Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Still doing my research but wanted to know from those with experience. Do bubbles come out of the mouth and nose in the final stage, or is this the first stage and anybody know what the final stage of RI is or does it all depend?

Thank you

Jeff
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

Jeff,
The initial stages of an RI show a thin clear mucous and the bubbles as you described. At this point, raising the temps and slightly increasing the humidity can many times resolve the RI. As the RI progresses, the mucous stays clear but becomes thicker and the bubbles no longer form. If untreated, the RI can move into the advanced stage which shows a very thick mucous of an off-white, yellow, or light brown color. At this point, the infection can only be resolved by the use of antibiotics.

Kelly

Thanks Kelly, can always count on you, High End and Rob to help out.

So, the mucus never goes away and should always be present in the nose or mouth?
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

Not exactly. In all stages of RI there will be excess mucous in the mouth. Healthy snakes will have damp mouths, but you shouldn't see any pooling or stringy mucous when you open it.

Kelly

I agree with Kelly's comments 100%. Here's another situation we are dealing with. We have had a Borneo Short tailed python in our collection/exhibit for the past 12 years. She's a monster and in perfect health. Every winter, she begins wheezing, and, showing what appears to be RI. But, it isn't RI. Instead, it is just irritated mucous membranes that cause her to "cough" a bit due to the dry winter conditions (she's kept in a large exhibit but even despite twice daily mistings, it is a challenge to maintain high ambient humidity levels). She still feeds during this time and is in perfect health. Once spring/summer rolls around, her conditions subside. This is probably not the norm, though, and any coughing/sneezing/bubbling/etc should get checked by a qualified vet right away.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>Not exactly. In all stages of RI there will be excess mucous in the mouth. Healthy snakes will have damp mouths, but you shouldn't see any pooling or stringy mucous when you open it.
>>
>>Kelly
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL