possible respiratory infection - Page 2

citysnakes · 02-17-09, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

This isn't always the case. Only for the very bad ones would you need antibiotics.

I feel that if you think your snake is displaying minor symptoms of a possible respiratory infection then only small husbandry changes may be needed to correct this problem but if your animal has actually developed a respiratory infection then antibiotics are needed to reverse it. correcting husbandry after the development of the infection will only mask the symptoms but will not remove the infection.

**Aaron_S** · 02-17-09, 05:43 PM

I would have to agree if you can catch the onset of an RI (much like a cold) you can act quickly to change things. If it's showing up with mucus and a lot of gaping then you're in for the long haul if you can change it. Personally, I'm still iffy on giving snakes antibiotics which has to be injected via a needle. I've seen burns from baytril in a large retic, it took a long while to heal and was quite gross.

By the way I think that's the first time we've outright agreed to anything Julian

phil_7870 · 02-17-09, 06:18 PM

so i'll keep an eye out for muscus and open mouth breathing other than that he doesnt need to go to the vet am i right

citysnakes · 02-17-09, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

By the way I think that's the first time we've outright agreed to anything Julian

or is it...?

haha im sure theres more stuff we agree on!

phil_7870 · 02-18-09, 06:20 PM

no eat 2nite i think i might just bring it to the vet even if theres nothing wrong because im start to go crazy

Chu'Wuti · 02-18-09, 10:22 PM

Phil, you said it's a two-hour drive to the vet--is that vet even herp-certified? If not, I would not take the snake to that vet. As you know, it would be a very stressful trip, and it could be worse than just doing your best at home.

Raise your temps some, as everyone has said. Wash and disinfect the water bowl and give your BP fresh water every day to help reduce the potential for reinfection and to ensure that it stays well hydrated--that's especially important for an ill snake. Keep the enclosure really clean and ensure good humidity.

These are also all suggestions that John Rossi, DVM and Roxanne Rossi make in their book, "What's Wrong with My Snake?" They say that "environmental correction and supplemental heat are always the first steps in treating a suspected respiratory infection." (p. 114)

Good luck--let us know how things go!

phil_7870 · 02-19-09, 06:43 AM

i have that book to yeah the vert is herp qualified

Chu'Wuti · 02-19-09, 01:08 PM

Quote:

i have that book to yeah the vert is herp qualified

Well, that's good! Hope to hear your BP is doing better soon!

Wow, Julian and Aaron--it's great to hear you guys can agree on something! (just teasing!)

Seriously, I'm pretty leery of using antibiotics most of the time for any animal, including humans! We strengthen our immune systems by fighting off infections ourselves, and overuse of antibiotics is contributing to the development of nastier germs. However, there are definitely times when antibiotics are appropriate, and a serious infection is one of them.

Quote:

Personally, I'm still iffy on giving snakes antibiotics which has to be injected via a needle. I've seen burns from baytril in a large retic, it took a long while to heal and was quite gross.

The problem is the difficulty of giving snakes antibiotics without injections. If it comes down to the snake dying of a serious infection or being given an injection that may cause burns or scarring but will save its life, I'll go for the latter.

**Aaron_S** · 02-20-09, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chu'Wuti

The problem is the difficulty of giving snakes antibiotics without injections. If it comes down to the snake dying of a serious infection or being given an injection that may cause burns or scarring but will save its life, I'll go for the latter.

I don't think it's possible give antibiotics to a snake any other way. You can't inject the medicine into the prey items because most sick snakes just refuse to eat.

Chu'Wuti · 02-20-09, 04:19 PM

Quote:

I don't think it's possible give antibiotics to a snake any other way.

I sure don't know of any other way. I can't even imagine pilling a snake!

Also, I'd think that even if the snake were willing to eat when ill, it would smell the antibiotic in the prey and refuse to eat it.

That's why I said giving snakes antibiotics without injections is a problem!

Here's hoping Phil's snake isn't that sick and upping the temp & humidity will help it recover.