New BP owner RI concern

[Plato]

My name is Ian and I am new to these forums. I recently adoptted a young Ball Python and I and having some concerns for his health and well being. I've had my BP "Plato" now for about 4 weeks, the first I took him to the vet to have him sexed and examined. The vet told me he had an RI which I had expected due to excessive yawning and stargazing. He had two weeks of baytril and two vitamin A and D injections. He seemed to be improving drastically by the end of the second week. He ate two fuzzes the third week which i considered a sign of improvement having eaten nothing the first two weeks.

Although I haven't caught him stargazing he seems to be yawning a little excessively. He will yawn while i hold usually while facing me, sometimes if i open my mouth wide and close it he will repeat after me. I can't see any mucous build up and he doesn't make any wheezing sounds nor is his mouth ever slightly agape. I may be unnecessarily fretting, but I'm not sure. I think an outside opinion would be the best option on this particular situation of whether i'm overly worrying or i should make another vet appointment.

He his also very docile and very active when being held have not yet heard him hiss.

Husbandry stats
hot side- 90-91
Cool side- 80-83
humidity- 60-65%
3 hides 2 hot 1cool
water changed every 3-4 days
spot cleaning weekly
tank cleaned monthly 1st time tomorrow

[bcr229]

I would take him back to the vet. It could be that the bacteria causing his RI are resistant to Baytril - many types are b/c Baytril has been used for so long - and the two weeks of treatment didn't knock it all out. FWIW my vets prescribe 30 days of meds, Baytril + Fortaz.

[Skiploder]

I would take him back to the vet. It could be that the bacteria causing his RI are resistant to Baytril - many types are b/c Baytril has been used for so long - and the two weeks of treatment didn't knock it all out. FWIW my vets prescribe 30 days of meds, Baytril + Fortaz.

.....or he may not have an RI at all.

[Plato]

I feel overwhelmed with all the helpful advice. My worried side caved in and I made the little guy an appointment tomorrow at noon thirty. I guess i'll find out tomorrow how warranted my worries are.

[I-KandyReptiles]

Did the first vet do a culture or just immediately prescribe antibiotics?

If it is an RI, your vet should do a culture so they can prescribe the appropriate antibiotics to destroy the infection.

It's best to spend the money at the vets than to sit at home and worry! I once dropped $500 on blood work and a vet visit for my gtp because he wouldn't eat for me. Made me feel tons better when they told me everything looked fine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk