Hello,

I have had good experiences with some antibiotics.
(Including use for treating respiratory infections in Burmese Pythons and Ball Pythons.)

However, I have found that I prefer certain antibiotic over others.

For example I do not generally care for antibiotics which must be injected. (Avoiding stress to the animal usually improves your success.) I prefer to utilize antibiotics that can be administered orally.
I also try to avoid those medications which are associated with nephrotoxicity (toxic damage to the kidneys, usually caused by chemical crystallization within the nephretic tubules within the glomerulus of the kidney...eventually leading to kidney failure).

One of the most important things to consider when dealing with a respiratory infection is the fact that different pathogens can cause similar symptoms. It is therefore, important to first determine exactly what pathogen(s) you are fighting.
Take the snake in to a reputable reptile vet for a culture. Find out exactly what you are up against. Find out what antibiotics are most effective for that specific pathogen. Bacteria are often more susceptible to one antibiotic than to another antibiotic. When dealing with more than one cultured pathogen, do not mix antibiotics....rather, try using a single broad spectrum antibiotic which was recommended by your qualified vet.

The most important concept to keep in mind is that you do not want to "educate" the bacteria.
By this I mean, that you need to follow through with the treatment...EVEN AFTER SYMPTOMS DISAPPEAR.
For example: If the vet says to dose the animal every 2 days for 10 treatments...make sure that you continue the prescribed dosages even if the snake seems better after dose # 6,7,8 or 9.
Follow the prescribed treatment dosage and the schedule.
This reduces the chance of a few resistant bacteria surviving and dividing to create more resistant "educated" bacteria.
It is impossible to fight an infection using antibiotics to which the pathogens have become resistant.

Stay in touch with your vet. If the animal is not showing any improvement after several treatments...do NOT just discontinue using the antibiotic....consult your vet.

I have had great luck using a method I describe as the "first punch technique" we administer heavier (yet safe) dosages of suitable antibiotic in the first (1-2) initial treatments and then lower the subsequent dosages to more normally acceptable treatment levels. This can be effective with certain types of antibiotics and specific pathogens. Again, always follow the advice of your vet.

Keep your animal well hydrated when administering any antibiotics. This is especially important if you decide to use an antibiotic which is associated with nephrotoxicity.

Ask your vet about the use of a nebulizor for treating the subject. With some medications this can be a safer, more suitable (and less stressful) way to treat them. (With the right antibiotics, it works great for gravid females!!!)

Ask about any possible side effects the medication might have.
Is it carcinogenic? (causes cancer)
It is teratogenic? (causes birth defects during embryonic development.)

Medicine is always making new advancements. I have been very pleased with the results of some of the newer antibiotics.
For antibiotics to remain useful...they must be used responsibly. Using antibiotics without actually culturing the the subject is one of the worst things you can do. Not using them exactly as prescribed by your vet is another.

I hope this info will be helpful.
Good luck with your snake.

Your friend,
Harlin Wall - WALL TO WALL REPTILES!
970-255-9255
970-245-7611

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