Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recentley sent one of my adult female boas out on a breeding loan. When she got there I received a call asking if I was aware of her RI (which I wasn't, or I would have never sent her out). Her cage is kept at about 85 degrees and about 90 at the hot end. My question is this, how long does it take to set in? Is it possible it set in during shipping? Or is it more likely that she got it right before I sent her out. She could not have had it long or I am sure I would have noticed it. Thank you, Lee

She could've had it for weeks before you sent her out without you noticing. You may not see gaping mouth, bubble blowing, excess mucus or puss everytime.

She more than likely did not and could not catch it during shipment.

They could've unpacked her and assumed this from a hiss or two, which is sometimes common when unpacking a large boa that had been shipped.

My $.02

Joe
-----
Thanks and take care - Joe Rollo
'Tis not the stongest of the species that will eventually survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change' Charles Darwin

Joe, Thanks for the reply. I did not notice any symptoms while in my care. I trust his diagnosis of the RI. He is a known person (don't want to name him) in this industry. I am sure you heard of him, probably dealt with him in the past. I just don't want him to think that I don't take care of my snakes, because I do! I know that poor living conditions and cool temperatures can cause RI. Are there any other causes of RI? I know that it could not have been caused by poor living conditions or cool temperatures. Lee

This is not out of experience but reading, so don't take my word for it, look into it. I have read, though I don't remember where, that low humidity can cause respiritory infections.

I remember hearing that somewhere too. It is getting cooler here (real quick), which would dry out the air. The thing I dont understand is I have had her for 4-5 years with zero problems. That is what makes me think it had to do with shipping. Lee

Most likely scenario is she got stressed out by shipping, and maybe cold too in the shipping box or that. Did you give her a heat pack during shipping? A stressed snake in transit gets sick easier and faster than one hanging out in a cage. Since the reciever is a good boaman maybe he noticed immediately too. Some people know how to make a boa open it's mouth, I don't. That way they can check them out better. Get your snake back, go to the vet. If you can go get your snake by car or even plane too, do that. If you can forget the box, that's the last thing this snake needs.

Good luck,
Caden

Get
Your
Snake
Back

NOW!!

M/

.
-----
Thanks and take care - Joe Rollo
'Tis not the stongest of the species that will eventually survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change' Charles Darwin

First, I need to ask why you feel I need to get her back now? To update, The person I sent her to was able to get an extra hand to inspect her better. He said it is not bad and as of last night she has stopped weezing and seems very attentive. I feel alot better after hearing that. Lee

np