I am looking for answers to some questions from experienced keepers who have had to deal with RI's before.
Well it seems like I have been having such bad luck lately. But I suppose it happens. My (Only, mind you) Male has come down with an RI. I noticed Tuesday night something was off so I set him up in a 10 gallon and put him into quarentine in a seperate floor of the house.
Wednesday he was bubbling and popping from his mouth and nose pretty bad. His throat was swollen and he was occasionally gasping for air. The vet appointment was made for that afternoon and he was sent home with some Bayril injections. ($130 for the vet visit total for anyone curious).
The Dr. took a mouth swab and told me to get 2-3 fecal samples together so he can do a smear/float to check for parasites as a precaution. He sent me home with 5 CC's of Bayril and advised me to inject 0.1 CC every 24 hours until gone.
Does this sound right for his condition? Every day for 50 days? My Pewter is right around 750-800 grams. To me that seems like a long treatment but I will do what he tells me to do - vet knows best. I've just always seen 2-4 week treatments every other day..
Yesterday I injected him but I had a very hard time. I don't think I got it in the muscle, but it definitely went in him right under the scale/skin. I hope that was enough to count for a full dose. How much pressure is usually needed to get into the muscle? I was putting a fair amount of pressure but the needle just wouldn't go in.. I ended up bending the needle! Does injecting right under the skin still give him his needed dose?
I've since watched both Ralph and Ed's videos and I hope what I learned will help me with tonights injection.
I bumped up his hot spot to 95.5 degrees and ambient to 83-85 degrees. I have him in a glass aquarium with a screen top and heat lamp. I am trying to keep him as warm and dry as possible as that was what I was advised to do from fellow herpers. I have seen some conflicting information requarding humidity. At this point should I keep him dry or keep him humid? And why?
I have him on paper towels with a small water dish and two hides. Is it possible to re-infect himself from using the water dish?
About how long do you usually see some sort of improvement? I am very worried about him... Do they tend to die once they're at the bubbling stage or do they usually make a full recovery with Baytril injections?
My vet is on holiday until Tuesday and I am on edge like crazy! I so badly want him to make it but I am not sure if I am getting my hopes up too high. I've never had to deal with this before.
I have been checking on the rest of my collection and no one else has any symptoms of RI so far. I change/cover my clothes and wash my hands and arms if I touch my Pewter and then touch anyone else. Is this enough or could I still spread the infection easily?
How long does it usually take for a full recovery and safe re-introduction to the collection?
The cause of the RI was my own fault. I got a new CB-70 rack and did not solder enough holes into the tubs. I noticed some condensation but because of my work schedule being so hectic I was unable to solder more holes, I was actually going to do that Wednesday morning. The high humidity along with the stress of breeding season must've done him in. I have since raised my temperatures back to 90 and soldered more holes into the tubs.
Any help with people who have had to deal with RI's is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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