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I have a ribbon snake (almost a year old) who was acting fine except for denying food, then I woke up today to him spinning and twirling and not acting anything like he does, I've been holding him since 2 and he doesn't hold his head upright it droops and is at an angle, he also constantly has his mouth open and u can hear a hollow click when he does it(it almost looks like he's gasping for air) he does squirm and keeps exposing his belly to the sky, I need help!

I have a ribbon snake (almost a year old) who was acting fine except for denying food, then I woke up today to him spinning and twirling and not acting anything like he does, I've been holding him since 2 and he doesn't hold his head upright it droops and is at an angle, he also constantly has his mouth open and u can hear a hollow click when he does it(it almost looks like he's gasping for air) he does squirm and keeps exposing his belly to the sky, I need help!

Updated On January 13th, 2017

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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Chong needs to be seen by an experienced herp veterinarian as soon as possible. By your description, he may have a respiratory infection. The clicking and gasping may indicate advanced infection which can be stressful causing the posturing. It may also be neurological in nature. For this reason, an exam is strongly recommended.

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