Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my Burmese is sick. hes coughing up lots of Flem and weezing. the closest herp vet is 100 mi away and very pricey is there anything i can do to help him can i give him benadryl or any type of human meds? have you had similar experiences if so what did you do and what was the outcome thank bc

A qualified reptile vet is your ONLY shot in this instance. If I were you, I would do some calling around and see if any other vets will treat snakes. It sounds like a really bad RI. You need to increase the humidity and temperature in its cage and get it to a vet ASAP.

Chris

>>my Burmese is sick. hes coughing up lots of Flem and weezing. the closest herp vet is 100 mi away and very pricey is there anything i can do to help him can i give him benadryl or any type of human meds? have you had similar experiences if so what did you do and what was the outcome thank bc
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Get in the car and make the 100 mile trek. If you can't afford the vet bill, you probably should have passed on getting the snake. Sorry, its harsh, but its your responsibility. Over the counter meds will not work and this snake is in a very serious state and w/out proper antibiotics, it could die.

In the meantime, while you are gassing up and getting ready for a road trip to the vet, here's a few other helpful hints:

1) Keep the snake WARM: cool side should not drop lower than 85 degrees and the warm end should be in the low 90's with a basking spot that reaches 95....we are talking about AMBIENT air. Maintain these temps day/night. A heat pad at these temps accompanied by cool ambient air will not work. I recommend a pro product radiant heat panel; excellent product and heating method (and depending on the size of cage, you might include a Kane Heat Mat connected to a rheostat or thermostat)

2) Make sure you have HIGH humidity but make sure that you have fresh air exchange. Get a warm air vaporizer near the cage and crank it up.

3) Keep the snake away from any other pet reptiles....quarantine is key.

4) Keep stress at an absolute minimum....no pets (cats/dogs) nearby, no loud music or high traffic, etc. Keep him warm, humid and in subdued lighting.

5) Make sure the snake has fresh water daily. Keep on newspaper for now (it's the best substrate)

Hope this helps.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>my Burmese is sick. hes coughing up lots of Flem and weezing. the closest herp vet is 100 mi away and very pricey is there anything i can do to help him can i give him benadryl or any type of human meds? have you had similar experiences if so what did you do and what was the outcome thank bc
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL