A few suggestions:
1) Get the snake to a good vet! Although boosting temperatures AND humidity levels concurrently will definitely help (making sure that with high humidity comes GOOD air flow and ventilation), some herps need antibiotics to completely eradicate this problem. Once a snake gets R.I. it can be a lifelong or chronic battle unless treated properly. We have had excellent success treating R.I. with Fortaz but even the usual standbyes like Baytril and Amikacin work well too.
2) I have kept R.I. patients in the vicinity of healthy animals and they were just fine, HOWEVER, I would not recommend this. Try to quarantine the animal until you know the problem is under control because if another animal nearby is in a immunocompromised situation, it too, can develop R.I.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL
>>Well, just my luck...was bragging last night I've never had to deal with an RI. This morning, had the burm I just took off my friends hands out playing around, when I notice a faint popping/wheezing sound. No bubbles, no "drooling", no weird behavior though. I assume it's the start of an RI, so I increased his humidity and heat. Is there anything else that can be done? I was worried this would happen, as I'm sure my friend kept it with very little, if any, humidity. Also, are RI's contagious? Figure it doesn't hurt to ask, as I have other snakes near it that I'd rather not get sick.
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>>Chris
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>>Cycling: Trio Black Rat Snakes
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>>Together: Poss Het Axanthic male Ball x Normal-no mating witnessed yet.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL
