I got some questions....
Respiratory infections in snakes seem to be a very common problem, but at the same time very serious. I noticed that treating a human is much different then treating a snake. I was told to lower the humidity, and raise ambient temperatures. Now, in theory low humidity is where URI's thrive best in human lungs. This is why we usually get URI's during the winter due to dry air. How do we combat the dry air? With a humidifier! So why are we told to lower humidity when dealing with this for snakes? Shouldn't we put them in something with a normal to high humidity, and with high heat? That way the snakes immune system can properly function, and the right humidity help the lungs function better.
Baytril or another anit-biotic's seem to be the only method being told on most forums. This maybe the fastest way to treat it, but is it good for the snake? No. If the snake was going to die then obviously this would be the last resort, but I always see it being used as the first...I would like to know what a snake does in the wild when dealing with a URI. Do they perish, or find a way of fighting back?
Only reason I am asking all this is because I think I may have cured my boa with the above combination. I just adopted a male, and when I brought him home I noticed he had RI. I immediately raised temps, and had him in a hot room in my house. Ambient temps at around 90-93, and basking spot around the same thing. Humidity is a steady 52%. He's been in a tub with these conditions for approximately 3 days now, and has showing significant signs of improvement. No clicking, no fluid, no nothing...Previously, he was blowing bubbles, and had lots of fluid built up in his mouth. I'm going to keep close eye on him to see if it happens again, and schedule a visit to the vet. Other then that, I'm going to celebrate on the fact that I was able to cure his RI with a simple natural method! In 3 days!!
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