My wife's Irian Jaya Carpet Python started making some hissing sounds (sometimes long and drawn out, sometimes like a short burst of air through the nose).. sometimes they sound a bit wheezy. We took him to the vet and she said he had a possible very mild URI. There was no sign of mucus. She gave him a shot of anitibiotics and a shot of fluids (although she said he looked nicely hydrated). 4 days later (this past wednesday), he was still making the sounds so he went back and got another round of antibiotics. We've got him quarantined from the rest of our animals. One thing that has me suspicious though, when we first go near him, every breath is a long hiss. But if we leave him alone and dont move for a bit, he seems to stop or at least cut it down to unnoticeable. It also seems to pick up when we touch him. Neither of our IJCP's have ever made noises before this. They are one year old on May 30th. Could this possibly be normal for them as they mature? He's always been extremely mild tempered and happy to be handled. We're worried sick about him and looking to hear from people who kept this or similar species. Is hissing common for them?

Worried Sick,
James


EDIT: There is still no sign of any mucus or symptoms other than the hissing. The female he WAS caged with is the same age and has no symptoms (including ANY hisses).

Really sounds like a respiratory problem.

__________________
Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

I had a really big Rat Snake that used to make those noises like you describe, she didnt have an RI, although I was worried at first when I got her..vet checks where all clear on RI.

She used to huff hiss and puff in my ears when round my neck..I used to see it as her as enjoying her time out lol, cause she only did it when handled and was very Docile.

I would still keep an eye on your snake, listen for any signs of clicking noises and the mucus ect..

I also had a snow that did have an RI he was treated with anti biotics and made no sounds like my rat snake, but had other symptoms like a swollen throat and clicking noises..

After yet another vet visit, it looks like it wasn't a URI after all. Seems like it's just an age thing for Irian Jayas. The male is back in with the female now and they both seem to be doing fine. They dont hiss on a regular basis, although both will do it now if they feel bothered. They're my first experiences with the species and I'm thrilled they're doing fine (although I wish I could have found out without a couple of vet visits.. LOL). After that black racer I rescued that had a severe URI, I couldn't take any chances with our babies. Thanks again for the replies.