Dave is correct in that the same bacteria species which cause stomatitis (mouth rot) can also cause respiratory problems. However, the vet is correct in that the other boas caged with this boa are not necessarily at risk. It has been shown that a very large percentage of captive boids carry or are exposed to these bacteria and never become sick. These bacteria, mostly gram negative species, are opportunistic pathogens and generally only develop illness in compromised individuals. Stress is probably the largest determining factor when it comes to a captive boids susceptibility to bacterial infection. Sub-optimal temps, lack of seclusion sites, frequent disturbances, etc., can all stress certain individuals to differing degrees, lowering the immune system response in some of them to the point where they are open to possible infection. We have all seen boids with rodent bites to the mouth or short term exposure to very cool temps that never became symptomatic, or if they did, recovered without the use of any medications. These snakes were probably well acclimated, not stressed by their captive environment, and had a good immune response. In a captive environment, if several snakes in the same enclosure or collection came down with R.I. or stomatitis, I would be looking for a common stress factor that compromised them. Also curious as to what antibiotic was prescribed by your vet. Thanks,

Kelly

[ Show Entire Thread ]