Respritory Infection, need a lil help here...

[William C]

Hey guys, first I want to apologize for not being around much lately. I've been really busy with a new job and working 50+ hours a week doesn't give me much time for the internet... Now, I've been keeping snakes almost 20 years now and this is the first time I've ever had to deal with a sick snake (thank God).. One of my boa's, Rocky, a 2 year old salmon has what I'm assuming is some sort of RI. I took him out to clean his cage the other night and I always handle them for while afterward, I hate to take them out and then put them right back in. So anyway, I'm sitting there with him in my lap watching a movie and I hear this really high pitched wheezing sound. At first I thought it was the surround sound speakers or something, but I turned off all the sound and could hear it pretty clearly. I then noticed a very small amount of mucus around one of his nostrils. He seems perfectly healthy otherwise, so I went ahead and fed him as regularly scheduled. While watching him swallow his meal, I saw a bubble come out of nostril. It's been about a week now and I've adjusted the heat in his cage up to about 86 degrees. I also lowered the humidity. I don't see it clearing up on its own, and I know this is terrible but I don't have a reptile vet in my area. I live about 4 hours away from the only one I can find online. I've done some research online and read about a drug called Tylan. Supposedly it's a hit or miss kinda' thing though, being that there's no way to tell what is causing his sickness without testing and what not. I truly love my snakes and I will make the trip to the vet if I must. But, if there is anything I can do on my own to clear this up I would love some input. I've talked to a couple breeders that say they go through this every breeding season. I've never bred any of my snakes, they are just my buddies. I feel like a bad parent, not knowing what to do for my little man. So like I said, ANY info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

[KMG]

I would try calling a reptile vet and seeing if they would prescribe medication over the phone and ship it to you or give you another source that could ship you the meds.

[kitedemon]

I appreciate the the question and personally I don't like driving long distances at all. I sympathize with your situation but if this were a human does using a home remedy sound like a good idea on a pneumonia? No. It is clear you care about you animals and have cared for them for a long time. The best way to insure a full recovery is the vet. I would suggest a culture be done and perhaps the vet will understand the drive and courier the meds not requiring a second trip. If this is not the case maybe the culture could be sent and some other meds administered and if the culture proved them to be not very effective another source could be found. I know there are things claimed that will help but easing the symptoms and and things that may not or may help should be additions to a proper round of drugs. I am sorry your snake is sick and sorry that I am suggesting a long drive to you but I firmly believe it to be the best way.

I have been told catnip helps easy the symptoms not a cure just a touch of relief. Fresh growing catnip plant in the enclosure. It once was used to treat respiratory issues in humans and a friend whom is a reptile zoo keeper has used it in a animal whom has had multiple RI and seems prone to them to help control it with much success.

[William C]

I thank you for your reply. Yes, it does look like the trip to the vet is what is going to have to happen. I refuse to let any animal under my care die from something that is curable. I will keep you posted on the results. For now, he seems fine. He's wild as a buck, eating fine, so otherwise he's healthy. It's just that little bit of snot keeps me up at night. He's in blue mode right now, so as soon as he sheds I'm going to take him to the vet. He's one of those boas that you just cannot deal with in blue mode. Very nippy, and he isn't exactly small. So I'd rather not take a bite from him if at all possible. When he's clear, he's quite docile. And a gorgeous snake as you may see from some of his photos. Again though, thank you taking the time to reply. It means a lot. Not only to me but to Rocky as well.

[The_Godfather]

Yeah, you just gotta find someone who can get the meds to you and tell you how to administer them. There might be someone around here who fits that description. If you know it definitely isn't going to clear up that will be your best bet. It shouldn't be too difficult to get ahold of. In my experience, getting vet meds is pretty easy. It isn't like trying to get human meds without a script.

[BFE Pets]

Call the reptile vet and visit a local non herp vet that'll atleast take a culture. The reptile vet can give the local vet the best course of action for you via the phone. As for tylan i haven't had much luck giving it injected but realizing it seems to work fairly well for me.

[Rat160]

Dont know if boas are the same as balls but you said you bumped the temp up to 86? What was it at before? I would guess if they are the same as balls I would bump the temp up to like 95 in the mean time. Again I have no experience with Boas.

[William C]

just an update. i found a reptile vet, she comes to me.. and she has gotten Rocky back to tip top shape. I thank the Lord for this woman. Thanks for all of your help.