help!! (Jungle Jag with RI)

[Jay]

ther is a pet store who is selling a jungle jag for 200 he is 5 ft but i noticed wheezing and bubbles from the nose the guy told me its normal for him should i buy him and can i treat him at home

[zombielotus]

I must say, that is really low of the pet store to say. It makes me mad that they wouldn't treat the snake, and make sure it was healthy before they sell it.

[infernalis]

Bubbling and wheezing IS respiratory infection. How sad.

[Jay]

im so frustrated i have never delt with ri before i would like to purchase him to save him hes such a looker is ri contagious

[red ink]

If you've never dealt with RI then I would'nt get him mate, it's not the easiest condition to deal with specially if it has had it for a while.

[infernalis]

I would keep it away from my other snakes until cured.

RI comes from poor husbandry, the snake was not kept warm enough and now it has the equivalent of pneumonia. (it's airways are getting blocked with excessive mucus)

Sometimes it will go away by jacking up temperatures and allowing the snakes own immunities to fight it off, but other cases require a vet visit.

One approach to try (I'm not saying to be dishonest) is pretend to know nothing, buy the snake and IF it runs into a vet bill, go back to the store, shake the vet bill in the air and start raising hell.

Most shop owners would rather NOT have a customer carrying on about selling sick animals while other customers are in the store. Pick a really busy day to do it and threaten to call animal control.

Good luck.

[shaunyboy]

If you've never dealt with RI then I would'nt get him mate, it's not the easiest condition to deal with specially if it has had it for a while.

^^^^^
ri's when caught in the early stages can be easy to cure

when they've had it a while its not so easy sometimes

it can develop into pneumonia

i would politely tell the shop manager that your of the opinion that the snake has a respiritory infection and should be treated and made healthy before it is sold

you could even tell him you would like to buy it but only when its healthy again

an ri can be contaiges

cheers shaun

[Lankyrob]

Personally i would call animal control and get them to take the snake.

[percey39]

Bubbles usually mean that the infection has set in for a while and will require a good dose of meds. Around here its usually about $110 for a months worth but that may not work or may require more doses. It can be quite tricky once it has progressed to this stage to heal. I would ask for them to pay, but i have had a problem with a pet shop in the past and its like trying to get blood from a stone!!

[presspirate]

Lots of good advice here. Personally I would call it to the guys attention. Preferably with a few people as witnesses.

[marvelfreak]

Personally i would call animal control and get them to take the snake.
I am with Rob on this, because once they take it the first thing they do is have it checked by a vet. Plus you can point out to the owner that is could kill all his snakes off.