Possible RI? Please help!

[Bogertophis]

I'm not disagreeing with any previous posters, but just offering my view. As I get to know my vet better I am becoming more likely to bring a reptile in to see her even if I'm not sure it is ill -- actually, especially if I'm not sure. I trust my vet's judgment, though, and I do substantial research on my end (not just when a snake is showing symptoms, but in general).

I agree that using antibiotics 'just in case' is in general a bad idea. It also seems that some vets really underestimate the possibility of a viral component to RIs, too, so getting clear on the causal factors is really important. Treating without testing wastes money, time and risks the animal's health.

But sometimes a qualified herp vet is pretty certain that the symptoms are indicative of an RI. If things are serious enough then getting meds on board may be more prudent than waiting for cultures and viral swabs to come back. I don't suspect that's what's going on in your case, just to clarify.

I do agree than panicking isn't warranted. Usually nothing is wrong. Having a vet's confirmation of that fact can be very useful, at least in my experience.

I suspect that going into the vet with an attitude that expresses a conservative outlook ('I'm pretty sure nothing is wrong, but would like to make sure') leads to more reasonable treatment recommendations than one that implies that you'll be upset if the vet doesn't move the earth and moon ('My snake's going to die oh no oh no!'). Little cues can move someone who's on the fence about a decision, and if a snake owner gives every indication that they're calm and reasonable then I think a reasonable treatment suggestion will follow.

Yes to all this ^ ^ ^!!! If there is a health concern, catching it early is very prudent. But stay calm & optimistic about it, & convey that to your vet if you do go. Keep in mind that when I first answered this, I had no way of knowing whether you had a vet with herp experience nearby, & people who are panicked about their pet can inspire some less experienced vets into "trial & error" approach in an effort to pacify the owner. Best case scenario, like Malum said, is when you already have an experienced herp vet you know & trust.

Thank you! Yes, I noticed it before she shed as well but I was unsure if it was related to the shedding or not. No mites so that’s great at least! I’ll lower the humidity and see if that does anything. Luckily there is a vet that sees snakes near me so I do have somewhere to go in case it does turn out to be an RI. I feel a lot better now at least!

It's still possible that she had a bit of debris* or shed stuck in one or more nostrils from a previous shed that "could" cause this sound now, so just keep that in mind. And just so you know, I've had a few snakes over the years that did this exact thing, & it didn't turn out to be an RI.

*Being on paper towels for substrate won't contribute debris that she might have inhaled, but if you got her from a pet store, for example, she may have been on a substrate where this could happen- especially because snakes are often not given much to hide in- so buyers can see them on display- so in desperation they try to dig under the substrate with the only thing they have- their faces- & that can put stuff into their nostrils that doesn't belong there. See? You might try to find out what she was kept on before you bought her, if you don't already know.