Gravid females and RI/antibiotic treatment?

[Bruce Whitehead]

This is my first breeding season, and I curious as to the timing of treating possible RIs?

Do people wait till the female has laid her eggs to start treatments, or is it safe to treat while she is gravid?

Wondering if the stress of egg development, etc. would counter the drugs' effectiveness?

Or is the risk of having an immune compromised snake more of an immediate concern?

Bruce

[Morphie]

This is my first breeding season, and I curious as to the timing of treating possible RIs?

Do people wait till the female has laid her eggs to start treatments, or is it safe to treat while she is gravid?

Wondering if the stress of egg development, etc. would counter the drugs' effectiveness?

Or is the risk of having an immune compromised snake more of an immediate concern?

Bruce

*I* would keep a close, close eye on her. If she started breathing mouth-open, i'd get her into a vet immediately. In fact, i'd probably call someone right away and explain them the situation and tell them i might have to bring her in - that way they can already have done whatever research they need to do by the time she's on the table, if need be (or give advice if they already know something about gravid reptiles).

In the meantime, i'd give her a warmer basking spot and keep the humidity nice and high in the cage. Normally i treat RI with a significant humidity/inescapable heat boost, but i would be uncomfortable subjecting a gravid mother to temperatures that she wouldn't move towards naturally.

I would talk to a professional - but I would be extremely wary of treatment and avoid it if at all possible unless there's conclusive evidence that treatment is safe for the offspring. Of course, mom's health is the biggest priority, so if she obviously *needs* the treatment, there's no question.

[Morphie]

double post sorry