Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Signs were there, but we failed to see them until today.

Our jcp x diamond python has been off feed for almost two months. Sign number one; he's never denied food in almost five years. His breathing started to sound strange last week...sign 2. He hasn't bit my husband in almost a month...sign 3.

Tonight, I noticed something on his lower lip. Turned out to be foam. In a few days, his breathing had gotten worse. Concerned, we loaded him up and made our way to the ER vet.

Of course they wanted to do loads of tests, which of course we can't afford, but said all signs point to a respiratory infection. Wonderful.

This is the first time one of our snakes has ever been sick. But that is no excuse, we should have caught it. I knew in my gut something wasn't right, but until today, no outward signs were caught. I've been watching him like a hawk, but ignored the signs that were right in front of me.

They gave us some antibiotics to get us by until we can get him to our regular vet this week. I have now given a snake medicine for the first time ever.

They told us since he is still as feisty as ever and hasn't experienced any weight loss is a good sign. And he was, checking everything out, crawling all over my husband, tongue constantly flicking (forks not stuck together thank goodness!). Though I worry the stress from the ride and being checked will make him worse.

So we've increased the temp and humidity in his enclosure and will give him his antibiotics. Next week will be a trip to his regular vet. Even now, after only being home an hour, he is still active. I will take all the good signs I can get, and hope that we caught it in time and he recovers well.

If anyone has recommendations, they would be much appreciated.

You've done all you can for now. Temps around 90 for 24/7, and humidity in the 70 to 75% range. What antibiotic did they give you?

Kelly

Humidity is around 75-80% and temp is staying between 90-92. They gave us Baytril, in pill form once a day. I read on the internet that the pill isn't the most effective way, but until we get him to his regular vet that is what we'll give him.

He's still being pretty active today. They told us to soak him 3 times a day in warm water and high humidity, but that is impossible to do. Is this really effective? Being she isn't our regular vet and told me some things yesterday that immediately made me distrust her, I'm wondering. We'll soak him as many times as we can today and probably once a day until we see the vet.

Baytril is only slightly less effective given orally as opposed to the injectable, and Cipro would be even more effective given orally. However, if you have started with Baytril it is extremely important that you continue with it. With quinolone class antibiotics such as Baytril and Cipro, if you shorten the treatment regime or underdose, there is a very high risk of exposed bacteria developing resistance to it.

Your temps and humidity are excellent and it doesn’t sound like the RI has progressed into the severe stage. This is characterized by thick opaque mucous, a rattling or ticking sound when breathing, and an occasional cough expelling the thick mucous. I’m not sure why they are requesting that you soak this python as I personally feel it is unnecessary and will only serve to compound the existing stress. Please let us know how everything turns out.

Kelly

I fear he is a bit further along that what it seems. His mucous is foamy, and he does have a wheeze and is puffing out his throat every now and then. I assume that is related to the mucous in his throat. But he is still active, and plenty strong. Just more cooperative than usual, especially to having his head restrained. No signs of weakness so far.

I will make an appointment with his regular vet tomorrow. I'm assuming they will keep him on the meds he's on now. I read that if he did not respond that an xray of his lungs need to be done. I'm hoping it won't go that far and he'll respond to the meds.

Thank you very much for answering my questions.