Help - snake's tongue gets stuck!

[Pikelet]

I have a 5 yo coastal carpet python in good health. I have noticed on several occasions that her tongue gets caught out the side of her mouth. She always manages to correct it herself, usually within a few minutes. However sometimes she does seem a little distressed - I imagine it's not too comfortable! It doesn't seem to relate to any feeding times etc - just seems to randomly happen. Any ideas on causes or if it's a sign of any other problems? I have asked a few friends who also have snakes but no one has heard of this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Serpentes]

Have you just noticed it recently? If it's been going on for longer than 3 months I would say it's just a bizarre character trait, otherwise there could be mucous sticking the tongue to the outside of the mouth.

 

[Kurto]

Is there a lot of fluid in the back of her throat?

 

[Just_Joshin]

As suggested see if you can open her mouth and have a look for excess mucous etc

Can you see any dried crusty bits around the mouth at all??

It could be an RI or stomatitis developing. i have seen a childrens python with the exact same symptoms, tongue getting stuck. It was hard to tell from a glance...but if you had a proper look there was dried secretion making the mouth sticky and hard to open.

 

[Pikelet]

Thanks for the repsonses. I first noticed it more than 12 months ago, but have noticed it more often lately (although that could be because I am home more now).
There isn't any mucus, fluid, or crusty bits and she can still open her mouth easily, as she does this to try and get her tongue back in - it appears to me like it gets caught on a tooth and hangs out the side of her mouth until she can get it loose.
Perhaps it is just a bizarre trait as Serpentes suggests?

 

[Dragon1]

That is strange...

 

[Pikelet]

Thanks Dragon1, I've always said she's a bit strange

 

[montay]

Hi - if the snake has thick, sticky mucous this will cause the 'forks' of the tongue to stick together, and the tongue to adhere to the sides of the mouth. This is a sign of a respiratory infection. Snakes do not have a diaphragm - therefore they cannot cough, so resp infections are common.
They are not always acute, either. Sometimes they linger around for a long time causing the symptoms you suggest.
I would suggest a phone call to a vet who is experienced in herps for over the phone advice. If it necessary to bring the snake in, they will advise.
cheers - Vicki