RI - antibiotics and success rates

I think its kind of funny how Matt is asked to share the information by a mod, and then gets jumped on by a mod for posting it minutes later.

You wonder why people take information to PM's now......

Adam, you might have taken that wrong. It wasn't directed at your or anyone, just to people in general. I just said I preferred to use something easier on the kidneys/liver, such as enrofloxacin, unless the culture came back and said Amikacin was an antibiotic that would work. Of course I would use it if needed, no hesitation there.

It's great as a nebulizing drug too, if you ever need to try it. 1ml per 10 ml of saline, plus a bronchodilator if they are needing some extra clearing-out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Cool ... I'll run it by my vet and see what he thinks ... Dr. Scott Stahl (www.seavs.com) is one of the premier herp vets in the world and works with animals from many of the big breeders including Pete Kahl, Ian G, and Ralph Davis ... I know that he's a fan of using Amikacin or Baytil in combination with Fortaz for most boids that he treats with RI, but I'm sure he's aware of the work being done with Tylan. After I speak with him I'll post what he thinks.

-adam

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thanks for sharing your info. i cant wait to see what he says on the subject. when i talked to my vet about tylan she said there was a newer medicen that is souposed to be even better than tylan. next time i am in there i will post what that is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

thanks for sharing your info. i cant wait to see what he says on the subject. when i talked to my vet about tylan she said there was a newer medicen that is souposed to be even better than tylan. next time i am in there i will post what that is.

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There is a bunch of work currently being done with 3rd gen cephalosporins (similar to fortaz) specifically on boids. A vet that is current with the latest veterinary based herp literature is a good one to have! :sweeet:

-adam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

There is a bunch of work currently being done with 3rd gen cephalosporins (similar to fortaz) specifically on boids. A vet that is current with the latest veterinary based herp literature is a good one to have! :sweeet:

-adam

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that is cool there is a lot more study going into these animals that we all love.

there are soooo many home made remadies for these snakes because most people take them to vets and the vet has no clue.
Adam did you hear about the guy who treated mought rot with 50/50 mix of water and listerine? it was one of the large retic guys. i guess it worked great. just like at the top of the page i saw some one took there snake to the vet and he gave them iodine. LOL that is a over the counter liquid. i would hate if the vet charged them more than a few bucks for that info.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

that is cool there is a lot more study going into these animals that we all love.

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There is a ton of work being done ... even just 15 years ago (I'm really feeling old now) there were almost ZERO herp based vets that the average hobbyist could count on ... every year we go forward it gets better and better.

The listerine thing is an OLD SCHOOL remedy from the 70's and 80's ... If you talk to some of the pioneers of this hobby, you'd be amazed at some of the things that they used to do because people just really didn't have a clue about how to keep these animals alive in captivity, let alone healthy ... Today, we know so much more. We have proof that there are better ways to effectively cure stomatitis and I would hope that people take advantage of that knowledge ... I know a lot of the "old school" herpers will never change their ways, but I like to think of myself as part of a new generation that is more based in science than trial and error.

As far as vets with crazy diagnosis and reading books in their office while you wait in the exam room and over charging ... that's why I always say that it's important to INTERVIEW your vet before you bring an animal that you love to them ... Ask them what their experience is ... how many herps they see on a routine basis ... what periodicals about herp medicine to they subscribe to and read regularly. Just like everything else, for every bad vet there is a great one out there too ... I know a bunch and their knowledge has helped me more than I can express in words over that last 10 years.

-adam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brimstone111888

I think its kind of funny how Matt is asked to share the information by a mod, and then gets jumped on by a mod for posting it minutes later.

You wonder why people take information to PM's now......

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You know i was wondering the same as you, i ended up reading through this entire post just so i could see if they would ever stop bashing him for what another mod asked for! I also noticed that as soon as Adam chimed in there bashing ended, wierd.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sparky1

You know i was wondering the same as you, i ended up reading through this entire post just so i could see if they would ever stop bashing him for what another mod asked for! I also noticed that as soon as Adam chimed in there bashing ended, wierd.

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Not sure what I had to do with anything ... I was only trying to be helpful.

-adam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sparky1

You know i was wondering the same as you, i ended up reading through this entire post just so i could see if they would ever stop bashing him for what another mod asked for! I also noticed that as soon as Adam chimed in there bashing ended, wierd.

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Kinda funny, looks a like a few people have a grudge. Matt suggests something gets attacked, Adam says its viable, and it abruptly ends.

LOL. looks like you guys have 20/20 eye sight.

adam you did nothing wrong. you posted good information. and i cant wait to see what your vet says

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brimstone111888

Adam says its viable

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You're misunderstood ... That's not what I said at all ... I am in no way endorsing Tylan for treating RI in ball pythons ... from everything I've read, Tylan is used for treating gram positive infections while it's pretty common knowledge that the majority of URI's in ball pythons are gram negative ... personally, I would never try it but I'm certainly willing to ask a qualified vet about it.

That said, I only work with Ball Pythons and I would never pretend to have any kind of knowledge about what does and doesn't work in other species.

After working with ball pythons for a very very long time ... I know one thing for sure ... If your snake is sick ... take it to an experienced reptile vet ... a culture to identify the bacteria responsible for the infection along with a full course of anti-biotics that is scientifically proven to be effective in killing that bacteria is the safest and best way for treating your snake. I'm confounded as to why anyone would want to risk the health and/or life of their animal by trying anything else.

Hope this helps.

-adam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

You're misunderstood ... That's not what I said at all ... I am in no way endorsing Tylan for treating RI in ball pythons ... from everything I've read, Tylan is used for treating gram positive infections while it's pretty common knowledge that the majority of URI's in ball pythons are gram negative ... personally, I would never try it but I'm certainly willing to ask a qualified vet about it.

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I'm sorry I misquoted you. I'm glad you are open to the idea of it. Many others thought it was blasphemy. When you get the information please post it:gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brimstone111888

I'm sorry I misquoted you. I'm glad you are open to the idea of it. Many others thought it was blasphemy. When you get the information please post it:gj:

---

I think blasphemy might be a little strong, but I think anytime someone without a background in reptile medicine gets on a forum that has members with such a diverse level of experience and starts giving out medical advice (or hinting that they should be contacted in private for medical advice) it's reasonable to be concerned and to question that persons experience and motives ... no matter who they are ... Matt, Adam, or whoever.

There is so much of the "telephone game" (you know, heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend etc etc) that occurs on the internet and so much bad information (i once read a post about feeding crickets to ball pythons) that when it comes to advice that could lead someone to a decision that might effect the health and maybe even life of their animal that a little scrutiny isn't a bad thing in my opinion.

I get tons of emails, phone calls, and PM's every month from people describing symptoms of their sick ball pythons and I'm never comfortable giving any kind of medical advice and generally don't do that ... because without seeing the animal in person I really can't know for sure what's wrong and me giving out the wrong advice could lead to the death of that animal ... and that is something that I couldn't live with.

Hope this helps.

-adam

This has been a very informative thread to follow. *knock on wood* I have not had any type of RI to date... but while we're scratching the surface, don't snakes get sick from both bacterial and viral elements? And what are the differences? And if so, are the same meds used for the bacterial illnesses as they are for viral? Sorry for the hi-jack! :oops:

This is exactly why after registering here one year ago, this was my first post and will be my last. I never posted on this forum to avoid all the fighting and it got to the point where I just stopped visiting. I decided to check it out once again after getting a baby Ball python this week. I thought I would post on this thread after reading Matt's post on Tylan and seeing that I used it with success on my boa. Whether it's the best medicine or not, or who said she said, or what it's good for. It worked for me and I am thankful.

I will not post again in this forum and not even visit as it's not for me. It's a shame that all this bickering and mod abuse ruins it for us trying to enjoy a community

I just wanted to know the difference between viral and bacterial illness! :O

Edit: Sorry... coffee is super strong this morning...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Laooda

I just wanted to know the difference between viral and bacterial illness! :O

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:rofl:

Viral infections can be treatable but not curable, bacterial infections can be cured.... :P

http://www.brasherreptiles.com/Pharmaceuticals.htm

A Great link IMO.

Thought I should post this up....I should have posted it up earlier. Although it doesn't apply directly to ball pythons its a pretty good read.


Mike

He's pretty wrong on drug administration(Baytril is given IM, not SQ), as well as what Baytril is good for. It will not treat Pseudomonas infections(Amikacin and Fortaz will).

He's also not correct on the amikacin dosage, it's 5mg/kg the first dose and 2.5mg/kg every subsequent dose q72h. It is different in other types of reptiles though.

Also, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole(Bactrim) is a good antibiotic, but must be given orally as the injectable is on a LONG back-order.

He needs to update that website!

I can't wade through all this right now, but... ahem...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

Please share this information with us...after all, this is a site for people to learn, right? I don't see a good reason why useful information should only be exchanged in a PM :confuzd:

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

RI - antibiotics and... 01-08-2008 06:31 AM JLC You are NOT a vet and should NOT be attempting to use our site to hand out ANY sort of "medical" advice, much less prescribing "medicines". -- JLC

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by JLC

Dude....that's not censorship. That's me expressing my opinion. (and for anyone who hasn't guessed it...that's a quote from a neg rep comment I left) Censorship would be me deleting the post.

That original post you made about this subject makes you sound like some shadowy guy standing in an alley with snakeoil hidden under your trench coat that will "cure anything"...

For what it's worth, I was about to pos rep your follow-up post because it included REAL information that anyone who wished could then ask their vet about. And then this lovely post followed on its heels. I don't have a problem with giving people all the information on something and letting them make their own choices....but this "psssssssst....I have a secret cure if you want to speak privately where no one else can see it"....not gonna fly with me.

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brimstone111888

I think its kind of funny how Matt is asked to share the information by a mod, and then gets jumped on by a mod for posting it minutes later.

You wonder why people take information to PM's now......

---

Does seem unfair that Nathan asked for it, then Matt got hit with a neg rep for obliging. Matt did include disclaimers, such as, "take to a vet," etc. What a mess. Can we petition for removal of that neg rep?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cameron15

This is exactly why after registering here one year ago, this was my first post and will be my last. I never posted on this forum to avoid all the fighting and it got to the point where I just stopped visiting. I decided to check it out once again after getting a baby Ball python this week. I thought I would post on this thread after reading Matt's post on Tylan and seeing that I used it with success on my boa. Whether it's the best medicine or not, or who said she said, or what it's good for. It worked for me and I am thankful.

I will not post again in this forum and not even visit as it's not for me. It's a shame that all this bickering and mod abuse ruins it for us trying to enjoy a community

---

What a shame. Don't give up already.

OK, now for my story. Our '06 BP got an URI. We did Baytril and Fortraz shots (we also used SEAVS, but saw Dr. Crum). The pops did not go away, she was having a bad shed, looked bloated - what a mess. So then they prescribed (over the phone - how nice to not make the trip on New Year's Eve!) Zithromax. We gave oral doses for 10 days, helped with shed, gave her my famous "colon" massage (she needed to do a big one and probably had gas, too), and now she is mint!

My only question is, and maybe you can speak to this Adam since you use them, too: Dr. Crum said not to feed her until after the antibiotics in order to protect her kidneys. Does this sound right? She was 226 grams (a week after eating) at the vet and 212 grams after her first meal after the 1st round of antibiotics. So she lost weight. We were worried and gave her another mouse 5 days later. But maybe that was too much for her (thus the bloating?).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

Does seem unfair that Nathan asked for it, then Matt got hit with a neg rep for obliging. Matt did include disclaimers, such as, "take to a vet," etc. What a mess. Can we petition for removal of that neg rep?

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Just to be perfectly clear about something...Matt got a neg rep from me for THIS post: (#5)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

hi
i have only had a few ri's in the last few years. all were a result of shipping. i use a product to treat this that is a general antibiotic. i have had 100% success rate with this. a lot of the stuff that a vet will give you will leave scars on your snake. if you would like to know any more about what i use pm me. and we can talk about it.

---

At that point, there was no other information offered...no disclaimer about the wisdom of seeking a vet's advice (it even seems to imply that you shouldn't listen to a vet because they will scar your snake)...just something that looked very shady and potentially dangerous to a new person who might not know any better. AFTER that...Nate requested that Matt share his information freely....which Matt did...and that was perfectly fine. I even said so in this thread. It sparked a very interesting and educational discussion and I have no problem with that whatsoever. Maybe when you have more time, you might go back and reread the first half of this thread again. ;) I'll stand behind that negative rep though...because that (post #5) is no way to dispense medical advice on this site.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JLC

Just to be perfectly clear about something...Matt got a neg rep from me for THIS post: (#5)

At that point, there was no other information offered...no disclaimer about the wisdom of seeking a vet's advice (it even seems to imply that you shouldn't listen to a vet because they will scar your snake)...just something that looked very shady and potentially dangerous to a new person who might not know any better. AFTER that...Nate requested that Matt share his information freely....which Matt did...and that was perfectly fine. I even said so in this thread. It sparked a very interesting and educational discussion and I have no problem with that whatsoever. Maybe when you have more time, you might go back and reread the first half of this thread again. ;) I'll stand behind that negative rep though...because that (post #5) is no way to dispense medical advice on this site.

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My confusion lay in the fact that this message (and Matt's about the neg rep point) came after the post with additional information. But now, I see, that you were just following-up to Matt's post about the neg rep after the fact. Thanks for clarifying. I hope my gibberish didn't confuse things more.

You original post:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JLC

Dude....that's not censorship. That's me expressing my opinion. (and for anyone who hasn't guessed it...that's a quote from a neg rep comment I left) Censorship would be me deleting the post.

That original post you made about this subject makes you sound like some shadowy guy standing in an alley with snakeoil hidden under your trench coat that will "cure anything"...

For what it's worth, I was about to pos rep your follow-up post because it included REAL information that anyone who wished could then ask their vet about. And then this lovely post followed on its heels. I don't have a problem with giving people all the information on something and letting them make their own choices....but this "psssssssst....I have a secret cure if you want to speak privately where no one else can see it"....not gonna fly with me.

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Did you end up giving him the pos rep for the information, too? Or did you decide against it? I guess if you want to tell me it's none of my business - it is. So that is alright, too. Just wondering.

Sorry for the hijack.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

Did you end up giving him the pos rep for the information, too? Or did you decide against it? I guess if you want to tell me it's none of my business - it is. So that is alright, too. Just wondering.

Sorry for the hijack.

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I don't think that asking about someone else giving rep points is proper "reputation points etiquitte".

just sayin'

:oops:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MeMe

I don't think that asking about someone else giving rep points is proper "reputation points etiquitte".

just sayin'

:oops:

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Right, good point.

Melissa, I dont know that rep points are a subject to talk about unless you are an admin deciding what to do about negative ones. To quotes memes, just sayin.

just to answer the question no the neg rep was not given back. nor do i want it back. i was just simply trying to help out someone. you cant plese everyone all the time. but the person who needed the help got the message that i was trying to give them. that is all i care.

Yeah, you guys are right. The only reason I asked is b/c she publicly said she gave neg rep point then was "going to give" a pos rep point.

I didn't mean if you gave one neg rep back.

Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JLC

That original post you made about this subject makes you sound like some shadowy guy standing in an alley with snakeoil hidden under your trench coat that will "cure anything"...

For what it's worth, I was about to pos rep your follow-up post because it included REAL information that anyone who wished could then ask their vet about. And then this lovely post followed on its heels. I don't have a problem with giving people all the information on something and letting them make their own choices....but this "psssssssst....I have a secret cure if you want to speak privately where no one else can see it"....not gonna fly with me.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

Yeah, you guys are right. The only reason I asked is b/c she publicly said she gave neg rep point then was "going to give" a pos rep point.

I didn't mean if you gave one neg rep back.

Thanks.

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Maybe you should re-read her post.

She never said she was "going to give" him anything.

It is absolutely none of your business or anyone elses business who gives or gets rep points and for what reason.

just sayin'


and further more....Fisher publicly posted his neg rep before Judy said anything about it.

:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MeMe

Fisher publicly posted his neg rep before Judy said anything about it.

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ok first if you want to call me by last name you can just call me Fish. that is what most do. or simply Matt:);):P



about the neg rep. no crap i posted it before she said anything. most people dont post that they gave out neg rep points. i posted that she did to show how funny it is that 1 mod neg reped me for it and the other asked me to share more info.

so on.
i am just relly glad that i got negative repd for saying that baytril dosnt work 100% of the time and tylan works good for me and others. well we all know what happend to the snake. i think we all need to be a little more open to others experiences. and not just shoot it down because it is a view different than your own. as judy said last night this site is a friendly place where all can feal at home and post different opinions. ( oh wait i posted my opinion and got a neg rep so i guess that was a load of crap):rofl:
:8::rofl:

:tears:i am not happy that the snake is dead. i just think it is a shame that we all could not be open minded to alternative cures.:please:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JLC

For what it's worth, I was about to pos rep your follow-up post because it included REAL information that anyone who wished could then ask their vet about. And then this lovely post followed on its heels. I don't have a problem with giving people all the information on something and letting them make their own choices....but this "psssssssst....I have a secret cure if you want to speak privately where no one else can see it"....not gonna fly with me.

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Let me get this straight. He isn't allowed to send the information via PM, because it is super secretive? On the other hand he posts it and gets neg repped right away.

Sounds like a neg rep was going his way either way.

Let's everyone take a deep breath here.

Judy neg repped him for the pm offer, not for the info. That already got cleared up.

And excuse me for putting quotes around a paraphrase. My grammatical skills are off today.

OK, another deep breath.

wich in no way is it against the rules / tos to ask someone to use a pm you for more info.

Hi,

I'm sorry but I can't allow this to stand unanswered.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

about the neg rep. no crap i posted it before she said anything. most people dont post that they gave out neg rep points.

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Also most people who feel they have been given one unfairly do not immediately post about it in the public forums but choose to follow the established and well publicised appeal procedure.

Have you lodged an official complaint or even privately asked for anyone to look into this aside from just posting in the wrong section giving incorrect information? In case you can't remember the answer is no.

The correct place for this discussion is here in the Quarantine room. Anyone who does not have access and wishes it should contact any of the admin staff.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

i posted that she did to show how funny it is that 1 mod neg reped me for it and the other asked me to share more info.

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If you had shared the information in the first place in an open manner then there would not have been a neg rep - as stated already the neg rep was not for the information but for the way you went about trying to disseminate it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

so on.
i am just relly glad that i got negative repd for saying that baytril dosnt work 100% of the time and tylan works good for me and others.

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You didn't and constantly repeating that you did will never change that fact.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

well we all know what happend to the snake. i think we all need to be a little more open to others experiences. and not just shoot it down because it is a view different than your own. as judy said last night this site is a friendly place where all can feal at home and post different opinions. ( oh wait i posted my opinion and got a neg rep so i guess that was a load of crap):rofl:

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Again, no you didn't, it wasn't true the first time you said it and it will still not be true the hundredth time you say it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

:tears:i am not happy that the snake is dead. i just think it is a shame that we all could not be open minded to alternative cures.:please:

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It is indeed a terrible thing that the animal didn't make it.:(

No one has acted against you for saying that under vetinary supervision other treatments may be as effective if not more so under certain circumstances. The only disagreement was how you initially chose to go about it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

wich in no way is it against the rules / tos to ask someone to use a pm you for more info.

---

Which is why the post was not moderated in any way, shape or form - you got a neg rep which any member can give you if they disagree with something you have said or done.

However,

My main problem with all this is that it is dragging a perfectly innocent thread off topic when we have a stickied thread for precisely this sort of discussion that can be found here (for those who missed the link earlier :gj: )

If you feel the need to continue this discussion please use that thread.

For those who feel I may be being heavy handed in this matter please read this page paying particular attention to this paragraph;

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rep System Revived

-- Complaints about Neg Reps -- A new thread will be started and stickied in the Quarantine Room. If any member feels compelled to make a public statement about any reputation comment they have recieved, it must be made in this thread. Any such statements made in other threads, or new threads started for that purpose will be deleted without warning or notice. This sort of public statement does NOT mean your complaint will recieve any staff attention. If you have a genuine concern about a rep comment you have recieved, you must address it in private with the staff.

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dr del

Wow, it's nice to see you all kept the focus of the post...or rather you didn't. Thanks for the people who gave me advice at the beginning though :) As it happens my baby CP lost her battle against the RI, despite all my efforts.

But seriously guys, all the unneccesary bickering really isn't helpful to anyone and puts a lot of people, such as myself, off forums like this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KittyKatSuperStar

Wow, it's nice to see you all kept the focus of the post...or rather you didn't. Thanks for the people who gave me advice at the beginning though :) As it happens my baby CP lost her battle against the RI, despite all my efforts.

But seriously guys, all the unneccesary bickering really isn't helpful to anyone and puts a lot of people, such as myself, off forums like this.

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I'm very sorry you lost your snake to this RI. That is always a sad and frustrating situation to face.

Please don't take what happened in this thread as a indication of the overall tone of this site. I hope you will continue to enjoy BPNet for the generally wonderful place it is. :)

I agree with frankykeno.. I just read what is important, & ignore the rest. Please do hope you stay around for awhile it's a great site. I am sorry to hear about your bp.
my condolences.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

I'm very sorry you lost your snake to this RI. That is always a sad and frustrating situation to face.

Please don't take what happened in this thread as a indication of the overall tone of this site. I hope you will continue to enjoy BPNet for the generally wonderful place it is. :)

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KittyKatSuperStar

Wow, it's nice to see you all kept the focus of the post...or rather you didn't. Thanks for the people who gave me advice at the beginning though :) As it happens my baby CP lost her battle against the RI, despite all my efforts.

But seriously guys, all the unneccesary bickering really isn't helpful to anyone and puts a lot of people, such as myself, off forums like this.

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Oh my! I am so sorry!! My sincerest condolences. And I am sorry that I, too, was guilty for taking the thread off track. I did offer my ideas on the RI. I am saddened by your loss.

How is the other snake doing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

Oh my! I am so sorry!! My sincerest condolences. And I am sorry that I, too, was guilty for taking the thread off track. I did offer my ideas on the RI. I am saddened by your loss.

How is the other snake doing?

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Thanks :) As you can imagine I was heartbroken! Pickle was by far my favourite, but I think she was too young and small to cope with the stress.

The other CP is still okay. She still has fluid in the back of her throat but is moving around a lot more, which is a hopeful sign. I don't think the antibiotics has helped but I don't want to take her back to the vet as I KNOW she'll say she has IBD (because my baby died) and I know that it isn't IBD (my vet is obsessed with IBD and apparently tells everyone their reptiles have it, probably because the biopsies cost so much...) I'm going to try and feed her tonight and hope for the best.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KittyKatSuperStar

Thanks :) As you can imagine I was heartbroken! Pickle was by far my favourite, but I think she was too young and small to cope with the stress.

The other CP is still okay. She still has fluid in the back of her throat but is moving around a lot more, which is a hopeful sign. I don't think the antibiotics has helped but I don't want to take her back to the vet as I KNOW she'll say she has IBD (because my baby died) and I know that it isn't IBD (my vet is obsessed with IBD and apparently tells everyone their reptiles have it, probably because the biopsies cost so much...) I'm going to try and feed her tonight and hope for the best.

---

I totally understand your fear of hearing about IBD. IMHO, I would go back anyway and try another course of antibiotics if you think she is still sick. Try another med. OR, find a new herp vet that has a great rep. I was so thankful that ours prescribed Zithromax (oral is easier than I thought with four hands - if you need tips, let me know). That is what finally kicked it in the butt.

Good luck. I will be sending healing thoughts your way. Again, I am SO sorry about your other snake. I don't know what I would do if one of mine died. Hang in there! :hug:

My condolances. :(

Here are my suggestions and thoughts on your situation:

1) For any illness, do your own research on causes and treatment. Unless its something very minor, you should leave treatment up to the vet. This issue is the source of many heated exchanges on this forum. There is one catch, however, that is often overlooked. We may not be the specialist, but we are the managers of our pet's care. We are the ones who decide to go to the vet in the first place. We are the ones who decide whether or not to follow his recommendations. We are the ones who must determine if its time to find a new vet.

So, I think you did the right thing by getting on here and asking questions. I encourage you to further educate yourself on these issues. Don't just rely on forums and friends - there are plenty of sources of proper veterinary knowledge on the web. Not only will this make you more effective in your role in treating your pet, but it will also increase your ability to recognize symptoms early thus improving your pets prognosis.

I want to also encourage everybody to be careful when preaching on the sanctity of veterinary advice. As I mentioned above, the keeper is the one with the ultimate decision-making responsibility. Also, vets can kill your pet too especially with exotics. So, crapping on people that give care advice is a double-edged sword. Stifling bad advice helps. Stifling good advice hurts. For example, there are senior members here that encouraged me to override my vet's advice when my BP got an RI. There were not vets but, ultimately, I followed their recommendations and everything turned out well.

2) Find a new vet. I wasn't able to determine the exact course of treatment that your vet recommended but it doesn't sound like it was very good. From my experience, the standard procedure for RI is:
a) Immediately begin a course of a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as Baytril. This part is the vet playing the odds that here is a high probability of success. The motiviation is that tests take time, during which the animals health will continue to degenerate.
b) Immediately take the appropriate sample (mucous, blood, faeces, etc) from the animal and order a "bacteria culture and sensitivity test" in order to determine the exact nature of the infection and which antibiotics will be truly effective.
c) Schedule a new appointment at the time the tests return. At that point, if the animal is getting better and the tests do not show any bacteria that are resistant to the initial antibiotic then its simply a matter of finishing the current course of antibiotics. If the animal is not getting better and/or the tests show resistant bacteria, then a change in treatment will likely be recommended.
d) (good vets) Provide husbandry information and/or recommend temporary and/or permanent changes.

I was thinking about this more. You could also order a necropsy to see if there is more to know.

good point! How much does a necropsy cost usually?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KittyKatSuperStar

Hi there! I'm new to the forum and unfortunatly my two carpet pythons have both got respiratory infections.

I took them to the vet on Friday and she gave them antibiotics and after taking them back today, she said that my 3yr old CP had gained a bit of weight whilst my baby had lost a tiny bit more but felt that they were still in the same condition as before the weekend.
I've heard from a lot of other snake owners that antibiotics often hasn't worked for them and wondered what the general opinion between other owners was. Also, for those who have used antibiotics how long did it take for the RI to clear up? I'm really, really worried about them so any advice is more than welcome (obviously I have also raised temperatures etc). :confused:

Thanks!

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what antibiotic was it. i have had great sucess treating ball pythons with ceftazidime. baytril is similar to cipro which is given to humans. its very harsh but kills both gram positive and negative.

does anyone have experience with injection anti paracitics?

also i have noticed that snakes eat better after given the ceftazidime.

The tylosin (which I am assuming is tylan 200) is more specific to killing gram positive bacteria. Most of snake infections are caused by gram negative bacteria. Baytril can take care of both, but It is harsh and can lead to scaring. I personally like ceftazidime (fotaz) it always worked for me anytime I have had problems. I have heard of combining the two baytril and ceftazidime. The trick is to catch it early then it's going to be much easier on you and the snake. I like knowing about the tylan 200, I have never heard of it.

This is the website I use whenever I have a problem in combination with the advise of my vet, who's a bird vet.

http://www.anapsid.org/resources/rxdose.html

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Originally Posted by MATT FISHER REPTILES

hi
i have only had a few ri's in the last few years. all were a result of shipping. i use a product to treat this that is a general antibiotic. i have had 100% success rate with this. a lot of the stuff that a vet will give you will leave scars on your snake. if you would like to know any more about what i use pm me. and we can talk about it.

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This thread is six and a half years old...

Start a new thread

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

This thread is six and a half years old...

Start a new thread

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Actually 11 years old ;)