Does my BP have RI? A question from a concerned newbie.

[Nz2500]

I have noticed my snake has shown interesting symtoms and i want to seek other opinions before taking futher actions. But first some info.

She is 5months old, 340g.
Humidity is 55%(Day) and 70%(Night)
Temps are 90° (hot side) and 78° (cool side)
Eats F/T rats of 10-15% body weight every 4-5 days

She has for the past week made clicking noises coming from between her midsection and neck (i cant tell if it is in sync with her breathing). Also after she eats, she lunges forward violently with her mouth open and "coughs" or "gags" 1-3 times (the clicking intensifies for awhile after eating.)

But here is the issue. No bubbles, mouth appears normal, little to no saliva in her mouth, and she is eating GREAT!

Do you think she has RI? Any Tips or Treatments?
And do snakes with RI eat?? (I have heard they dont and that is why i raise this question.)

Thank you in advance! I need as many 2nd Opinions and tips as possible! ☺

[Spechal]

Learning by experience opinion, 50-60% RH normally, 24/7 ... 60-70% only when eye caps show or they start to grey up for shed. Make sure the bedding isn't "wet" too. No condensation on the sides of tubs/glass. Make sure the substrate isn't "wet" ... moist is fine; like the herptopia coco husk ... not cheapy husk.

If you are really worried and see no progression with the above changes ... vet, vet vet.

[Bogertophis]

Honestly, there's only so much anyone can tell you over the internet...we aren't seeing your snake, for that you need a veterinarian.

A snake that's bubbling from the mouth is in a later stage of an RI, & by that time is in danger of being unable to breathe, since snakes really cannot cough.
If you suspect an RI, most respond better to early treatment rather than late...

A snake with a mild RI would be likely to eat...one in the later stages would probably not. I cannot think of ANY good reason why a snake that is swallowing
a meal that's NOT too large would appear to be gagging afterward, ok? Except that maybe the meals are too close together? ***I just noticed you are feeding
every 4-5 days??? Wait a week+ or more...the best way to cause your snake to hurl it's meal is to feed another meal before the previous one is FULLY digested.

So stop "power feeding". I suspect she is just barely able to keep from throwing up the latest meal & that's what you're seeing??? I can't speak for the clicking
sounds you say you hear, but when a snake is about to throw up, it does what you are describing.

When a snake is midway thru digesting a meal, all their digestive enzymes are at work on that meal...then you come along a throw in more food that REQUIRES
the enzymes to be at full strength, & it's asking the impossible. That causes a snake to regurgitate all, & trust me, it's bad for the snake & super-putrid for you.
Space the meals further apart!

As far as snakes with an RI- sounds they make can be "whistling" or "crackling". The latter may be what you call "clicking"?

[redshepherd]

Clicking sounds so frequently like that is concerning and indicative of RI. I'd take to the vet and have the vet do a culture!

Snakes do not make sounds when healthy (except for the occasional piece of substrate or shed stuck in their nostril lol).

Snakes can eat even with RI. That just depends on the individual snake and its feeding response.

[Alter-Echo]

Trust me... go to the vet....

Clicking is bad, indicates fluid in the lungs.... gurgling and bubbles are next and at that point it's harder to treat. From what you are saying it sounds indeed like she needs a vet immediately.

[Craiga 01453]

I would make a vet appt as well.

And also, no need to.feed that often. 10-15% body weight is great, but every 7 days is plenty.