POSSIBLE EMERGENCY?!
Hello, I've got an urgent matter. My ball python was just fine this morning. Now, late evening, it's not. I found him hanging backwards, head on the ground upside down. I thought he was dead and poked him softly. He barely reacted. Had to do it again a few more times for him to move his head (see photo). He stayed like this and I got really concerned because he usually reacts immediately. He gets very active when touched. I moved his hide to check on him and he still barely moved. Flicked with his tongue once or twice, but didn't move which is unusual. He then slowly moved to his other hide, emphasis on SLOWLY and hid half of his body, the rest still pokes out (photo). It's an hour later now. I also noticed his breathing is off (video) and heavy. He lay curled in the other hide before I took him out to observe him closer, but now his posture is much straighter. I'm extremely worried. I called the vet and asked if this could be an emergency but they told me they'd have to examine the snake in person. The issue is, it's late evening, and the next vet that also does reptiles is at least 40 mins away. Should I still go tonight or should I wait until tomorrow when regular consultation opens again? Or could it just be stress from poking him?! Snake's mouth is closed and there are no bubbles, saliva or mucus. Breathing is quiet as it should be.
I'm so worried.
(Can't add photos and videos at once so I'll post the photos in the replies)
UPDATE: he moved. Now he's sitting in a u shape, but the breathing is still the same.
UPDATE 2: I also called the vet. They'd examine him but there's no reptile specialist present until tomorrow afternoon. There's also no other specialist to reach out to.