Possible RI! Help!!!!!

[brobertson]

Okay, so I was just going to hold my BP, and when I pulled out his tub, the first thing that I noticed was that he was drinking his water. However, his head shyness caused him to jerk his entire face into the bowl. When I pulled him out, I immediately heard him whistling. I handled him for about 60 seconds, and while the frequency of whistle decreased, it was still present. My husbandry is pretty solid, ambient is a bit cool at 76, but everything else is pretty spot on. Does anybody have any thoughts? I'm going to check on him in a little bit, but I really need to know if this is an ti, because I am planning to go out if town the next two days and if it is an ri, I would have to cancel. Thank you!

[brobertson]

Bump! Really nervous!

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

They often get some water in their nose when they dunk their head. You won't know if it's an RI for unless you see more signs, or the whistling continues after you get back. Mucus, excessive yawning, wheezing, stargazing, etc.

Wait a couple days and check the mouth.

You can check the mouth by taking a qtip and while you hold the snake firmly behind its head, press the stick of the qtip against its lips. It will open it's mouth with the pressure. Then use the qtip to keep its mouth open by gently holding it horizontally inside the mouth against the back of the jaw. Check for mucus, enflamed trachea, red or pale white tissue.

If everything looks pink and healthy then it probably just got water in its nose or trachea when you spooked it in the water bowl and everything will be fine.

[dr del]

Hi,

It could easily be water in his nose or an upcoming shed - Unless you see him sit with his head held upright with a slightly open mouth, or see excess mucus in his mouth or smeared on cage furniture, or even in his waterbowl.

If none of those signs are present at the momen then I think it is more a case of keeping an eye on him. Going out of town for a couple of days shouldn't be that big a deal.


dr del

[sharkrocket]

Hey,

I'm not saying it isn't an RI, but the same thing happened to me. The bp dunked its head into the water and started whistling just because the liquid was in his "nasal passages." I wouldn't worry.

But, keep your eye on him or her anyways ;D

[Flikky]

My guys do this. It is not an RI, they just got water in their nose. If there are no other symptoms then you're fine.

[S.I.R.]

I agree, probably not an RI with that symptom. I would just keep a watchful eye on it though. If any other symtoms come up like mentioned earlier, see a vet. Good luck!

[brobertson]

Thanks everybody, I have been watching him and he seems to be just fine. He is a bit cranky about me checking on him so often!

Thanks again!