RI Help

[angllady2]

First of all, are you sure it's an RI ? They do make slight sounds when they breathe, especially if they are uncomfortable or annoyed.

I can't tell you about beginning stage RI symptoms, but I can tell you, you cannot miss advanced stage. Ever had a bad chest cold ? That is what your snake will sound like. Their breathing will become labored and noisy, even when at rest. When you pick them up you'll be able to feel the mucous bubbling in the lung. They will yawn and bubble at the mouth, they'll wipe their heads on everything, trying to wipe the mucous off. Every now and then they'll give a forceful exhale which will make a distinct wheeze, the closest the poor things can come to a cough.

I have read extensively here on them because I'm treating one in an abandoned ball I rescued. What I've read and been practicing is warmth, humidity, quiet, quarantine and antibiotics. I quarantined my girl, bumped her temps up a few degrees, ran a DYI humidifier into her tub, made a vet visit and started antibiotic injections. After 3 weeks, she's doing much better, but is not 100% so we went back for more antibiotics. Practice extreme hygiene between your sick snake and the others, as an RI is very contagious from what I understand. I take care of my sick girl last, then remove any clothing that came into contact with her and wash my hands and arms to the elbows before I even think about going back into my bedroom/snake room.

I will advise you, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose an RI that isn't full blown yet, I believe the recommended course in that case is a throat culture ? Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

I wish you and your baby the best.

Gale