What do you do when they get flu?

[Reptilsoul]

Hi, this year I don´t know why, but I get with flu one of my regius. all of them are at the same temp. but almost 4 are with problem breathing and some bubbles. and the most of them stil are eating without problems,.. I gave some antibiotic. " Vibracina" through mouth, but didnt get well, I am thinking of using other antibiotic but this time punctured. I puto the temp over 32 - 33º C. what can I do more?.
Thanks


PD: forget to carry to vet, cos I am from spain and here are ilegal. I have some knowledge. about vet.

[bcr229]

Snakes don't do well with oral antibiotics. They need to be injected. Dosage is based on weight.

[Reptilsoul]

yes ok, this week I will do it , cos oral yes I don't like, is slow and seems dont take effect. thanks so much. what antibiotic do you use usually?

[KMG]

Sounds like respiratory infections to me. I would examine your husbandry because something seems off. If it's not fixed the issue will not go away, even with medicine. Or return if it does clear up.

[Reptilsoul]

how do they get the respiratory infections?. is about bit air, or humidity? they have his bowl of water, and when they are going to change the skin, I increase the humidity. what can I do more?... thanks!

[KMG]

how do they get the respiratory infections?. is about bit air, or humidity? they have his bowl of water, and when they are going to change the skin, I increase the humidity. what can I do more?... thanks!

Sounds like your need to start searching and reading.

Yes, a respiratory infection (RI) usually comes from a combination of poor humidity, temperatures, and stagnant air.

The cages should be vented for air flow, the temps should be (air) around 75f and a a hotspot of 85f. That's what I shoot for. Humidity needs to be 45-55% and can be boosted to 70% for a shed.

If you do not have a good thermometer and hygrometer you need one ASAP. RI does not clear up on its own and they will most likely need medication. Without it they have a slim chance of surviving.

[Bogertophis]

how do they get the respiratory infections? ...

... a respiratory infection (RI) usually comes from a combination of poor humidity, temperatures, and stagnant air...

And from dirty cages or air-borne pathogens. Just like humans don't "catch colds & flu from cold air", snakes don't acquire an RI (respiratory infection) from just "iffy" temperatures & humidity.

In the case of snakes- for those that brumate (snooze for the winter at lower temperatures), they ARE at risk from any pathogens they might be harboring prior to brumation, even IF they appear to be perfectly healthy. That's why brumation is best only done when necessary for breeding (cooling promotes fertility), because it's not without risks- now & then, snakes wake up sick after their winter sleep, & more rarely, a few may not wake up at all. So just remember that really cool temperatures shuts off a snake's immune system. I have brumated snakes in the past, when I bred some- I never had any problems, but it's always a possibility.

The warmth & humidity in a snake's cage (especially BPs because they require warmer temperatures & because the air-flow is usually restricted) promotes the survival of "germs"- various pathogens (bacteria & viruses) that also hang around and multiply in enclosures that aren't kept clean enough. This includes the substrate, the water bowl, all furnishings, & the physical enclosure itself. If the enclosure is made of wood, for example, that wood can absorb & then continue to supply pathogens. Pathogens may also be shared from other animals etc, via the air in the room. (This is why we quarantine new pets.)

Just like us, the more you can reduce the number of pathogens, the less likely that a healthy & well-cared for snake will get sick. But when they're kept "24-7" in a dirty cage, it wears down their immune system. Their body may be able to fend off some germs, but not a bunch of them that are "permanent party" in their homes. BTW (Reptilsoul), I'm not suggesting your cages actually are dirty- that's just one possibility. Also, snakes that are stressed (excessive handling, especially when newly acquired) may have less efficient functioning of their immune system.

Don't forget that when snakes are shipped to us (owned or bred by someone else first) they bring all that previous exposure with them, so if they aren't given quality time to "settle in" (so their immune system is up & running better) they're more likely to get sick, even IF you've kept them clean. Just like us, stress matters.

[Reptilsoul]

yes ok thanks, yes I try to clean well all cage, and for me is strange because some are with IR and others no, and thy are in the same conditions. for this, I asked, to try to underdtans where I can find the problem o I have to try to be more alert. babys and subadult are ok, but adults get flu, and not all, for this I have doubts ..

today I will punctured them, I will follow them to see if the get well. I use paper as sustract and when they pee I clean... i prefer paper to clean fast and avoid mites.

Thanks for advice.

[KMG]

Where are you that they're illegal? I'm just curious.

[Reptilsoul]

in Spain, are ilegal, goverment think they can invade the territory XD.... now where I live, in the morning are 2ºC...