Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What causes ball pythons to get upper resp infections?
Is it a catchy thing? I have 2 Ball pythons with this right now.
Do i have to take them in to a vet.? Thank Guys

Mike Miller

Most RIs are bacterial (some are viral but they are for the most part bacterial) - just like humans it can be something thats been in the environment for a while or something newly introduced but a weakened immune system and it takes hold of the snake - unlike humans snakes don't really have anyway of creating a fever to kill off the bacteria so you need to have them on antibiotics to get rid of it - for antibiotics you need to take them to the vet, have them culture the mucus and give you the appropriate antibiotic and course of treatment. The treatment should last for several weeks - give them all the antibiotic otherwise the RI may come back if it becomes chronic you could have a bigger problem on your hands. Make sure you clean and disinfect their cages throughly and continue to do so frequently until they are better. Probably want to make their cages a little warmer as well.

Good luck.
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Tosha
JET Pythons
Toshas Blog

Herp Medicine does not equal a bottle of Baytril - Dr. Scott Stahl

URI are most often the result of something wrong with husbandry. Too cool temps, too high or too low humidity are also contributing factors.
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PHLdyPayne