HIssing Sound

[firemandan26]

My BP sounds like he is hissing every time he exhales. Think is a URI? I am looking for a vet right now. What do you guys think it is?

[thedarkwolf25]

If it's every time he breathes that sounds like an RI, I would get him a vet app asap.

[Sarin]

Could be a few things. I wouldn't resort to a vet just yet.

Is it every single time he breaths out? Are you positive he isn't just really angry and hissing? Did he just shed or going into shed? Most likely it is stuck shed in/near his nostrils.

I'd bump up his warm side to 95 just in case and leave him be. If he doesn't improve or gets worse within a few days then I would look into calling a vet.

Good luck!

[steveboos]

Yeah a lot of my snakes will hiss at first, but they never bite or anything, it's just to tell you to watch out. Now if your snake is hissing every time he exhales period, then there is a issue at hand and he might have an RI.

Watch him very closely over the next couple days and if the hissing continues, set up a Vet appointment immediately.

[firemandan26]

Could be a few things. I wouldn't resort to a vet just yet.

Is it every single time he breaths out? Are you positive he isn't just really angry and hissing? Did he just shed or going into shed? Most likely it is stuck shed in/near his nostrils.

I'd bump up his warm side to 95 just in case and leave him be. If he doesn't improve or gets worse within a few days then I would look into calling a vet.

Good luck!

He did just have a bad shed maybe 2 weeks ago. Also, he has hissed at me and it sounds similar, but its very short and seems like it is every time he exhales. I will keep a good eye on him the next day or so. Got the vets number on speed dial just incase.

[firemandan26]

How do the vet's treat RI? Do you guys know. Is it contagious? Never had a sick BP before! Thanks for all the input as well, you guys are the greatest!

[thedarkwolf25]

I am almost certain that it is contagious so keep the affected snake away from the others and always wash your hands if you need to be near another one. The vet will do a culture to make sure that the snake does in fact have RI and then will administer either Fortaz, Amakacin, or most likely Baytril. These are delivered via shots that the vet will show you how to do. The dosage will depend on the size of the snake.

In the mean time raise your hot side temps to 94 or 95 and keep an eye on how they act. If they keep doing it then a vet visit will be needed.

[Sarin]

He did just have a bad shed maybe 2 weeks ago. Also, he has hissed at me and it sounds similar, but its very short and seems like it is every time he exhales. I will keep a good eye on him the next day or so. Got the vets number on speed dial just incase.

It's most likely just stuck shed in the nostrils then. Still keep an eye on him and if he starts wheezing and bubbling then it's definitely an RI. But don't get too worried about it yet.