A frustrating Bally Python URI situation

[Madburnit]

*EDIT: A frustrating BALL Python URI situation ;-;


I know it isn't uncommon that Bps get URI's and that people take them to the vet, get antibiotics, and problem solved.

Edwin my BP has been to the vet three times over the past year (got him last Feb). Each time I was told to give him injections every three days. I hated giving him shots and he hated getting them. I have done this after three different separate visits to the vet. Edwin's symptoms would lesson when on the antibiotic, but wouldn't ever fully dissipate. I decided to do more research, and come to you guys for help before spending more money on antibiotics that are not doing the trick. Just to mention, he is in a bin set up with two hides one on cold and one on hot side. He has accesses to enrichment, and water. Edwin is always a very good eater. He is 836 grams (if my digitial scale is correct), and eats a rat once a week.

Before the first visit I had Edwin on coconut fiber with a temp gradient of 85F on the hot side and cold side that stayed between 75-80 degrees. Humidity in the tank was kept around 55-60%. The most prominent symptom he had was a faint rice krispy crackle occasionally when breathing. He had no significant mucus bubbles or anything super alarming like that. There was a slight build up of mucus in the mouth as well.
- Vet said to put him on paper towel until he is better, and administer the antibiotic injections.

Second visit was very similar. All the same temps, and humidity as before. Same symptoms.
- Vet said the same thing.

Third visit, he had been on paper towel some time now, and everything was the same as before when it comes to enclosure parameters. Same symptoms.
- This time the vet gave me the injections and told me to up his temperature to the low to mid 90s. She said if I could keep it around 93-95 that that would be ideal. She said to cut down on the humidity as well. She said to keep it around 50% humidity.

Now, I did all of the things the vet recommended the last time I visited with Edwin (Except keep his temp that high. I kept him at 90-91). It seems today when I get him out to handle him (he is docile), he sounds like he has the crackiling going on, and I pulled down his lip on the side just a bit and saw mucus. Yay. -.- This boy is my baby, and all I want is for this kid to be healthy, and we can't catch a break. I really am looking forwards to hearing what you guys have to say about all this, and what the vet suggested.

Should I just cart him back for the vet or is there something else I can be doing to help the dude out?

Thanks,
Maddie and Edwin