possible RI..need quick help

I've only had my BP for about 5 days, and I took him out the cage today to clean some things, and I noticed him "whistling" when he breathed. Unfortunately, it might be RI, but because I've never seen it before, I'm not 100% positive. When I first got him, I was having trouble heating the cool side (it was at 77 for the first 2 days, but now it's at 84), but I'm thinking the damage is already done. I've read a lot of posts on here about RI and going to the vet, but I would just like to hear your thoughts on the matter. My main problem is that I'm leaving to go back to school this friday, so if something needs to be done, I have to do it ASAP. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

ps. He never leaves his warm side hide...which is between 91 and 93...do you think he's trying to keep his temps up in order to fight the disease?

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Originally Posted by carmich132

I've only had my BP for about 5 days, and I took him out the cage today to clean some things, and I noticed him "whistling" when he breathed. Unfortunately, it might be RI, but because I've never seen it before, I'm not 100% positive. When I first got him, I was having trouble heating the cool side (it was at 77 for the first 2 days, but now it's at 84), but I'm thinking the damage is already done. I've read a lot of posts on here about RI and going to the vet, but I would just like to hear your thoughts on the matter. My main problem is that I'm leaving to go back to school this friday, so if something needs to be done, I have to do it ASAP. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

ps. He never leaves his warm side hide...which is between 91 and 93...do you think he's trying to keep his temps up in order to fight the disease?

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Gently open his mouth and look to see if it has a slimy like substance inside.If it does then yes its URI.If its totaly clear then it could be something else.Since you had the heat problems in the begging and leaving soon it will not hurt to have him looked at.Even if it turns out he is ok it will ease your mind:) .Keep us posted

my ball python used to that "whistling" sound when i first got him.once i got him used to being handled he pretty much stopped.my blood did the same "whistling" for a while and worried me that it might've been an RI but she seems to be doing fine now.

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Originally Posted by carmich132

I've only had my BP for about 5 days, and I took him out the cage today to clean some things, and I noticed him "whistling" when he breathed. Unfortunately, it might be RI, but because I've never seen it before, I'm not 100% positive. When I first got him, I was having trouble heating the cool side (it was at 77 for the first 2 days, but now it's at 84), but I'm thinking the damage is already done. I've read a lot of posts on here about RI and going to the vet, but I would just like to hear your thoughts on the matter. My main problem is that I'm leaving to go back to school this friday, so if something needs to be done, I have to do it ASAP. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

ps. He never leaves his warm side hide...which is between 91 and 93...do you think he's trying to keep his temps up in order to fight the disease?

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If you're concerned enough to make this post then you should take the animal to a vet ... if you don't have any experience identifying RI, but you suspect your animal might have it you should DEFINITELY take your animal to a vet ... Upper respiratory infections KILL ball pythons if not properly treated.

-adam

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Originally Posted by joepythons

Gently open his mouth and look to see if it has a slimy like substance inside.If it does then yes its URI.If its totaly clear then it could be something else.Since you had the heat problems in the begging and leaving soon it will not hurt to have him looked at.Even if it turns out he is ok it will ease your mind:) .Keep us posted

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URI can be identified way earlier than the point where enough mucus starts to develop in the mouth that it is easily distinguished from saliva ... at that point it has potentially progressed pretty far along and can actually be in the process of moving to the lower lung.

A vet and a culture is the absolute best way to determine whether or not your animal has a URI if you don't have any previous experience with the disease.

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

URI can be identified way earlier than the point where enough mucus starts to develop in the mouth that it is easily distinguished from saliva ... at that point it has potentially progressed pretty far along and can actually be in the process of moving to the lower lung.

A vet and a culture is the absolute best way to determine whether or not your animal has a URI if you don't have any previous experience with the disease.

-adam

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I agree Adam!!! Once it progresses to a visual mucus it is at high risk of entering the lower lung. Once it is present in the lungs it is very hard to get rid of and can kill an animal quickly. It is much better to catch in the earlier stages.

:rockon:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

URI can be identified way earlier than the point where enough mucus starts to develop in the mouth that it is easily distinguished from saliva ... at that point it has potentially progressed pretty far along and can actually be in the process of moving to the lower lung.

A vet and a culture is the absolute best way to determine whether or not your animal has a URI if you don't have any previous experience with the disease.

-adam

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Yea your right.I was basicly going off of the info about the heat temp being to low and since it was a rather new snake.Let us know what the vet says.

how much does it cost to get a snake checked for RI?

like $50?

I visited 5 different vets today...none of them see reptiles...figures, so I have to drive 35 mins tomorrow morning to get my snake checked out. Another question: could low humidity be the reason for the "wheezing"? I put another heat lamp over the cool side when the temps were too low, and I knew I would have to change it soon b/c it would dry out the air a lot (which it did), but do you think it's possible that this could be a mistaken case of URI and just from low humidity? Either way, I'm not using that for an excuse not to go to the vet, b/c obviously my snake is worth the time and money. I'll let you know what the vet says, hopefully it's nothing!

ps. Just to get my snake checked out, it costs $77....which sucks, especially for a college kid (me).

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Originally Posted by carmich132

I visited 5 different vets today...none of them see reptiles...figures, so I have to drive 35 mins tomorrow morning to get my snake checked out.

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Sorry to hear that you had to drive so much to find a vet. Here are a couple of great links to check to find a herp vet in your area:

16. How do I find a good herp vet in my area?

http://www.arav.org/Directory.htm

http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html#vetlist

This is in our General Herp FAQ here:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=30996

thats what my vet charges for an exam. plus meds :mad: but shes the only reptile vet in the area , and she is pretty good :carrot: good luck

I would definately get to a vet; glad to read that you plan to. I researched reptile vets in the area in case I ever need one, but I know it is not a perfect world.. glad you found one though!

Everyone has given you wonderful advice. However I must say 35 minutes isn't that long at all. I guess growing up in the middle of nowhere gave me the ability not to be spoiled on distance.

Hopefully the vet you see tomorrow will be able to help you get this cleared.

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Originally Posted by Entropy

Everyone has given you wonderful advice. However I must say 35 minutes isn't that long at all. I guess growing up in the middle of nowhere gave me the ability not to be spoiled on distance.

Hopefully the vet you see tomorrow will be able to help you get this cleared.

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Hehehe, 35 minutes in the country feels so much farther than it does in a big city (to me). Here in Atlanta, 35 minutes is about 10 miles away! :rolleyes:

Oh I know Robin. Since I'm stuck in Everett right now it takes on average a full half hour to get Ryan to the ship in the mornings and it's right around 10 miles or less. Grrrr

Can't wait to move back to my redneck country! :D

I took him out again tonight to check on his breathing, and everything seemed perfectly normal (after I upped his humidity). Is this normal for RI, because I would imagine if he had RI, his breathing would stay at a constant whistle all the time, not just now and again. But as I said before, I've never dealt with it, so I'm just guessing here.