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Mites, Python, python respiratory infection, python respiratory issues, Pythons, Reptile respiratory infection, Reptiles, respiratory infection, Snake, Snake Mites, snake respiratory infection, snake respiratory issues, Snakes
Everyone knows that getting a respiratory infection isn’t fun, and for our reptile it can can mean death. I recently had to deal with a snake that got a respiratory infection. I looked up all the local vets that would take reptiles and I couldn’t afford any of them. My pythons mean a lot to me. The one who was sick is my favorite because he scares away most of the people who come to my door trying to annoy me. He is an adult male Sumatran Short Tailed python or a Black blood for most. I call him Big Memphis and it pained me he was sick and I couldn’t afford a vet. I did find a great vet that was at an awesome price but before I found a vet I tried a home remedy that I think made the vet visit less of a need. This blog will break down how reptiles can get respiratory infections, the home remedy I found, and some tips for a vet visit.
How do reptiles get respiratory infections?
Taking proper care of your reptiles helps prevent these issues and prevention is much easier than dealing with an infection. Please make sure YOU ALWAYS RESEARCH PROPER CARE BEFORE YOU MAKE A PURCHASE!!!!!! That being said lets get into what can cause respiratory infections.
- Humidity levels are off: If the humidity levels are off, then your reptiles will not be able to breathe or shed properly. This stress can lower the immune system of reptiles and before you know it, your reptiles have a reptile infection.
- Mites: Yes, mites. Like mites aren’t bad enough. They can over stress the snake and cause major health issues, one of which is respiratory issues. Mites can also spread these health issues among all of your reptiles.
- Mite Treatment and cage Cleaners: Different chemicals for cleaning cages and treating for mites can get breathed in by your reptiles. This can then turn into respiratory issues for your reptiles. I personally use vinegar and water to clean but I still let the cage air out a bit before I put any reptiles back in the cage.
- Dust: Normal house dust can in fact get your reptiles sick just as easy as it can you. If you wouldn’t want to inhale a bunch of dust, then why would your reptiles? Dust can also come from the bedding you use in the cage. I have seen that aspen dust can cause reptiles serious breathing issues
- Dirty Cages: All kinds of nasty bacteria can form if you don’t properly clean your reptile enclosures. I suggesting cleaning daily for everything but snakes. Snakes should be cleaned the day they shed and the day the release their bowels.
- Temperature: If temps get to low, then your reptiles will get sick. A respiratory infection may be the least of your problems if you have a cold snake who has food in its belly and no heat for a long period of time.
These are all prevented with proper care of your reptiles. Mine python got sick from a mite problem I had after bringing in a new reptile. I attacked the problem fast and he was the only one who got sick, thank God, but this still could have been prevented. Always take care of your reptiles and make sure they always have the right temps, clean water, and proper living conditions.
Symptoms
Some of the signs of a respiratory infection are:
- Breathing/ Wheezing issues
- Mouth open like it is gasping for breathe
- Discharge from the mouth and/or nose
- Lethargic
- stops eating
If you see these things than you have a problem but do note that sometimes snake can have bedding in their throat they are getting out. Sometimes reptiles will have bubbles or water near nostrils after a drink of water. I have a snake with a scar on its nose and it whistles when she breathes.
Home remedy
The first thing people will suggest is get cage to proper humidity for the reptile, increase heat in the cage a bit and remove the water bowl. This can help with minor cases but it is very rare it is the method to solve your reptile’s problem.
Now this home remedy wasn’t my idea. I got it from an episode of Snakebytes. Brian Barczyk is one of the biggest names in the reptile industry and will forget more about reptiles than any of us will probably learn. I testes his method and can say it was in fact working but I also wanted my snake seen by a vet to be 100% sure. Here is what you will need:
- Plastic tub that can hold your reptile with a few holes in it and one whole if a tub to go in
- Reptile fogger
- F10 Sc Veterinary Disinfectant
Now the F10 Sc is a concentrated chemical so I only used a few CCs as Brian suggested. The tub was large enough for my python but small enough for the fogger to fill the entire thing up with fog. Think of it as a reptile nebulizer/breathing treatment. I only left my python in there for 5 to 8 minutes each time and did it every other day, He has yet to show any negative affects from this treatment and is healthy as can be. This method had my python go from yellow mucus to no nasal discharge in no time. The vet said he looked to be headed in the right direction when I brought him in but we both agreed better safe than sorry. The F10 did help and I wanted to share it because if it wasn’t for my Snakebyte TV habit who knows it Big Memphis (the snake that was sick) would have made it. Here is a link to the exact episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJCnPfuqaBM
Going to the Vet
Now I will also suggest having a vet saved into your contacts. There will be times that serious meds will be needed to save your reptile’s life. Find a local vet that has knowledge of reptiles or is comfortable seeing them. The vet I used did a great job and her vet tech got to have some fun. When it was time to give Big Memphis his first shot he rose up out of the tub and looked the vet tech right in the eyes. I helped hold the snake down but the vet said it was one of his most intimidating experiences. Now the vet should be up to date on the needed meds but just in case I would like to suggest that if you have to go to a vet to treat a respiratory infection I would say ask for Fortaz Ceftazidime. The typical medication used is Baytril but they both can treat the same illnesses but Fortaz Ceftazidime doesn’t cause some of the scarring issues that you can get from Baytril.
Closing remarks
The home remedy listed above shouldn’t be you go to solution. It is great to have the needed stuff ready just in-case but also have a vet who knows you and your pets. I do want to say thanks to Brian for all he is doing in the reptile community and I suggest that everyone goes through the Snakebytes/Animalbytes Youtube episodes. There are a lot of helpful videos and fun things to watch on his page. Like myself Brian is also on Facebook and twitter so make sure you add him for expert reptile advice.