I am cross-posting this in the Health & Breeding Forum as we are afraid of loosing this girl. Approximately 1 week ago I noticed that one of our gravid Super Salmons had developed what appears to be a respiratory infection (drainage from nostrils, occasional open mouth breathing and strangely she is flattening her body approximately 1/3 down from her head for approximately 1 to 1.5 feet of her length--I thought this was an attempt to either warm the lung area or was due to muscle fatigue but am unsure). I immediately increased the enclosure temp by bumping the Helix (98-99 F on the warm end and 75 F on the cool end of a 4 foot Vision). I also added a 50 watt infrared heat lamp in the recessed fixture. She seems to be at least holding her own or getting slightly better (based on now almost dry nostrils and less flattening of the body). I have not seen any other open mouth breathing and there is no clicking or hissing sound to her breathing. However, I do not want to jeopardize her health. Our local vets, though well intentioned, are not well informed with regard to herps. Regardless, I am considering bringing her in for a culture and sensitivity but want to hear some thoughts on treatment options. Would antibiotics (e.g., Baytril) compromise this girl's pregnancy/litter? If so, are there other treatment options that we should try? Lastly, is the flattening of the body typical with CBIs who have a RI--sorry, this is our first RI? Thanks in advance for any and all help!
Phil
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
RI in gravid CBI--looking for treatment options
Replies (3)
No, I am not working with a new species . . . she is a BCI. Thanks in advance for your help!
Phil
I'm not sure if the antibiotics is dangerous to developing ova. I would stick with the increased heat and humidity since you say it's working, and in the mean time call a qualified vet.
-----
Got Bats?
I would tape off some vents and jack the humidity way up. Mist the cage frequently if necessary. (This means that you will have to change the substrate frequently to prevent mold and mildew problems.) Many respiratory infections this time of year are actually caused by the low relative humidity. The dry air compromises the tissue, and bacteria attack the damaged tisue. I run humidifiers in all of my boa rooms. If you are going to use antibiotics I would recommend baytril or fortaz, though I have heard of amikacin workingf effectively when used late term, I certainly wouldn't try it in the first few weeks after she becomes gravid. What tipped me off to a possible humidity problem was that the low end of your cage is 75, which suggests a cool dry room. Without the aid of a humidifier the relative humidity of the air in my house (at 70 degrees) is about 50% in the summer and less than 5% in the winter, too low for a boa.
