RI or what?

[Medduussa]

So, extremely confused and stressed out. My 2 1/2 year old ball python has been having RI pretty much every year. I keep the temps and humidity perfect. Also every time I go the vet always says it doesn't look like a RI because she has no mucus build up. Only whistling or the odd wheeze. I don't hear her often. Maybe once a week or less. I'm starting to think maybe that's just how she is. Is there anything else it could possibly be? I will be taking her for another culture. Just trying to avoid as much stress as possible for her. Otherwise she seems fine. Just frustrated with the noises she's making without a correct answer. I will be posting pictures of the inside of her mouth in a little bit. Waiting for a friend to come and help


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[Medduussa]

And is it possible that she could just be like that


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[Medduussa]

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[Medduussa]

Her airway and nostrils are clear


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[CloudtheBoa]

If you've done cultures and tests in the past and the vet says it isn't RI, it's probably not an RI. Many things can cause wheezes. Shedding, dusty bedding, smoke (whether from incense or cigarettes), general activity (they get out of breath, too), etc.

[Sauzo]

Maybe it's just me but that looks pretty bubbly at the back of the throat. If you had a culture done and it was good, then I don't know. How well do you trust this vet? Maybe find another exotic vet and call them and find out their experience with reptiles and maybe get a culture done with them?

My vet always does cultures and really doesn't like to throw antibiotics at my reptiles unless they are really sick which in that case she will prescribe a wide spectrum one until the culture comes back and then switch if needed. I trust her though as she saved Allie from dying from PAM and has treated Rosey for a sinus infection and Harley for RI.

[Medduussa]

Maybe it's just me but that looks pretty bubbly at the back of the throat. If you had a culture done and it was good, then I don't know. How well do you trust this vet? Maybe find another exotic vet and call them and find out their experience with reptiles and maybe get a culture done with them?

I'm worried about stressing her out long term from having multiple lung washes. :/


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[Medduussa]

Maybe it's just me but that looks pretty bubbly at the back of the throat. If you had a culture done and it was good, then I don't know. How well do you trust this vet? Maybe find another exotic vet and call them and find out their experience with reptiles and maybe get a culture done with them?

My vet always does cultures and really doesn't like to throw antibiotics at my reptiles unless they are really sick which in that case she will prescribe a wide spectrum one until the culture comes back and then switch if needed. I trust her though as she saved Allie from dying from PAM and has treated Rosey for a sinus infection and Harley for RI.

Plus idk why I'll check her mouth it'll be clear and the next it'll be bubbly


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[Sauzo]

I hear ya. I mean if you trust the vet, then go with that. Maybe bump up the temp a few degrees and the humidity and wait a week or 2 to see if the noise goes away. If not, I would probably get a culture done by another vet. Stress sucks but a full blown advanced RI that turns into pneumonia is a lot worse. And wait until you have to give shots every other day to your snake lol. I had to do that for Rosey for a month. Was really easy for her as she is 7' but for a small snake, I would be freakin out that I would stick the needle too far and hurt them. Luckily my vet will do shots for free as long as I bring the animal in every 3 days but its a long drive for me so I learned to do it myself haha.

[Sauzo]

Plus idk why I'll check her mouth it'll be clear and the next it'll be bubbly


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Yeah the bubbly part is what makes me wonder. I've been told that is an early indicator of RI. Doesn't have to be all thick and sticky. It can also be bubbly and prevalent like your guy. But I mean, bump the temps up a few degrees to get his immune system into overdrive and bump the humidity up some and see if his body clears it up on its own. If it doesn't in a week or 2, I would consider a second opinion like I said.