Hello Alice,
Nice to hear from you.
Please feel welcome to call me.

Pseudomonas is the most commonly cultured bacteria that I have seen in reptiles with respiratory infections.
This bacteria is so commonly present, that it can even be cultured from a HEALTHY snake (or other subject).

There are a large number of different species of bacteria which have been lumped into the classing of Pseudomonas. They are rather vaguely described as single cell, rod-shaped, gram negative bacteria with polar-flagella. There are many different strains of this bacteria.

A very common strain is Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
This particular strain has shown an increasing tendency for antibiotic resistance in several clinical studies.
P. aeruginosa has been called an emerging opportunistic pathogen with clinical significance.
This bacteria is a common pathogen of many other animals including human subjects. It seems to thrive in hospital environments. The ability of Pseudomonas species to rapidly mutate and form resistance to antibiotics is of great concern.

Interestingly enough...this bacteria is actually so very common that it's utmost importance is it's role in the formation of snow and rain around the world! (In the atmosphere these bacteria are thought to be the most common nucleator of ice crystals which form within clouds....thank you wikipedia.)
As such, this bacteria is widespread in water worldwide.

Certainly, I could imagine that a snake could contract a Pseudomonas infection which could lead to a respiratory infection from aerosolized water vapor or dust particles laden with the bacteria. ( I am not fond of any dusty cage substrates.)
However, I think that the more common avenue of introduction would be from direct contact with another infected subject or a bacteria contaminated implement...such as a water bowl, cage, hook or even the keepers fingers.

In Tracy and Dave Barkers Ball Python Book they covered the "Dirty Thumb" scenario. Often keepers will change their water bowls and their thumb will accidentally enter a contaminated water bowl. The water bowl is refilled or replaced. Then, they move to the next cage...again if the thumb enters that next water bowl...and it is merely refilled...that next healthy snake is now in jeopardy from drinking (potentially) bacteria contaminated water.

Obviously, utilizing somewhat sterile procedures while keeping your snakes is very important.

The efficiency of a snake's immune system is directly dependent on several factors such as captive stress levels, basking and non-basking site temperatures, humidity levels etc. Providing the optimum, stress free, appropriate living conditions will go a long way to help protect your animals from becoming infected.

As a keeper, a snake with a bacterial infection is nothing to be ashamed of...it is VERY commonplace...regardless of the keeper's level of experience. It is however a serious matter that should be handled quickly and properly, with the help of a good vet who will ALWAYS do the culture.

In a nutshell...consider that these bacteria are ALWAYS present....even in the best husbandry conditions. It is our job to try to keep the concentration of the bacteria low enough that the immune systems of our snakes can provide good defenses.
To keep the bacteria counts low...we keep things clean. We provide our snakes with appropriate accommodations with hide structures for added security.

If you find a snake in the early stages of what appears to be an infection...quickly isolate it from the rest of the population. And treat it accordingly.

I would rather not give out the names of any specific antibiotics on a public forum. The reason behind this is that I fear that not everyone will utilize the information in a responsible manner.
Often people will just use the old shotgun approach.
You know...shoot first...ask questions later. lol.
In my opinion this is often unwitting antibiotic abuse, masked by someone who only had good intentions.

Anyone who reads this posting is welcome to contact me by phone, should they have specific antibiotic questions. I will do my best to provide answers....and I will gladly go over the names of antibiotics which have worked in the past for me.
A relationship with a qualified Veterinarian is one of the best investments you can make in this business! It has certainly been beneficial for me.

Take care.
Harlin Wall - WALL TO WALL REPTILES!
970-255-9255
970-245-7611

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