RI Help

[Dannyx67]

My baby IJ just got a minor case of RI and fortunately I caught the early signs of it. I live in California so the temps haven't been so low but they've been dropping quite a bit recently. As of now, I only have a heat pad but I'm going to look into setting him up with a better pad and hook it to a thermostat. The warm side is at 85 degrees F and humidity is at about 65%. I've read about people using Fortaz and Baytril to clear up RI's but I don't know which would be better and the appropriate dosage. I don't have too much knowledge on nebulizers so if someone can recommend a routine it'd be appreciated.

[bcr229]

My baby IJ just got a minor case of RI and fortunately I caught the early signs of it. I live in California so the temps haven't been so low but they've been dropping quite a bit recently. As of now, I only have a heat pad but I'm going to look into setting him up with a better pad and hook it to a thermostat. The warm side is at 85 degrees F and humidity is at about 65%. I've read about people using Fortaz and Baytril to clear up RI's but I don't know which would be better and the appropriate dosage. I don't have too much knowledge on nebulizers so if someone can recommend a routine it'd be appreciated.

Baytril and Fortaz are both antibiotics, you will need a vet visit to get them. Also one of my vets doesn't stock Fortaz, apparently it's expensive and has a short shelf life, so she prescribes Baytril + Naxcel in combo.

Your warm side belly heat should be closer to 90*F and yes, you definitely need a t-stat for that heat pad, most run well over 100*F if unregulated.

[Dannyx67]

Baytril and Fortaz are both antibiotics, you will need a vet visit to get them. Also one of my vets doesn't stock Fortaz, apparently it's expensive and has a short shelf life, so she prescribes Baytril + Naxcel in combo.

Your warm side belly heat should be closer to 90*F and yes, you definitely need a t-stat for that heat pad, most run well over 100*F if unregulated.

Yeah I'm going to look into getting one soon. I want to buy a herpstat but don't have the money right now, what affordable t-stat would you recommend? There are also no vets that specialize with reptiles around where I live. I've heard of people having success clearing up RI's with F10SC and since my IJ's case is minor I've been thinking about ordering some online. Being in the situation I'm in right now, what would you do? I know the best thing is to take him to a vet for antibiotics but unfortunately there aren't any nearby.

[bcr229]

Yeah I'm going to look into getting one soon. I want to buy a herpstat but don't have the money right now, what affordable t-stat would you recommend? There are also no vets that specialize with reptiles around where I live. I've heard of people having success clearing up RI's with F10SC and since my IJ's case is minor I've been thinking about ordering some online. Being in the situation I'm in right now, what would you do? I know the best thing is to take him to a vet for antibiotics but unfortunately there aren't any nearby.

I would take him to the vet. F10SC isn't available in the US right now (thank you EPA) so if you want any you'll have to buy it and have it shipped from overseas - $$$.

If you can't afford a t-stat right now at least get a lamp dimmer at Lowes or Home Depot, they're about $15, so you can dial back that pad before your snake burns itself and needs a vet visit for that too (and that's not a cheap visit).

There are a ton of decent but not too pricey thermostats available, including the VE Hobbystat and Hydrofarm. As with anything else though, you get what you pay for.