blue/purple scales and respiratory infection

[blenderhead]

I'm currently treating my BP for a RI (when I got him a month ago, he was already sick) with Fortaz. The vet told me to give him a shot every three days for three weeks. Does this sound correct? His symptoms are very mild; the only thing I've ever noticed is a slight clicking/popping noise when he breathes sometimes. His breathing also seems to be somewhat fast and shallow (which is something the vet commented on). Could a RI cause this? Do RI infections usually return even if they've been treated with antibiotics?

He shed about a week ago; it was a bad shed, and I had to help him out (soaked him and then used a towel to help remove the shed). Since then, I've noticed that some of the lighter-colored scales on his back are now a purple/blue color. The scales themselves look fine. The vet noticed it during the exam and didn't seem to know what it might be; she said to just keep an eye on it, but it may actually just be his normal coloration. If anyone has any idea what could cause such a thing, please let me know, as I'm rather concerned. This is my first snake, and I'm already stressing over the fact that he has a RI.

[dr del]

Hi,

Are they around the areas you have been injecting him?

Can you get us clear pictures?

The RI may not respond to a particular antibiotic on occasion which is why people recommend getting a culture done even though it is an extra expense - it lets them see which antibiotic works best against the infection.

Have you finished the whole course? The vet might want to repeat it or try something different but if you have finished and he still has the RI then the vet needs to see him again.


dr del

[blenderhead]

Hi,

Are they around the areas you have been injecting him?

Can you get us clear pictures?

The RI may not respond to a particular antibiotic on occasion which is why people recommend getting a culture done even though it is an extra expense - it lets them see which antibiotic works best against the infection.

Have you finished the whole course? The vet might want to repeat it or try something different but if you have finished and he still has the RI then the vet needs to see him again.


dr del

The discolored scales were there before he started receiving injections. I can possibly get pictures of it tomorrow.

The vet was very leery about doing a culture because he's so small (he was born in July), but she seemed very confident about the Fortaz. She said too many strains of bacteria are becoming resistant to Baytril, and therefore, it isn't always very effective.

He's only had one shot so far. I'm still hearing clicking/popping sounds, but I'm sure it wouldn't clear up this fast. The vet said that if it's not gone by the time the shots are used up to get a refill and continue giving him treating him.