Introduction - with help requested (I'm at a loss)

[irini]

Hi Everyone,

I just joined sSnakess and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Irini and I have an 8yr. old Columbian Red Tail Boa named Juji. I was recommended to join this group in hopes that someone can help me with a very frustrating problem.

Juji has had a recurring respiratory infection for about 5 years now. They began around the time when she damaged her nose, which fully healed but left her nostrils about a 1/3 of their original size. Ever since then, her breathing has been audible (slight wheezing), though our herp vet thoroughly checked her out and ensured us that all was well, but said she will always breathe with a slight wheezing sound without surgery. Shortly after her nose healed she came down with a respiratory infection and was prescribed Baytril. After two courses the infection/congestion cleared up. Several months later it came back, our vet examined her and again prescribed Baytril. This went on for three years. Each time blood test and throat cultures were taken and the results came back as a respiratory infection.

We then changed vets to a highly recommended herp vet who specializes in reptiles, birds and primates and who does house calls (very handy!). He took a complete blood panel and throat culture, and put her on a stronger antibiotic (with a name I don't remember but have at home and can tell anyone who would like to know). The results were exactly the same. The infection/congestion cleared up but came right back. The treatment was extended for several months, and the same thing happened again.

Her enclosure is in the right temperature range - throughout this, she has alway appeared active, her shedding is normal, her scales clear and healthy and her temperament is as upbeat as ever. I simply don't know what to do. I don't want to have her on antibiotics for the rest of her life and just can't get rid of this health problem. I'm really at a loss.

Thanks very much in advance for any help you can give,

Irini