URGENT! Questions about RI, stress.

[Medduussa]

I have been hearing my ball python wheeze or whistle on the odd occasion for quite some time. I have taken her to the vet, put her on antibiotics, but I still hear her sometimes. It's not often, maybe once every couple of weeks or so. It's usually when I have her out and holding her. I am debating on taking her in again for a swab culture and blood work. She has eaten, and shed properly the past 2 days. Her mouth is clear.
So my questions are
-does a swab do fine or should I get a lung wash done?
-could she just be wheezing (sounds like a hiss, or breathing out) because of moving around lots? She only does it when she's active. Or maybe it is a hiss. I can't tell the difference.
-what could be the other possibilities? If her mouth is clear could she still have an RI?
Thank you !


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[Kaorte]

I'm of the opinion that a whistle or wheeze on occasion is not an indication of an RI. I had a pewter once upon a time that would whistle and "sneeze" pretty regularly. He never had an RI. He was perfectly healthy. Sometimes it could be a little piece of stuck shed in the nose, sometimes perhaps an oddly shaped nasal passage.

Unless you start notice bubbles/snot coming from the nose and mouth, lethargy, or lack of appetite, I really wouldn't worry.

Just to rule it out, what is your setup like? A photo would be very helpful.


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[Medduussa]

I'm of the opinion that a whistle or wheeze on occasion is not an indication of an RI. I had a pewter once upon a time that would whistle and "sneeze" pretty regularly. He never had an RI. He was perfectly healthy. Sometimes it could be a little piece of stuck shed in the nose, sometimes perhaps an oddly shaped nasal passage.

Unless you start notice bubbles/snot coming from the nose and mouth, lethargy, or lack of appetite, I really wouldn't worry.

Just to rule it out, what is your setup like? A photo would be very helpful.


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her current setup. She's in a 40-45 gallon. Heat pad on one side with a thermostat set to 92f. Humidity reads around 50-60. I mist her tank once a day usually. Her cool side is always around 78-82. She has 2 lights, one is a regular light no heat on cool side. And the other is a low wattage heat lamp to keep the ambient air temp around 80 degrees in hot side! In her hot hide, it's 92 degrees.



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[Kaorte]

Lovely tank set up. Your temps and everything sound fine to me. I see no reason why a snake would develop an RI in this enclosure. Let us know if she sheds soon. Sometimes an impending shed can make them whistle or wheeze.


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[Medduussa]

Lovely tank set up. Your temps and everything sound fine to me. I see no reason why a snake would develop an RI in this enclosure. Let us know if she sheds soon. Sometimes an impending shed can make them whistle or wheeze.


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She has shed 2 days ago in a nice full piece! And thank you. I have asked myself the same question I've done everything humanly possible to keep her husbandry perfect. No idea how she could catch it. She's not around other snakes either. I have 2 and both are very healthy.


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[Kaorte]

If you notice any other RI symptoms, please get her to the vet.

I sincerely doubt she has an RI based on the symptom you describe and your husbandry.


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[Medduussa]

If you notice any other RI symptoms, please get her to the vet.

I sincerely doubt she has an RI based on the symptom you describe and your husbandry.


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Of course, thank you!


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[BPGator]

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Very nice setup. Definitely Zincubus approved


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[Stewart_Reptiles]

Did the vet do a culture?

What were the results?

What type of antibiotics were prescribed? (Oral,injectable)

How long were there prescribed for?

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[Medduussa]

Did the vet do a culture?

What were the results?

What type of antibiotics were prescribed? (Oral,injectable)

How long were there prescribed for?

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No a culture was not taken at the time, injections of Fortaz for over a month I believe. This was back in January, I don't remember for how long.


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