Just had to chime in here... My $35 ball python got an R.I. and I didn't hesitate to take her to the vet which was over an hour away, when I was 15. There was no question that she had to go, so she went and got proper treatment. The vet bill cost alot more than the $35 snake. My $40 leopard gecko also had to go to the vet because something was stuck in his eye. 80 dollars later, some ointment cleared it up just fine. I've also taken pet rats to the vet, including my 3+ year old who was attacked by my cat and was obviously not going to make it. Right now I'm treating a $2 fish for what I think is a fungal infection.

It doesn't matter what the animal is, if you choose to keep it in your care, it's your responsibility to keep it alive and thriving.

To the original poster - When my ball had an R.I. (the wheezing was so severe it sounded just like a sick person) my vet gave me 5 or 6 shots to give her at home. She recovered in about 2 weeks. Good luck!