Putting the snake in a tank or tub with increased heat in definitely the first thing to do, and there isn't a whole lot you can do at home other than that at this point.

As for post brumation URI, here is something I had happen already this year, may be positive for you. I had an alterna that came out of brumation just fine. About 3 days out, she started to develop RI symptoms after seemingly being in perfect health. Rattling, wheezing, even gurgling sounds. A day later, her lower lip swelled and her jaw looked misaligned.

I increased her heat and waited, hoping for the best. She went opaque a day later (about 5 days post brumation), and the symptoms worsened a bit. Started thinking about a vet trip. Her symptoms stayed about the same for 2 more days, then her skin and eyes cleared (not yet shed, but right before), and I thought her symptoms seemed better. The next day, she shed. Every single symptom, including the swelling, was instantly gone. She had clear sounds, no rattling, no swelling, and took a mouse the very same day.

I've never had this happen to me before, but after I posted, I've had several responses of people with similar experiences. It could be a true RI responding to the increased heat -though I'm not sure that I think that's the case-, or it could be the stress of brumation/shedding/increased heat causing issues with the snakes immune system or health in general. Either way, it cleared up almost instantly.

I lean toward the stress issue myself, I think it's too easy to believe that the people that have had this happen, all cleared up an RI with increased heat, we couldn't all have been that lucky. However, I wouldn't bank on this happening with your snake, it's just something to hope and watch for. So, keep doing what you're doing, watch for shedding signs and see what happens. Don't wait too long, if you have a vet near you that can help, don't hesitate to take the snake in. I think Thayeri are a little more resistant to RI than a lot of other species, but they are still nothing to take lightly.

Brian


www.serpenteer.com

[ Hide Replies ]

• Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - tgcorley, Tue Mar 23 11:01:50 2010
• RE: Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - Jlassiter, Tue Mar 23 11:31:56 2010
• RE: Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - BrianS., Tue Mar 23 14:52:58 2010
• RE: Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - tgcorley, Tue Mar 23 15:12:36 2010
• RE: Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - tgcorley, Tue Mar 23 15:19:18 2010
• RE: Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - Jlassiter, Tue Mar 23 18:44:53 2010
• RE: Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - BrianS., Tue Mar 23 21:46:40 2010
• RE: Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - tgcorley, Wed Mar 24 06:38:22 2010
• RE: Post brumation URI IN Thayeri - RussBates, Mon Apr 12 16:54:55 2010