Strange Breathing

[bigdog2003]

I noticed yesterday when I got home from work that my BP is breathing heavy. He doesn't do it all the time, maybe once every few minutes. I checked him for bubbles, and didn't see any, and he doesn't seem to be opening his mouth when doing it. I didn't see any mucus or anything when I checked him. I did notice him holding his head up slightly when breathing deeply.

He has refused to eat the last two tries to feed, but that isn't strange for him. He will eat for long periods of time and then refuse for a few feedings. His temps are 90 degrees on the hot side, and 75-79 on the cool side. He is on coco fiber bedding, and the humidity is at 50%.

I have spent my morning researching RI with the hopes that he doesn't have one, but I don't know. I have been getting updates this morning from people at my house that say he doesn't seem to be breathing like that today, but they don't really know what they would be looking for.

I have read that bumping the hot side temp up can help, but is there anything else to do? Increase humidity? Decrease humidity? Is is possible for snakes to "catch" colds from people? I ask because we have had a pretty nasty cold going around the house lately. Could he get it from us?

I know only a vet can say for sure if it is a RI, and I have been searching for the ones close already just in case, but I was wondering if anybody with more experience might be able to offer some advice on what it could be.

Thanks in advance.

[KyleKennedy]

I don't think reptiles can catch human germs. But they can get 'colds' just like us when their environment is not ideal. Your temps in the cage sound fine though, but raise the hot side up a few degrees and reduce humidity for about a week. Bacteria strives in high humidity/moisture environments. Give it about a week and see what happens. He should be okay. I used to own ball pythons that caught 'colds' every now and then.

[Minkness]

Next time you handle him, wait till he is calm, and put him up by your shoulder near your ear. Listen carefully for wheezing, crackling, or squeeking sounds when he breaths. Heavy breathing could just be a 'sigh' or stress breathing. If you hear the sounds I mentioned, find a vet and take him as soon as you can. If it's an RI, the earlier you catch it, the better it is for everyone.

Just so you know, I recently went through the same thing and must have called at least 20 vet offices asking for cost of the office visit, and what tests they would perform to determine the type of RI it might be. Prices for an exotics visit ranged from 30$ to 99$, but about 90% of the people I spoke with said they would only do a physical to determine if it was an RI. One offered to do a blood test (pointless) and one offered a trachea swab. Ironically, the one who offered the trach swab had the cheapest office visit and gave me an over all quote, as well as offered to do the other 3 injections at no extra cost.

So, listen to your snake, call around, ask questions, and make the best judgement you can. I walked out with a MUCH smaller vet bill than I expected because I asked the right questions.

Good luck, and hopefully it's not an RI, but if it is, just know it'll be ok. =)

[Albert Clark]

Also I would switch him from the coco fibre to paper towels. I have heard that coco fiber has a dusty characteristic to it after it dries out and can harbor mold. Both of those elements will contribute to respiratory distress. If you are suspicious about his health then take him to a herp vet so you can have peace of mind. Good luck. :D

[Minkness]

Albert is very correct on that as well. I struggled with trying to find a substrate that worked, and in the end, I just use paper towels and change them out as needed.

Also, try bumping the humidity to between 60-80% and see if that helps. =)

[bigdog2003]

He seems to be doing better now, he ate Sunday and hasn't been doing the weird deep breathing thing. Im going to keep an eye on him for a while just to be sure.