Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i apologize for posting in this thread an issue im having with my boa but im freaking out...ive owned boa's for over 10 years and yes...this is the first time ive had a considerably "serious" issue...like a moron i pulled all my boa's out last night to feed in seperate feeding totes (like i always do) but i knew it was too cool in my house to leave them in over night....nontheless i did and one of my females now has a runny nose...slightly runny nose...i dabbed it off with a cuetip checked his mouth where i found SLIGHT spit not mucose or anything.....what should i do? temp control her at 92? thats what my animal plastics racks set at already...im depressed does this mean upper resp? or could it just be a cold or what =(((((((((......ahhh i feel bad ...

I would raise the temps up 5 degree or so and make sure the humidity is correct...keep an eye on the boa, if it doesn't improve, a vet visit may be needed.

But with most RI I've worked with, the high temps/humidity took care of it within a week...

The cold temps may have caused it, but I doubt so quickly...I've found that RI will develop even at proper temps, if the humidity drops too low...the humidity is just as important as heat...

Hope this helps, and good luck.
-----
Heather Martin
---------------------------

i appreciate the help...and thanks for the luck ...but its really hard for me to increase the temperature from 92 to 97 because my animal plastics rack is set to 92 but stays at around 89 to 91 never higher...i heard of a medication thylan?

I would increase her temps before giving her any meds. You are catching this possible RI early and I wouldn't throw any antibiotic at her unless you really need it since it can throw off the natural flora of her gut. Tylan (tylosin) is an antibiotic many people like, I'm not a fan, but that's personal preference. Given orally it's often great for dog diarrhea though.

Most RI's in boids are caused by gram negative species. Tylosin is a macrolide class antibiotic that is mainly effective against only gram positive bacteria. It has been used successfully to treat chronic RI (respiratory infections) caused by Mycoplasma bacteria in reptiles. Tylosin will work well if the causative organism of the RI is Mycoplasma, otherwise it will usually be ineffective in resolving any other types of infections.

Heather has given the best advice in her post above. Before RI's set in, boids go through a lung irritation stage brought on by sub-optimal temps or humidity, and this is probably what you are seeing. With this condition and mild cases of RI, temp and humidity treatment should always be attempted first before antibiotic therapy is considered. Low to mid 90's temps and 70% to 80% humidity should be setup for a week or so and then re-evaluate her condition.

Kelly

Sounds exactly like what I see in boas that are handled right after drinking a large quantity of water. Could that be the case? Follow other's advise, if not.
jsc
-----
"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

nah i def screwed up and she got a slight "cold" or mild RI...i moved my thermastat off the heat rope and the temps seem to be getting more accurate... i took her off her bedding and replaced it with newspaper...i sprayed her rack tub...and added a slightly damp washcloth over night...i also gave her a good soak...she seems much much better...thank u so much everyone for ur help//concern...i really appreciate it =)