Boa Culture

[MrGriffyn]

My vet just received the culture and has told us that my boa has pseudomonas aeruginosa. He also mentioned that my brother who has asthma can get sick from it. Can anyone explain what this means to my boa and the ways to treat it. He has just ordered the apparent only shot that can cure it and should be in soon.

[MrGriffyn]

Anyone?

[Reinz]

I only remember a few things from when I studied such things a lifetime ago.

Not sure how any of this Directly applies to Boas.

It seems to show up when immune systems are compromised. Which is why you don't want anyone around with Asthma, they have compromised immune systems. When an asthma attack happens, that is an immune response, whether physical, chemical, or bacterial/viral bugs.

I would not think it is good at all for a snake to have this, especially in their lungs or worse if systemic (whole body). It is highly gram negative which means GENERALLY it is harder to kill than most gram positive bugs.

The good thing going here is that your Vet has isolated it, which means he can treat more successful with the RIGHT medicine. Another way to put it is he is going with a rifle approach as opposed to a shotgun approach.

Hope this helps

[MrGriffyn]

Hey thanks for the reply. Getting the shots today. Hoping for the best.

[Reinz]

Hey thanks for the reply. Getting the shots today. Hoping for the best.

Good deal, I'm sure all will be well. Sound like your Vet has a good handle on things.

[bcr229]

Google is your friend. One of the abx used to treat this is Fortaz, which is probably why your vet had to order it, as it's fairly expensive and has a short shelf life once reconstituted so many vets don't stock it. It's also one of the better abx for RI's as many bacteria have developed resistance to Baytril but not Fortaz (yet).

[MrGriffyn]

thanks but I do understand google haha, I was just wondering if anyone had personal experience as this sickness is rare and not the usual RI. My vet has even told me the outlook isn't good.

[Reinz]

thanks but I do understand google haha, I was just wondering if anyone had personal experience as this sickness is rare and not the usual RI. My vet has even told me the outlook isn't good.

He probably feels this way because the abx is not getting initiated soon enough. That bug should be hit hard and fast on onset. Each day it is left untreated reduces the odds of a successful recovery.

[MrGriffyn]

Then again, he didn't recomend a culture until after a total of 10 shots of baytril or whatever its called was given to me. He gave me 5 at a time and I was told to give a shot everyday. After the first 5 failed he prescribed us another 5. It was then he decided a culture was essential.

[Reinz]

Then again, he didn't recomend a culture until after a total of 10 shots of baytril or whatever its called was given to me. He gave me 5 at a time and I was told to give a shot everyday. After the first 5 failed he prescribed us another 5. It was then he decided a culture was essential.

Every Vet/MD/DO has their own recipe for treatment.

He may have been trying to save you money. Cultures can add things up quickly. Also, again, he was trying to hit the bug fast with an abx that is known to work at a high percentage rate IN HIS EXPERIENCE.
While it may seem like it is a gamble, he going by his confidence in this treatment due to his experience.

There are still physicians who RX Amoxicillin first for ear aches, RIs, skin infections, etc. It was, may still be the gold standard. (I have been away from this stuff for >10 yrs) The failure rate is extremely high as a first abx used. So if a mom has a kid with recurring ear infections or RI, why some docs go to Amoxicillin first is just not responsible. I have, and still do see that happen over and over.

Catch-22
But the reason these guys still use a nail hammer in stead of a sledgehammer is people and animals develop resistance to abx even as they get stronger. Also when treating with abx, there is saying "you are treating the population, not just the individual". Meaning, if it fails, other get sick. If you go too strong, the bug will come back stronger on EVERYONE.
This why we now have Superbugs that are extremely hard to treat (Sledgehammer use, i.e. too powerful of abx). And it will just get worse unless Big Pharma can produce more agents.

This is why some Vets/Mds culture first. They are looking at the big picture and also prefer to use a more laser type accuracy (right tool for the job) rather than throwing things and seeing what sticks to the wall.

Sorry for going the long way around the barn. This is a complex issue. There are whole 2-3 day symposiums just on this subject only.