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What causes a respiratory infections? np
Tigergenesis
Dec 08, 2003 08:54 AM
Replies (5)
oldherper
Dec 08, 2003 09:16 AM
There are three pathenogenic causes of respiratory infections:
1. Bacteria (usually a gram-negative rod, but sometimes others).
2. Virus (usually the cause of fatal diseases of which the symptoms may include respiratory disease)
3. Parasites such as lungworms and certain flukes.
At times the actual cause of a respiratory illness in cases where virus is implicated is actually a secondary bacterial infection due to a diminished immune response.
Another non-pathogenic cause of respiratory illness is exposure to certain chemicals, such as phenol.
Contrary to popular belief, respiratoty infection is not caused by temperature changes. It can be brought on by improper temperature control, but what happens is actually that the snake's immune system is weakened by the stress of improper temperatures and allows some bacteria or other pathogen to get a foothold. In any case, the pathogen must be present in order for a respiratory infection to occur.
markg
Dec 08, 2003 10:44 AM
Thanks for clearing that up. So many times I've heard it was too much or too little humidity. Now, I see that it is a lowering of the immune system's effectivity brought on by improper conditions for the snake.
meretseger
Dec 08, 2003 11:51 AM
Can fungi be a cause of RI's too? I thought I had read that somewhere.
I've personally had experience with humidity problems being triggers for infections, so it's definately something to check.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?
oldherper
Dec 08, 2003 11:55 AM
I suppose it could, come to think of it. I've just never seen it in snakes...it is something to consider though.
meretseger
Dec 09, 2003 12:57 AM
I have a book (please don't look at my sig and laugh) that mentions hyphae that were found in a colubrid kept at very high humidities and died of an RI.
Fungus always kind of creeped me out, so that's a nasty thought.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?
