Help! Shot of Baytril for URI made BP Bleed

[MelissaFlipski]

I was giving the antibiotic shots to Mrs. Snake tonight, and during the 2nd shot - the one of Baytril - she squirmed and the needle went in a little further. About 30 seconds to a minute after the shot, a drop of blood came out. I wiped it off. Another drop came out a minute later - that happened a couple times. I put triple antibiotic ointment on it and put her back in her tank.

Do I need to worry? I hate giving these shots. The whole thing of giving it in the muscle, how deep do I go, etc. I just worry two much.

Please give me advice on how deep to go, etc. What is the best way to do it? When should I worry, etc.?

Also, the humid hide caused the URI, which means I want to get rid of it. Should I? Thoughts?

Thanks!

[rabernet]

I doubt the humid hide caused the RI - the current belief is that most RI's are caused by some level of stress - at least that's what Ralph has said in his latest podcast.

[MelissaFlipski]

In terms of timing, the humid hide was right before the URI. I think I was misting it too often and it was on the warm side of the tank. Someone else told me, in another thread that I posted, "warmth + humidity = mold, then URI," or something.

[rabernet]

We're constantly learning about these animals and their care. Remember that most animals are very good at hiding illnesses until they are really sick. I imagine she's had the RI much longer than when you discovered it. It's probably just coincidence that it showed itself when you added a humid hide.

However, as long as your husbandry is correct, you shouldn't need a humid hide. Are you using a tank or a tub? Tubs are much easier to maintain proper temps and humidity with a water bowl and a UTH on a thermostat.

[DownSouthDragons]

As far as giving the shots, what we did to give our Boa her shots is I held her still while my gf gave her the shot. The Dr. told us to put it in right under the skin, just until you see the skin rise up above the needle. We had to give her a shot every 3 days for 4 shots, so hopefully this will help you. We never had any blood. . .

[MelissaFlipski]

The instructions say "in the muscle." But I don't remember the vet saying that. I thought I missed what he said b/c I was so worried about doing it right. Is it OK to do just under the skin? Anyone know?

[Reptilian]

When I had to give shots to my corn snakes my vet also said in the muscle. That's all the 'helpful' info I can give, this was the vet that told me that my bp needed a UV light and calcuim dusting of prey.

[MelissaFlipski]

Layna, thanks. That's a funny sounding vet.

OK, guys, I have a confession to make. I am such an airhead. Here goes. There are two shots to give. One is predrawn and in the freezer. I let it thaw, warm it in my hand and give it to Mrs. Snake. The other is not predrawn and not in the fridge (the Baytril). I was so tired and out of it, that I forgot the Baytril wasn't predrawn and gave Mrs. Snake .03 cc of air! I realized this at 5 a.m. and freaked out!

Luckily, my mom is here and was awake. She was a nurse and said that such a small amount of air is not a problem. So I went ahead and gave the shot properly. No blood. And there was no more bleeding from the empty shot last night.

Mrs. Snake seemed fine, too.

Wow. This mommy brain thing is bad when combined with the flu/cold - whatever I have right now. Please don't slam me.

[littleindiangirl]

Wow, I'm glad you figured out what was wrong. Maybe you should have your mom around to help you give the shots if she has medical training. Good luck

[nixer]

i use a cardboard paper towel roll with a hole in it to give shot so they cant move or bite. just put the snake in and hold the tail and yes you want it in the muscle and never in the lower 2/3 or the body or you wont hit muscle and stay away from the spine