Respiratory Infection In Snakes?

[reptiguy]

Hey all,
Just wondering if anyone can tell me the symptoms of respiratory infection in snakes. Have an animal that I have been monitoring because I think he might have it but not sure.
Are there any tell-tale signs?

Is it contageous and should he be place far away from my other herps?

The animal I have been monitoring is a young male borneo short tail python. He is a little aggressive and when he puffs up/hisses when he is angry it sounds more like a wheese than a hiss. Any thoughts? His living requirements have been met and I keep other borneos in the same type of setup and have had no problems.

If anyone could help me out or give me a link to a good site with this info that would be great.

Thanks,
-Reptiguy-

[augerdvm]

REptiguy:

Classic signs include labored breathing, abnormal breathing sounds and sometimes bubbles from the nostrils....
but even a lethargic snake can have pneumonia.....ultimately x-rays with your vet can confirm your suspicion ....as well as a white blood cell count...

in the meantime you should increase the temp. in the enclosure by up to 5F .......quarantine the animal and monitor the rest

good luck