Is my BP sick? symptons....

[Lopez]

Hello.. i just recently bought a baby BP. Over just the last few days ive noticed some dry extract from his nose during the day. I think he might have a cold. He also seems to be rubbing alot when i hold him and his eyes are cloudy and head has a greyish tint. I dont really know what is going on... he may just be shedding or have a cold or both. Another thing i dont understand is he sometimes sticks his tongue out and leaves it out. What is up with that? If anyone could reply back soon i would really appreciate some information. Oh...one more question. Is it normal for him to open his mouth a little every once in awhile and then close it. he's not really yawning and he hasnt just eaten either. ive listened for wheezing or coughing but nothing seems wrong with his breathing. anyways...let me know what you think because i would greatly appreciate it.

[tigerlily]

It sounds like you might want to take a trip to the vet just to be safe. What are the hot and cool side temperatures? Humidity? It's possible he may have an upper respiratory infection. If you're really worried I think it would definitely be worth the peace of mind!!!

[Lopez]

The temperature ranges from 70-90

and i dont have a humidity gauge yet. getting one tomorrow. Probably going to take him to the vet tomorrow if his condition doesnt improve drastically. Thanks for the info. could he have opened his mouth often because of his cold?

[Adam_Wysocki]

The temperature ranges from 70-90

whoa!! ... not good .... sounds like it could likely be an upper respiratory infection caused by low temps.

You're going to want to fix your husbandry a little bit ... Your temps should be 82-84 on one side of the cage and 92-94 on the other with no fluctuations. Once you start getting below 80 it becomes easier and easier to cause a URI.

Also, make sure you are using a quality digital thermometer to measure temps. The plastic strips or round plastic dial types are worthless. A nice digital thermometer from Targer, Walmart, or Home Depot will run you around $15 and even measure humidity!!!

Good luck with the vet ... ask them about doing a culture!

-adam

[Lopez]

ok well if the vet isn't the way to go...can you suggest some possible ways to treat an upper respiratory problem? Will he eventually heal on his own?

[Adam_Wysocki]

ok well if the vet isn't the way to go...can you suggest some possible ways to treat an upper respiratory problem? Will he eventually heal on his own?

Proper temps and an anti-biotic prescribed by your vet are the only 100% reliable way of curing your snake.

-adam

[rabernet]

Hi Adam! Can you please tell me WHERE in WalMart you can get this thermometer? I saw someone had one that measured temp and humidity that was digital. I just went to a new Super WalMart (they should have named this one Super MEGA WalMart, it was the largest I've ever been in). Anyway, I didn't have a clue where to look! Thanks!

Robin (another new BP owner)

[kavmon]

look in the hardware section near the paints and electrical stuff. also sold in lowes,target and radio shacks.



vaughn

[Schlyne]

Also try looking in the garden area or near the weather stuff.

[Adam_Wysocki]

You can also go up to the front desk and ask for either indoor/outdoor thermometers or digital weather stations ... they are all kept in the same place.

-adam