official respitory infection thread

[jkobylka]

if a snake shows early symptoms of an RI can they be reversed by raising temps and humidity?

Yes they CAN

is it a must to take a snake with an RI to a vet or can it be cured by raising temps and humidity?

No, but highly recommended if you're wanting insurance on a good outcome. Antibiotics that a vet will give you will greatly help your snake fight the bacteria causing the RI.

if one snake has it in your collection will the rest of your collection in the area contract it from the infected one?

There is bacteria living every one of your snake's enclosures at all times. The rest of your snakes that do not have RI are keep it in check with healthy immune systems. If your animal with RI has a unique bacteria that it cannot fight well, then I would be very careful not to spread that bacteria to the other animals.

Often RI is caused by the snake's immune system being compromised by low temps or some other environmental issue, the snake is unable then to fight off the infection effectively and gets sick in much the same way you and I would.

I haven't ever had transference but I've be painstakingly careful to prevent it. Make sure you have several bottles of the antibacterial "no-water" hand wash sitting around your snake room.. and use it liberally.

if a bp is not in shed and you hear it whistle when it breathes that is probably an symptom of RI but if the snake just breaths loudly with no whistle that is not?

If you think you see one symptom but not others, look around for some collaboration... such as:

1. resting with the head tilted up
2. any dried saliva on the walls of the enclosure
3. excess saliva floating in the water bowl
4. the lower jaw looking puffy
5. the forks of the tongue consistently sticking together
6. any rasping sound you can feel with your hand when you place it over the lungs
7. OR if you feel comfortable carefully open the snakes mouth and see if it looks abnormal



what is the best way to relieve RI symptoms while waiting fo a vet appointment?

Increase the heat on the animal and start those antibiotics ASAP. Don't put off your vet appt.

these are just some questions i have because i have never had to deal with a respitory infection and i am getting conflicted opinions from hobbyists and even books.

Like any science project, its all about trial and error. sometimes its hard to know what is a slightly better protocol than another and people find and use what works for them!

correct information and personal experience would be great!

thanks guys!

I put my comments in the post above, I hope they are helpful!!