Clicking Noises

Question
QUESTION: Hi,  I have a red tail boa, he is about 8 months old.  When holding him you can feel and hear a clicking noise and he also sometimes will open his mouth like wide open and it seems as thoug he kind jerks his head when he does this. He seems to be very healthy, he's active and is a good eater.  I was wondering if you have ever heard of this and if so is there a at home remedy to cure what he has??  I look forward to hearing from you.

ANSWER: Sounds like a respiratory infection to me.  Have a vet check him out.  If they recommend Baytril ask for Amikacin instead-it works much better on Boids (Boas/pythons).

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QUESTION: I also forgot to mention is seems as though he starts doing this about a week or two before he sheds.  Once he sheds its like it stops, then as it gets closer to the time he sheds it starts up again.  Do you think this could still be a respiratory infection?  How would I go about locating a vet?

Answer
That makes it more complicated.  My guess would be that because snakes retain fluid before a shed, perhaps some of the extra fluid is in the respiratory tract and that is why you are hearing it.  ???  As to the vet, call the ones in your area and see if they treat reptiles, if not, ask for a referral.