So, it turns out my BP does, in fact, have an RI. I'm treating him, but I'm concerned because I've heard from several people that RIs are stubborn and often show up again, even after treatment. Is this something I should be concerned about? For those of you who have dealt with RIs, did they recur? Any info would be great, thanks.
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Do respiratory infections tend to recur?
blenderhead
Sep 16, 2009 09:24 AM
Replies (4)
Wallbanger26
Sep 16, 2009 10:17 AM
Unfortunately yes it seems. I had my first taste of RIs last breeding season. Not fun. I lost a few snakes and saved a few. I thought I was in the clear, and about a week ago, the albino female that I thought started the problem is showing signs she's sick again. Now the second albino female I have is definately RI again. I've been told once you have them they are very hard to completely get rid of especially in albinos. So far everything I've been told has seemed to be true. Good luck.
toshamc
Sep 16, 2009 11:01 AM
RI's take a long time to treat -- if you just treat to when the symptoms disappear you are likely to get a repeat of the problem.
Catch it early - treat it right -- don't just throw baytril at it -- get a swab and culture -- and the correct antibiotics -- treat it thoroughly - 4 weeks is usually a minimum course of treatment -- and you should be able to get rid of it permanently. If you wait, or treat incorrectly or have it reoccurring it sets in and damages the system and you are more likely to have reoccurrences - so it's best to do it right the first time. And then make sure your snake as a lot of recuperation time.
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Tosha
JET Pythons
Toshas Blog
Herp Medicine does not equal a bottle of Baytril - Dr. Scott Stahl
Bolitochrome
Sep 16, 2009 11:26 AM
A common problem I am seeing when people are treating for URIs is they are forgetting heat. Adding more heat is an essential part of getting rid of an RI for good or keeping it at bay in snakes where it tends to recur. Make sure the snakes have a good hot spot of at least 90 degree F. They can use this to create a behavioral fever and rid themselves of the infection.
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Lincoln, NE
0.1 Pastel, 1.0 Pastel het Pied, 0.1 Pied, 0.1 Cinn, 1.0 Black Pewter, 1.1 Normals, 1.0 Thayeri, 0.1 Thayeri X Alterna, 0.1 crazy cat, 1.0 husband
ssnakes
Sep 16, 2009 08:00 PM
Yes. increased heat is very important. You must be diligent in the treatment. If you are giving Baytril, be certain to maintain the schedule of administering it. Keep the cage clean and warm with no drafts. If you stay on top of the problem, you will help the snake to regain health. I have often succeeded with just increased heat.
