Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is the second Winter my 5 year old 3 ft Corn Snake, Casey, has gotten a cold (respiratory infection). I guess it's just too drafty from the Front door opening and she's at the foot of the stairs (I use an under the tank heating pad). I took her to a vet, who hadn't a clue, I'd had a 5 foot Boa 25 years ago that had gotten one too, and they both stopped eating and would constantly reach to the top of the cage, presumably to let them drain/breath easier. Anyway, I don't see paying a vet $100 to get some injectable antibiotics. Last time she prescribed Amikacin 50 mg 7 times in 14 days and it worked. Is there a way to order this type of thing direct?

Thanks for any input, Dulaney

I suggest reading some of the below threads as I am feeling rather reduntant.

As per your boa 25 years ago; alot of progress in vet med since then.

Amakacin can kill your snake. Consult your vet.

Respiratory infections are caused by inadequate husbandry. Move the cage to a more stable temperature, and reconsider your feeding schedule once your snake is better. 3 feet and 5 years old leads to some questions.

If you are not happy with your current vet (as indicated) then consider looking for another; one that is more experienced with reptiles. www.arav.com is a good site, as is herpvetconnection which is linked through the arav site.

The snake "reaching for the lid" is a sign of a serious neurological disorder. Although the more reason to consult with a *reptile knowledgeable* vet.
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"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."
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"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
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