Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys. Well Ive just started giving my Ajah her shots of Fortaz just the other day. I have to administer 0.38 worth (shot) every three days for several weeks. (I believe) She's realy good about it though, but I just hate doing it. She's been having some type of resp. problem (atleast we think so)for about a month now and when I took her to the vet, they prescribed Fortaz. We'll see what happens. She was making this realy loud noise while in her enclosure, and when i'd look over her whole hidespot would literaly jump in the air. CRAZY! So I had to take her in to see whats wrong with her. I hope we get to the bottom of this. I'm a bit worried. Anyways, just needed to vent. Thanks for reading.

Raymond

P.s any insight as to what could be the problem with her from vet experience or personal exp. would be greatly appreciated.

My personal experience with URI is long and troublesome and has made me a bit suspicious about vets that say they are herp qualified. I would never accept a vet's word for anything without a culture. If the retic jumped sounds to me like she has a lot of fluid keeping her from being able to breathe properly. Keep the temps high (like 95)and the humidity high (80) as she is being treated.
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Marcia Pimentel
Tango River Reptiles
GiantFeeders

I agree with most of what you said here Marcia, but don't you think that 95 degree ambient temps could be a little risky? (Unless you meant that for a hot end of the tank). But really, just a few degrees higher and there is risk of heat stroke. I would not suggest having the ambients higher than 90-92 degrees personally. And humidity as high as one can get it. I maintain my rooms at 90 to 99% at all times. My wood warps like a mother@$#@er, but the snakes LOVE it. And I SO agree about vets that are so-called and self proclaimed reptile experts. I had a vet last year that would prescribe Baytril at the drop of a hat. I have only used it once, and it was in extreme circumstances (bloody mucus from the trachea) but so far as yet I have seen what appears to be positive results. The vet had suggested daily injections over a 10 day period, but I personally feel that Baytril is a very potent antibiotic and is hard on the snakes' system, so I injected her every other day for 10 doses. Besides, I don't underestimate the negative effects of the mental stress in addition to the physical stress on their organs. The first dose was slightly larger than the subsequent doses. Within several days of the last shot her appetite returned and she ate for the first time in over 2 months. And while there was residual mucus to be exuded, it lacked any blood. (I have never seen anything like this before, so if anyone can shed some light on why her mucus would be bloody, I am dying to know this one) I got her from a friend and fellow breeder of mine already sick. He maintained her very well, though very low humidity (California relative humidity -50%). She's a super tiger subadult roughly 10 feet long and 17 months old.

>>My personal experience with URI is long and troublesome and has made me a bit suspicious about vets that say they are herp qualified. I would never accept a vet's word for anything without a culture. If the retic jumped sounds to me like she has a lot of fluid keeping her from being able to breathe properly. Keep the temps high (like 95)and the humidity high (80) as she is being treated.
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>>Marcia Pimentel
>>Tango River Reptiles
>>GiantFeeders
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It isn't "Ideas" that fail or succeed,... it is the "Systems" which are instilled to launch and sustain the idea that either fail or succeed.>[Me.]

n/p
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Marcia Pimentel
Tango River Reptiles
GiantFeeders

I see that by "jumping," he was talking about an agressive response to him checking on her. I thought he was talking about her being jumpy when he was giving the injection, obviously. *blush*

Actually 'Chelle,... I think he was referring to the snake "jumping" with RI symptoms, like when they wheeze and "cough" (I am aware that by definition snakes can't cough) to expell mucus. I could be wrong, but that's how I read it.

>>I see that by "jumping," he was talking about an agressive response to him checking on her. I thought he was talking about her being jumpy when he was giving the injection, obviously. *blush*
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It isn't "Ideas" that fail or succeed,... it is the "Systems" which are instilled to launch and sustain the idea that either fail or succeed.>[Me.]

No, what I meant by "jumping" was that when I heard the LOUD noises and was close enough to observe it, the whole hidebox would literaly jump up. She couldnt even see me. Sorry if I was clear on that.

No, what I meant by "jumping" was that when I heard the LOUD noises and was close enough to observe it, the whole hidebox would literaly jump up. She couldnt even see me. Sorry if I was clear on that.

No, they haven't done a culture yet. There gonna do it when I bring her back after her shots are done. What do you guys think of Fortaz? And speaking of Baytril, my vet had me give that to one of my Royals. She was quick to do so too. But i dont think there was any money grubbing goin' on, we just didnt know what the deal was and she said it might help. Well, I guess we'll see what happens when I bring her back. Wish us luck guys.

Raymond