RI Care

[redpandakitty]

I just acquired a juvenile female who has a respiratory infection. She is also very underweight. The previous owner was feeding her only every 2.5 weeks and was really cagey about answering my questions regarding the husbandry, so all I know is she had a "tank setup". I'm assuming she had improper heating and/or humidity. She's not blowing bubbles but when she opens her mouth I can see the foamy looking mucous and she occasionally wheezes.

I have a vet appointment for her in a few days, but am wondering if anyone knows if there's anything I can do for her in the meantime. I've got her in quarantine and in a tub with hides, a water bowl, cypress bedding, and the proper hot spot/temp gradient. I soaked her for about 15 minutes this morning since she looked a little dehydrated and she'd gotten some coco fiber in her mouth before I switched to the cypress. Should I try feeding her? I would imagine she probably won't eat since she's sick, but since she is underweight I'm wondering if it's worth trying?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

You want to limit stress so no more bathing and no feeding.

At the vet you will want to make sure that a culture is done, that the antibiotic treatment is injectable and for a duration of a month.

[bcr229]

I wouldn't put her on natural substrate as she'll drool on it and then keep re-infecting herself over time. Paper is more sanitary, and when she makes a mess you can remove everything, clean and sanitize her enclosure and décor, and then put everything back.

No feeding.

I would keep her lower temp at 83-84*F and high at 92*F to help boost her immune system. Bump up the humidity also. Think about how you feel when you have clogged sinuses and get into a steamy shower - it helps clear you out and makes you feel better.

[redpandakitty]

How would you keep her humidity levels up without using a natural substrate?

[bcr229]

Multiple wide, shallow water bowls.

Use a proper reptile enclosure - not a fish tank - so heat and humidity stay in it. Heat source should be a UTH or RHP versus heat lamp or CHE.

Lightly mist the sides morning and evening; your snake should not be lying on wet paper.