respiratory infections

[akane]

I didn't see an illnesses or health section. How do you treat a respiratory infection? Possible meds? Oral or injected? How about an advanced respiratory infection? How contagious is it? What symptoms show up first?

Yes, I will go hit google but I want some first hand opinions and experience.

[Andy_G]

They can be bacterial or viral. To find out what you're dealing with as well as find out appropriate medication, you have to get a c&s done by a vet. Viral have to run their course, bacterial are treatable with meds. It always helps to bump heat and humidity when dealing with both types of R.I. unless a specific prescribed medication contraindicates doing so. They are extremely contagious but especially so with individuals who are under stress, kept improperly or have other compounding health issues.

Google will probably pop up a lot of home remedies for you. One of them that I am sure you'll hear about is delivery of f10 via nebulization, which is a surface disinfectant that isn't supposed to come into contact with mucous membranes...so not recommended...at least not by me or any vet that I know...but some people claim successful treatment with that method.

Edit: Symtoms!

A distinct wheezing/popping during respiration as well as a distended throat due to the nose being blocked by fluid, coupled with the snake constantly having it's head elevated in order to try to drain fluids are often the first signs of an RI. Then comes excess mucous/fluid in the mouth accompanied by bubbles, and open mouthed breathing.

[akane]

There's also this one Guide to Home Treatment of Snake Respiratory Infection - Â*BambooZoo (http://bamboozoo.weebly.com/snake--respiratory-remedy.html) . I'm talking with someone who's ready to put down a snake with RI because of the severity and she's rehoming all the rest because she can't care for them. I'm trying to get more info out of her as to what the vet said about the RI along with attempted treatment and see if I can help any but she's busy with finals. I also look up every illness as I come across a situation to learn since I have no previous reptile experience until a few months ago. Had to cover snake mites last month because my new bullsnake was delayed while the person made sure it got full treatment with ivermectin for being near snakes that made it through quarantine with mites.

[Andy_G]

Oh god the vaporub and essential oils method...which may or may not alleviate symptoms but certainly will not cure anything.

I wish your friend the best of luck.

[akane]

Sadly her snake died. She just couldn't put any more money into testing (I know she was over $300 for treatment and I think looking for another $300 to continue) so they tried to rely on antibiotics and fluids but either the snake was too far gone when she was bought or it was viral and she couldn't fight it. The exposed male is being carefully watched and she had some quarantined she is trying to find homes for but we couldn't meet up this week and she went back home for the holidays. I told her if they don't sell and don't show symptoms I might make the drive to pick them up because she's in an area we like to visit anyway and my husband has friends nearby.

[Andy_G]

It also may have been an ineffective or incorrrct medication as RI infections are resistant to certain treatments which is why its imperative to getbthe C&S...but like you mentioned it could've been too far gone.

[jossh27]

Sorry to highjack this thread but I had a few questions regarding RI's. What are the leading causes of a RI? And specifically for you Andy, what vet do you use? I was told guelph university was the best in the gta but alternatives are always good

[Andy_G]

The main culprit is really increased susceptibilty due to husbandry or stress related issues coupled with exposure to the pathogens. I havent needed to use a vet for any reason since I was in the Ottawa area 4 yeats ago. I used Dr Darren Auger. If i had to use one at this time it would most certainly be someone in Guelph recommended by Dr Auger, of which I would figure out when the time came. I've got a few contacts in guelph as it is.

[jossh27]

Perfect. Hopefully ill never have to visit a vet with my animals