11 foot female burmese python

Question
I just bought my burmese yesterday, tried to feed her but she wouldn't eat. I have noticed though that she keeps her mouth open often. Is this a concern?

Answer
Hello Tim:
Yes, you should be very concerned.  A gapping mouth is the prime indication of a respiratory infection. Get the snake to a vet for antibiotic injections NOW. You did not say if you purchased it from a store or an individual but either way, you bought a problem.

Up the humidity with a vaporizer. Keep the room in the mid to high 80's. Handle it as little as possible and keep all drafts away from it.  Listen for wheezing as it breaths, keep the nostrils clean with q-tips. But you MUST see a Vet to get the proper treatment for the snake.  If you have other snakes, keep this one isolated from all others, this type of infection is air born and spreads like a wild fire.
The only other reason for this type of behavior is something stuck in the throat and that is unlikely.  Remember, keep it warm and up the humidity, a little Vicks vapo rub in the humidifier may be of benefit but that is up to you.

I am very sorry to give this type of answer but that is all I can think of telling you other then calling the seller and asking the logical questions and after the vet visit, asking that person to at least go 1/2's on the cost's to treat the sick snake he or she sold you.

write me back and let me know how it is doing and be careful, 11 feet is a lot of snake, sick or not.
                              Joel