Do respiratory infections tend to recur?

[blenderhead]

So, it turns out my BP does, in fact, have an RI. I'm treating him, but I'm concerned because I've heard from several people that RIs are stubborn and often show up again, even after treatment. Is this something I should be concerned about? For those of you who have dealt with RIs, did they recur? Any info would be great, thanks.

[Kaorte]

If you have proper husbandry the RIs should not reoccur. It could be that the RI wasn't completely gone the first time.

[WingedWolfPsion]

I've had a couple of snakes with them--usually happens in the spring, after the breeding season. The snakes are a bit worn out and breeding is stressful, so they're more susceptible. One breeder male came down with one, and had to be taken off rotation early, and then a female came down with one shortly after laying. A course of baytril, and they're fine--no reccurence.

I also just found a new product that I'm going to start using. The stuff is being sold by Pro Products, the same guys who make PAM. It's called BioShield by EnviroSystems. You spray it on the cages (outdoors, because this stuff is pretty toxic before it dries--eye protection and gloves are recommended, and nothing should be in a room with it until it's dry). Once dry, the surfaces retard the growth of bacteria, molds, yeasts, and algaes. It's FDA tested safe for use on direct contact food surfaces like cutting boards, so you know it's safe for the animals as well. Pro Products also did the testing to confirm it is safe to use along with PAM. I'm hoping this will help reduce the risk of RIs by reducing the levels of the bacteria that can cause them. The BioShield can last for 3 months before you need to reapply, and it's fully washable in the meantime. Even works underwater.

Sounded pretty nifty, so I'm giving it a try.