official respitory infection thread

[bigballs]

if a snake shows early symptoms of an RI can they be reversed by raising temps and humidity?

is it a must to take a snake with an RI to a vet or can it be cured by raising temps and humidity?

if one snake has it in your collection will the rest of your collection in the area contract it from the infected one?

if a bp is not in shed and you hear it whistle when it breathes that is probably an symptom of RI but if the snake just breaths loudly with no whistle that is not?

what is the best way to relieve RI symptoms while waiting fo a vet appointment?

these are just some questions i have because i have never had to deal with a respitory infection and i am getting conflicted opinions from hobbyists and even books.

correct information and personal experience would be great!

thanks guys!

[recycling goddess]

this may assist you:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=50

[bigballs]

thats great! thanks!


people have told me to raise the humidity when they show symptoms of RI but i have always read on here that it should be lowered so i was kind of confused...

[Freakie_frog]

The raised humidity will help break up the mucas in the lungs. Its the same idea behind putting a humidifier in the room of a kid with broncitius(sp). The raised humidity with the meds the vet gives will do worlds of help. Raise the humidity to where it is when they are in shed maybe a little higher. Also bump you temps up alittle over norm this should help.

Its the combo of low temps and humidity that allows an URI to set in. not humidity alone

Hope this helps -Ed

[bigballs]

ok that makes sense but the link above says that humidity should be lowered?


is that only for early stages of RI?

i think that one of my bps may have RI thats why im asking all these questions.

thanks for the help it is appreciated...

[Freakie_frog]

For and early RI I would lower the humidity and raise the temps and get to the vet.

Hope this Helps -Ed

[bigballs]

so even for early RI symptoms a vet is needed?

[Freakie_frog]

Keep in mind that the aforementioned data does not forego a vet-check. Any sick animal, regardless of species, should be examined by a knowledgeable practicioner.

I would because what we think is the on set of an RI might be the precursor to something bigger or the RI might be worse than what you think. Its always a good idea to take your herp to a pro when its sicks they can better asses whats going on and what you think is an RI could be something as simple as a nose scale whistling or something as bad as cancer. I'm not trying to scare you I just want you to see that for any illness a vet is 99% of the time needed. The only time an experienced heper want take there snake to the vet is for minor injuries, stuck shed and so on.

It just me and if it were my snake I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Hope this helps -Ed

[JLC]

so even for early RI symptoms a vet is needed?

Yes, even an RI caught early needs to be treated by a vet. Tweaking the environment can mask the symptoms, while the bacteria causing it continue to grow stronger...eventually it'll come back even worse.

[bigballs]

so then i should disinfect the whole enlosure aswell after a vet check right?

random question: can an RI from a boa get contracted by a python?

thanks guys. im not doubting your knowledge with my questions or by saying things that i've heard that may contradict what your telling me im just double checking. the help is greatly appreciated.