Hi CardiacsMD,.....Typically I will keep them very warm 88F and humid. Place water bowl over the heat pad!....Cold and humid KILLS, Warm and humid loosens secretions......Do not assume it is strictly respiratory. Can be something like stomatitis inducing an infection of the glottis..........If you are a doctor and the animal is large enough listen to the lung about 1/2 of the way down the body with a stethoscope. Listen for rice crispies or wheezes. WHEEZES is typically Upper respiratory.......Try the heat and humidity for a week. see if there is some improvement!!!....If not anticipate a vet visit......................If you end up at the vet ask the doctor to avoid a culture, until you have tried Baytril for at least another week. KEEP the animal warm and humid during Baytril treatment.....If the baytril has not improved the animals condition after a week GO FOR THE CULTURE!!!........The problem with a culture is that Ball pythons carry multiple organisms in their mouths and respiratory tract. ISOLATING the right bacteria that is actually causing the illness is very difficult........Fortunately enrofloxacin (baytril) is broad spectrum and very effective on MOST BP respiratory and oral pathogens. Baytril can be administered orally or intramuscular but IM is not easy and nearly impossible for one person to do and be safe. I use a 1ml tuberculin syringe to draw it up then place that in a 3cc syringe with water and tube the animal with a 5french feeding catheter. Moisten catheter with egg white or at least water. DO NOT ADMINISTER the med in the Glottis. the 5f catheter will fit in the glottis so BE SURE to avoid it at all costs!!!!!!! YOU WILL KILL IT if the tube enters the glottis. Drowning the animal with what is meant to cure it..................Fortunately the esophagous is a HUGE target even on a baby.............Have the vet calculate the proper dose of the baytril as it comes in 3 concentrations!!! REMEMBER to ISOLATE THE ANIMAL!!! Protect the other animals you own........LAST NOTE: Check the gums of the animal to see if they are pale or show any signs of infection. Use the handle side of a plastic knife to open the mouth. Popsicle sticks or tongue depressors do not work well because the fine teeth of the animal get stuck in them and can cause some harm. PLASTIC is your friend ....................................................God Bless, Lee Van Hyfte

[ Show Entire Thread ]