Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a problem...i have a boa that is making a popping sound every few seconds...most likely when she breathes...is this a classic sign of respiratory infection...if so should i only raise temp at this point or use antibiotics??...thanks

If a veterinarian is not an option at the moment, yes...I would raise the temps in the cage to 90-92, I have done that with a couple of boas that I had gotten in with slight URI's, and it worked. When they stop feeding, and bubbles start comming out of the mouth, then its usually a full blown case of URI, and you need to consult a vet for anibiotics. Good luck...
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Executive Reptiles
Amanda Kingsbury & David Kendrick
www.executivereptiles.com

Clicking is generally an Upper RI issue and easily cured with
Slow Cook method:
Just provide an even cage temp of 95-98* and maintain it for 12-14 days.Remove water source and keep the humidity down around 45-50% for the duration.

Best of Luck!

M/

thanks everyone...i pretty much knew what the problem was and how to fix it but jsut thought i would throw out the post as i am kinda new to the whole online world of boas....thanks

If your boa is making a "popping" noise that doesn't necessarily mean it has a RI.

Some boas will make a popping noise when they're in shed. Some will make a popping noise if the humidity has been very high in their cage. Some will make a popping noise when they breath if they happen to be a bit upset and they're breathing a bit harder than normal. Baby boas will make a popping noise when they breath, shortly after birth. I guess they're clearing out fluids from birth. I've yet to hear a "popping noise" when a boa has an RI.

Now "classic signs of an RI" would be, mucus discharge from the mouth and/or nose, rattling in the lungs, open mouth breathing, refusal to eat, and wheezing. BTW the wheezing is normally very loud. It will sound like a very LOUD HISS or SNEEZE only it will have mucus with it.

thanks...it is a very small popping noise...didnt even hear it until i was holding her wrapped around my head and her mouth was near my ear....raised up th temp just a tad just incase....thanks again.