Just last month, a client entered the clinic presenting a Diamond Python with an eating disorder.
Upon close inspection of the animals mouth, we noticed some serious abnormalities.
The python had a cheesy paste around the fangs and was quite emaciated (very thin). These symptoms typically point towards Mouth Rot (Necrotic Stomatitis) as the cause of this Diamonds loss of appetite and weight.
Mouth Rot can start from a number of things, nervous striking, a live prey item that has managed to bite the snake in the mouth or an injury inflicted by a poor choice of terrarium equipment.
Treatment depends on severity of the condition, in mild cases a mouth wash solution of diluted peroxide or Betadine may do.
But for severe cases, a veterinarian should be consulted, your vet will most likely remove dead tissue from the mouth, which should be then washed with an antibiotic solution and the animal given Vitamin C injections.
Careful tube feeding with Herpaboost will ensure the animal has the energy to fight against the infection and make a strong recovery.
But remember, good nutrition and husbandry will always help prevent diseases like this one taking hold in the first place.

Written by Dr Tony Gestier