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Sneezing
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by Wollers on January 9, 2004
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I have an adult N.Pacific Rattler which has developed
a consistent sneeze. About the same time the snake went off feeding, but I am not sure the two are related. This will be his first winter in captivity, so he could just be shutting down for the winter. As far as the sneezing goes, I am a little worried because
its been going on for about 3 weeks now. Otherwise, the snake does not display any other outward signs of illness. I am a little stumped.
- Mike
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RE: Sneezing
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by creep77 on January 9, 2004
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Is it a loud sound with natural head recoil or just a little nasal huff?
I've seen Viperid snakes do this on and off feed. Often it has been while investigating the food it just took from my tongs and dropped, and sometimes while roaming.
Have you seen this snake head-shake? What I mean is a short, quick side to side movement. I once read an article that briefly hypothesized that tis was a means for clearing up the vomeronasal organ of anything that might interfere with accurate chemoreception.
I could be entirely wrong and this sneezing has everything to do with the health of your snake. It's just an angle.
creep
Anyway, the article is Copeia 1985, No. 2, pg 496.
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RE: Sneezing
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by Wollers on January 9, 2004
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.....thats interesting, I have not heard that before. Initially, I suspected the snake had clogged his nasal
passage with sand because he has a habit of digging in the substrate when he is out moving. He seems to sneeze more when roaming the cage than when he is coiled in his hide spot. It seems to come without warning and his head does recoil quite a bit.
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RE: Sneezing
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by JTEDENS on January 10, 2004
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What type of sand are you using for substrate? Some sands contain very fine particles that can irritate a snakes respiratory sytem. I always rinsed sand in a screen filter before use. I no longer use sand as a substrate but when I did I used well sand, that would go around the casing of a water well. It's a much larger grain therefore making it possible to rinse with a screen. Of course I would allow it to dry for several days before use. Just a thought.
John
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