Cephalexin for Respiratory Infections?

[lord jackel]

I saw a posting on another site that this drug can be used for RI's? Any truth to this? Would be nice to have something that didn't require a Vet visit in the off chance it is needed?

Thanks

[frankykeno]

Personally considering the damage an RI can cause a snake I'd wouldn't "play vet" myself. A large breeder with years upon years of hands on snake experience may know enough to do some doctoring of their collection under a vet's advice but I don't think most of the average keepers out there (me included) are anywhere near experienced enough to recognize, diagnose, prescribe and treat a snake.

[lord jackel]

Personally considering the damage an RI can cause a snake I'd wouldn't "play vet" myself. A large breeder with years upon years of hands on snake experience may know enough to do some doctoring of their collection under a vet's advice but I don't think most of the average keepers out there (me included) are anywhere near experienced enough to recognize, diagnose, prescribe and treat a snake.

I agree completely...but for a lot of us there is no close vet by and weekends, holiday's etc. not to mention travel plays a role in timing to get into a vet. If there is an option that would allow people some time to make arrangements that would be very beneficial to everyone.

We seem to tell everyone to "take them to a vet" all the time, which while the ideal solution, for alot of people it isn't an option due to cost or travel. So are we relegating our friends to a slow death if there isn't any other options?

Just a personal note....I have several huge Salt Water tanks that I can buy any med I need for (based on the conditions and symptoms of the fish) why can't I do the same for my reptiles?

I know this could be a politcal topic so please don't flame me I am just asking...or better yet playing devil's advocate.

[frankykeno]

Oh no intention to flame you hon and that's not something that's allowed to go on around here (we have excellent Mods and Admins that step on that pretty fast). My only concern would be that anything can sort of get jumped on by a newcomer and it becomes an option instead of heading to a vet. Any med, used incorrectly, can be dangerous or even deadly. "but I read in online, so it must be safe/true/gospel" is something we all see in various herp forums. Some of that advice is great, some of it is pure myth or someone reads something, doesn't pay full attention to all the details and ends up in trouble for short cutting the advice given. When that advice is to do with health related issues, especially meds, I think most folks err on the side of caution online.

[WeoStan]

[QUOTE=lord jackel]I agree completely...but for a lot of us there is no close vet by and weekends, holiday's etc. not to mention travel plays a role in timing to get into a vet. If there is an option that would allow people some time to make arrangements that would be very beneficial to everyone.

We seem to tell everyone to "take them to a vet" all the time, which while the ideal solution, for alot of people it isn't an option due to cost or travel. So are we relegating our friends to a slow death if there isn't any other options?


IMO one should not have an animal that they can't care for , I do understand your point, just my .

[ECLARK]

There are times when a keeper will have to treat their own snakes, but you better know exactly what your doing. Your herp vet. knows what it takes to properly treat your snake. I would suggest for-taz or baytril at the exact dose rates.


Would always recommend seeing a herp vet.

[lord jackel]

There are times when a keeper will have to treat their own snakes, but you better know exactly what your doing. Your herp vet. knows what it takes to properly treat your snake. I would suggest for-taz or baytril at the exact dose rates.


Would always recommend seeing a herp vet.

That is my point exactly...there are always times when circumstances warrant a keeper treating his animals (for there benefit...not the keepers) and I feel having the basic information available to everyone is better than experimenting and risk further hurting the animal.

Just my thoughts and wanted to see whatever one else was thinking on the topic.

But I will always agree and recommend if possible a Vet is the best option.

[Rascal]

Im more and more sure my snake is coming down with something. Reptile Vets cost like $80 just to VISIT. THen + medication ect. Any other advice besides raising the temp and seeing a Vet?

(YA I KNO I NEED TO DO IT! I JUST FINISHED FINALS AND ITS SATURDAY!)

[jglass38]

There is no easy way when dealing with your animal's health. Don't experiment, don't play doctor. Take the animal to a vet, get it cultured and get prescribed the right meds to get it well. If you can't afford a vet visit, you shouldn't own an animal.

[Regal Boids]

Thats true but sometimes people are in financial crams!