Rescue Concerns

[u/Character_Use9466]

Hey Everyone, so I recently adopted this ball python from a rescue based here in Maryland that has been rehomed twice. Upon receiving the snake, I have noticed a slight wheeze only when he is active and moving on me while also these spots being present under his chin area, they are brown almost black colored. Would you all recommend an immediate vet visit or is this something im just not used to with ball pythons as all my other snakes are colubrids.

[u/Badtexture_]

Wheezing is not a good sign, and hissing would be a very different and obvious sound by comparison. While it might not be a “fly like hell” emergency, I definitely would get to a visit soon and establish a baseline with them

[u/Character_Use9466 → u/Badtexture_]

perfect i appreciate that. I got him on Sunday and noticed the wheezing immediately. the rescue said the spots under his chin were nothing to worry about but I second guess things. Going to get this guy an exotic vet appointment scheduled for when they have next available

[u/Toxic_Musshroom]

Maybe not an emergency but definitely worth a vet visit soon, a ball python with audible breathing is rarely a good sign, could be a respiratory infection, what's his humidity like?

[u/Character_Use9466 → u/Toxic_Musshroom]

Thank you I appreciate it. currently at 65% on hot side and 71% on cool side, I just received him on Sunday. His basking spot gets to 91° max and hot side max of 87° and cool side low of 76°