Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there, I had posted a few months ago about my pts acting out of sorts and "hunching" up and swaying from side to side. Since then, she had gotten better and all was well. A few weeks ago, I came back from a trip and noticed the same thing. This time I took her to the vet the next day. He took an x-ray. There was an obvious pocket of gas in her abdomen. Great, now we know what is causing this discomfort. He sent me home with some baytril. It has been a couple of weeks and she is much better. He thinks this is caused by bacteria and since the meds are working, it must be. I just wanted to post to let everyone know what may be the cause of the other pts's exhibiting the same behavior. What do you think would be the source for the bacteria? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks
Brandon

I'm just curious about prescribing antibiotics for a gas pocket.
Could the excess gas not just be caused by a "gassy" food?
what led the vet to the conclusion that bacteria caused the problem?
I'm aware that PTS tend to be gassy to begin with, so I'm just wondering why this occasion calls for antibiotics, as opposed to a warm bath.

I'm not passing judgement on the vets advice...I'm just looking for clarification, in case I'm missing (or missed previously) something.
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Kim

I think his conclusion was based on speculation that bacteria did cause the gas. All I can say is that she is doing better, although, not as well as I expected. He is a good vet with a great reputation for treating exotics, so I do believe he knows what he is doing. If this is not the cause, what are some ideas as to what is the cause? I find it hard to believe that bacteria caused this also, except the fact that she is recovering, but last time she recovered with soaking. What are "gassy" foods to avoid? Any suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks

My female has experienced a few episodes of 'bloat' which seem to be related to temerature changes in their enclosure. she has also been in the middle of one of her pregnancies each time. she has always recovered in 1-3 days with supportive care (first time she got pain medication, fluids, soaking and hand feeding- second and third time fluids, soaking and hand feeding). I think this is probably and increase in gas producing GI flora- basically gas cramps, due to stress (temperature change, dehydration or pregnancy? not sure yet)
As for gas pockets on x-rays- keep in mind that all of the PTS I have worked with seem to be gassy. I think their GI tracts are similiar to horses and guinea pigs- (hind gut fermenters- normal flora at the end of their GI tracts break down food & produce gas/nutrients) A normal PTS will have gas in it's colon. I have many x-rays of more than one of my PTS and they all have a big gas pocket their colon. I can also hear it come out at night when they poop/urinate in the water dish....
Jess b