Baytril side effects

[AnniesMom]

My 10yr old BCI has a psedemonous infection that is very resistant. We(my herp vet and I) have been treating her with 1cc baytril oral daily for about 2 months now. The long course is due to the resistant nature of her infection. We tried shorter courses of baytril and gentamacin(sp?) which sould not knock it out. The cage temps are raised, as per vets orders, to 85 on cool side and 100 on hot. She hasn't eaten a real meal since April, but we have been tube feeding her a soft cat food/egg mixture. She sheds, poops and pees. Lethargic though. Here's the question though. I know that in rare cases baytril has been kow to cause blindness, temp or permament, in cats, but has anyone seen it happen in boas? Her eyes have fogged up( and no, it's not her going into shed) on the inside, the aqueous humour part. She tends to lay in her cage with her head elevated on the edge of the dish, nose up. When out of her cage, she sways her head back and forth in response to movement. Has anyone seen this before???

[Boots Hawks]

I have not heard of this, but I know that bacterial infections are tuff to clear up especially the resistant ones. I hope she is not suffering. I mean it is tuff, but sometimes it is better to let them go. I know she probably feels like family but we have to think of what is best for her. Is your vet experianced with reptiles and what does he or she say about the chances of this getting better? I mean she has not eaten on her own since April? I hope you don't hate me for saying this, but I think you have to make some hard decissions

I wish you and your girl the best, but that type of bacteria is real bad for humans to get also, so be careful. I am not an expert on snakes and some others will say I am nuts and tell you to try until you can't try any longer, but unless you are rich and you can see some hope,,,,,

Boots H.

[TailsW/Scales]

I think your snake is going (or has gone) blind due to the infection not the medication. If it caused this side effect, even with long term use, there is a damn good possability no vet would continue to use it on a herp as their eye site is extremely important for feeding.
Another thing that could be causing the blindness is the puree diet the snake is on. I'm very sure this is difficult for you to talk about but you didn't mention that diet having ANY nutritional value. Malnutrition does cause blindness in reptiles and it also causes lethargia. I have some ideas that will help boost the nutrition in her tube feeding if there is none.
Get a product called Jump Start. It's specifically designed for reptiles in your girl's situation. It's a high caloric vitamin suppliment and appetite stimulant. You can get it (normally) at any pet store that sells reptile supplies. Just mix it in well with her food.

Now for the gross idea.

Buy a brand new blender make your usual little mix but toss in a huge frozen mouse or small rat. Or use less mix and more rodent puree. I know it sounds gross but it will give the snake all the nutrients it need.



I know I'm not saying what I feel I should which is yes to let her go. But this is worth a try if you're open to it. If you're not then it's probably best that you euthanise her and be grateful for the time(s) you've had with you baby.

[gonesnakee]

Good suggestion except you don't use the new blender, you use the old one LOL & keep the new one for making crushed ice for drinks etc. ;) Scrap the cat food its for cats LOL rodents are whats required, preparing them is the nasty part, Mark