Recurring Respiratory Infection

[moespeaking]

My ball python had a ri back in april so I gave her shots and she was better. Since then shes gained 400 grams and never missing a meal. Last meal she wasnt interested and shortly after she starting yawning a lot and rubbing her face around the tank. One of the places where she rubbed her face she left behind mucous so I know shes got an ri again. The temps in the tank are 82 on the cool side and and 90 on the hot side. Humidity has been in the 48-60 range these last months. almost the whole top of her tank is covered to keep drafts out. I do run an air conditioner in my room in the summer, but her temp and humidity are still in check. I keep a close eye. I just cant figure out why she has gotten sick again.

Im starting to think it may be the air quality in the room. Its the only thing I can think of as my room gets that stagnant feel to it alot. Can snakes contract Ri's any other way, maybe through live mice or rats?



Il be going to the vet on monday to get more shots. I just dont want to treat her and then put her back in dangers way. If it is my room then I would have to get rid of her because my dad wont let her in any other room.


Sorry this is all over the place but her weight is 930 grams, and shes about 40-42 inches. Early 06- or late 05 female. any input or advice you guys can give me will be a huge help. thanks.

[aeio540]

-Could it be possible that the RI was not 100% eliminated the first time?

-Did you administer the shots according to the directions of the vet?

I'm not saying you did anything wrong, I've just seen many owners stop administering treatment because they think that whatever infection/ailment their animal may have had went away. I've seen owners stop dosing their pets 1 week into a 3-4 week treatment period becase "well, he seems like he's okay now."

[moespeaking]

yes thats very possible as I had a lot of trouble giving the shots by myself. I got 11 and id say only 5-6 were real clean and she got the full dose. The rest ended up on the outside of her instead of in her muscle. I just figured that since she did get better after, that she was fully cured.


This time around I will be getting help giving the shots to make sure she gets all full doses.

[West Coast Jungle]

Some animals are just very susceptable to RI's but also sometimes they go dormant and then stress can make them return. It is possible it never completely went away. Stagnant humid air is a breeding ground for bacteria and that is what causes RI's. Have the vet run a culture to make sure the medication he gives you kills the bacteria your snake has. Some bacteria are imune to certain antibiotics and without a culture you cant be sure you are usuing the right one. You may just have a snake with a weak imune system. Good luck and keep het temps in the higher range.