Do you think my BP has an RI?

[thegoalie22]

My BP makes a fair amount of noise when handled for more than a few minutes. It doesn't really sound like a hiss, but I'm not totally sure what a hiss sounds like. He has no mucus or bubbles whatsoever and has been eating like a pig and shedding normally.

I know I am probably worrying about nothing, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

[CritterVet]

Does the noise coincide with his breathing? You can observe the breathing like you would other animals -- watch for the body wall movements with inspiration and expiration. If the noise does coincide with regular breathing, I would get your friend to a vet.

Hissing is accomplished by forcing air out rapidly. It is a purposeful noise, and I believe it is pretty obvious what it going on to the observer. In my experience, snakes typically hiss at the onset of handling, and the hiss often is accompanied by balling up, reeling back into strike position, or other defensive behaviors.

Something else that can cause respiratory noises is a stuck shed on the nostrils.

Another consideration is that the snake is stressed by handling, stress causing an increased respiratory effort.

[thegoalie22]

Do you mean does his breathing happen at the same time as the noise?
Or do you mean does he breath regularly seperate from the noise?

[CritterVet]

Both....is the noise synchronous with breathing, as if it's coming from his lungs? For example, a snake with mucus in its trachea can seem to "rattle" or vibrate with each breath as the air becomes turbulent through the narrowed trachea.

[firedoug]

My BP is on day 7 of Baytril injections and is doing 100% better. I took him in last week, and vet agreed that it was an early stage RI. My fault totally as a new BP owner I did not properly adjust my heating sources when the cold weather hit this winter and tank got too cold.

What mine was doing was sitting in tank with head and neck up, yawning alot, and would make a hiss/sneeze sound with mouth open. When I would handle him he would make that sound alot more, prior to this he has never hissed at me, and is not doing it anymore since about 3 days on Baytril.

My vet bill was reasonable, 40 for visit and exam, and 48 for 10 Baytril & 10 vitamin C injections. Gave one of each in office day of visit and then sent me home with the syringes and meds.

Giving your snake injections is a real good time, takes 2 people and a calm demeanor.

Good Luck
Doug

[thegoalie22]

Ya he doesn't yawn at all except for once usually after feeding. And he doesn't crane his head up like you said.

Another question: Are the "mouth noises" that they make during an RI consistent?

[Kaorte]

Unless your snake is gasping for air or you hear lots of clicking and popping while he is breathing, he probably does not have an RI.

No bubbles, no open mouth breathing, no mucous, no yawning. Its probably not an RI.

I would keep a close eye on the snake though, if you notice any other RI symptoms, make a vet appt.