Greetings, we keep a relatively large collection of herps and have had 3 deaths occur this past year involving only Western Hognose. All 3 cases were similar and extremely sudden.
All 3 incidents occured pretty much as follows. A large adult hognose "that appears fine" in all aspects comes out of a shed cycle. Within hours gasping/gaping for air with violent lunges. Not constantly but when occurs (gasping) appears very violent, twisting and such. Basically dead within 3 days.
First one about a year ago was an adult female we kept in a rack system. Once noticed I increased the heat to 92 on the warm side with a gradient to 82 on the cool side. Delayed bringing her to the vet as thinking the heat may help. She perished in 2 days.
Second incident was a very large male similar situation but had a vet check him with baytril adminstered within 24 hours. This one lived only 12 more hours.
Third incident involved another large female. Baytril injections, high heat and this one lasted 3 days. Injections given daily.
Mind you these 3 had no discharge (fluid) from their lungs during this. I speculate a few things, condensation, inadequate ventilation as such to bring upon a severe R/I. Then again, all 3 of these were purchased as large adults with no age data. I assume most likely WC and although treated with the general items, flagyl and panacur I am curious to know if maybe not R/I at all.
Anyone else have similar experiences? This last female is in deep freeze where I will contact the vet tomorrow and discuss further exploration (if still possible) for an accurate identification of the cause.
In 25 plus years of keeping herps we have not had any other herps pass on so unexpectingly in such a manor. We basically always knew when and why a herp was ill. Could be coincidence, since they may have been oldtimers, but I think not. Thoughts?
Thanks
