has been eating, shedding, and going to the bathroom normally. She has never skipped a meal. I have peroxide, should I start treating her a few times a week just to be safe?

Here are some pictures.


I tried to look inside her mouth but she said no way!

):

[SatanicIntention]

Looks like normal coloration to me.

And don't use peroxide, it will just damage the tissue even worse. It can't differentiate between dead tissue and healthy tissue.

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a safe cleaner to use in mouths.

If you're concerned though, restrain the snake and look in her mouth. Takes 2 minutes. Get a small spatula or something similar. Credit card works well too.

[Kaorte]

what exactly should I look for when I open her mouth? I am feeding her tonight so it will be a few days until I can take a peek. I am glad it looks normal to you, I really hope I just have a case of the worries!

[Ben Biscy]

look for mucusy rotten flesh. it'll be white or white-ish.

[SatanicIntention]

Why not just look in her mouth now?? It's not a big deal. Majority of my snakes could care less.

Put her body under your arm, grasp her behind the head and hold onto her neck with one hand, pull down the side of her mouth and insert a spatula type object most of the way across. Pull down and inspect the mouth. Simple as that.

You have to restrain her. No, they don't like it, but they honestly get over it very quickly.

Just feed her tomorrow if you're worried about her not eating.

[Kaorte]

Well I already fed her and she ate. I will just check tomorrow.

I got a look in when she was realigning her jaws and I didn't notice anything unusual, although I did just get a quick look.