New BCI, poosible RI

[NateDogg13]

I just got a 6' male BCI and Ive never had anything bigger than a ball python so Im wondering if it is normal to be able to hear him exhale. Theres no popping and it doesnt really sound like a wheeze, but it is kind of loud and wondering if it is normal or if i could have a possible respiratory infection. Hes going to the vet after the 15th but if there is a chance of RI he may go sooner.

[xdeus]

I've never heard my BCI breath unless he was hissing at me. It could be a URI, but I think only a vet would know for sure. It might be a good idea to get a sooner appt.

[ladywhipple02]

Agreed, you might want to get him in a little sooner.

The only time I've heard a snake breathe is my 6' female boa, Kinky... and there are special circumstances there.

[NateDogg13]

Thats what I was thinking but I just wanted to run it by some people. The guy I got it from only had a 25 watt bulb on him. No alternate heating at all. Im going to try to get him in sooner. Do they usually just prescribe antibiotics or something?

[ladywhipple02]

More than likely, you will have to give him a shot. The last time I went to the vet for this, they gave me six doses already measured out in the needles... I kept them in the fridge, and injected once every few days (can't remember what the prescribed length is).

If they find out that your snake does have an RI---or want to treat just in case---ask them to demonstrate how to inject. It's incredibly easy, but intimidating if you've never seen it done.

[NateDogg13]

never had to do it before but it should be a good experience.

[NateDogg13]

Just got off the phone with the vets office, taking him in later today. Thanks for the help

[jeffjr464]

if you don't have the right temps, 1st thing is to correct your temps ,or you will just be repeating the problem over and over, sometimes if its a mild RI bringing the proper temps into the situation cures the RI

[NateDogg13]

Ive got the rigt temps, it was the previous owner who did not. I took him to the vet, he said he doesnt seem to have an RI. Wants me to just keep an eye on him the next few weeks and see if I see anything. Otherwise he got a clean bill health.

[frankykeno]

Nate, I'm wondering if this might be a situation like the one we had with a 6 foot BCI we rescued awhile back (she now lives permanently with Becky from this forum). That snake hadn't been kept right, had likely had some untreated RI's and now has permanent lung damage. She will wheeze a bit sometimes when she's excited or out for a lot of exercise but otherwise is supremely healthy. Our vet explained it's sort of like in humans that have exercise induced asthma (not the same of course but as close as she could relate it for us to understand). We were also told that this snake would always be more suspectible to RI's and to watch her carefully for that. That's one of the reasons we particularily wanted a vet tech to adopt her.

Keep a close eye on this snake, make sure you have a good relationship with an experienced herp vet and don't hesitate for a second to take the snake for re-checks. Be very, very strict on your husbandry especially temps and drafts around the snake and it's home. Seek a second opinion if you are not completely confident in your vet's assessment of the situation.