BP with URI finished injectable antibiotics, but I still hear a pop

[MelissaFlipski]

Our BP finished her antibiotics about a 1 1/2 weeks ago. Heres the story and why I'm worried.

When she saw the vet, she weighed 226 grams. He told us not to feed her until the course of injectable antibiotics was complete in order not to put stress on her liver. We fed her two days after the antibiotics were done - and two days after that (before a poop), she weighed 212 grams - so she lost weight. She looks a little baggy. She also looks wrinkly because she is about to shed again (the vet warned us that she would shed after the antibiotics were done).

First, I noticed that when she breathes, there seems to be a little sac of air in her throat - I never noticed this before. I can gently push on it and make it come out. Is this normal or strange? When she was breathing last night, she was taking big, deep breaths, making her belly go way out and way in. I also hear a small pop again. I hadn't noticed it during the course of her antibiotics, but there it is again. There may be some stuck shed in one of her nostrils, but I don't think that is what is causing it.

Otherwise, she is actually pretty normal. The only change in her behavior might be characterized as being even more docile than usual and not wanting to return to her tank - but preferring to snuggle in my warm arms.

She will shed in a couple days. Here is my question. Should I wait until after the shed to call/see the vet or should I contact them now? Any thoughts/theories/advice welcome. I just can't stand the thought that she might be sick again or still sick!

Thanks!

[Snakeman]

i would contact the vet right away again

better safe than sorry

[MelissaFlipski]

I called the vet and he is calling in Zythromax (sp?) to the local pharmacy (b/c the vet is over an hour away and closed tomorrow). It is an oral dose for the course of 10 days.

He also recommended a warm soak everyday.

I am to call them on Thursday to let them know how she is doing. I'll keep y'all posted, too. Please keep her in your thoughts! Thanks!

[MelissaFlipski]

UPDATE. I got the Zithromax from the pharmacy and we gave her the first .05 ml dose tonight (1 of 10 for 10 days!). I think she swallowed most of it.

I started to put her back in her tank b/c she was obviously upset about being forced to swallow it. But she did not want to go back in! She was trying to come back out with me, so I picked her up again. I just sat in a quiet room with her and snuggled her and reassured her - and apologized for the torture. It seemed she just wanted me to hold her and keep her warm. I tried to put her back in again, but she was more insistent than the first time. So I ended up holding her for about 1/2 hour. I know it sounds crazy saying, "My snake wanted me to hold her and comfort her when she was sick..." but it sure seems like that was the case. She very clearly did NOT want to go back in.

I am really worried about her b/c she was opening her mouth every 5 to 15 seconds, sometimes just a little, sometimes for a big yawn, but mostly about halfway or so. At first it seemed, she was saying, "Yucky medicine!" But then it was more like she was gasping for air. She wanted to rest her head on my hand or cheek almost the whole time. I just purred reassurances to her and stroked her head - she loves her head and jaws stroked.

My husband thinks she will be just fine. But I am worried sick! I love this girl!!

Any thoughts??

PS The herp vet is closed tomorrow, but I will call on Thursday morning. Hopefully, she'll show improvement by then, as well.