Possible RI?

[jenaero]

This isn't quite the same so I didn't add to the other thread. I got my bci on Sunday the 21. He ate the day before I picked him up. All's been well until friday night when I attempted another feed. He struck multiple times, only slightly hitting the prey (ft mouse) each time. He then sat with his mouth open and I could hear him breathing. I thought maybe he was just catching his breath. I checked a while later and not only did he still have his mouth open, but he was breathing heavily and I heard what sounded like bubbles. It sounded like he was full of mucous. I had planned to take him to my vet on saturday but they were closed. The only emergency vet here won't treat reptiles. I have a call in to my vet this morning but I'd like to know what everyone's take is on this. I haven't heard anything more from him and he looks to be going into shed.

Is there any chance this was a one time occurrance and he's not actually sick? If he is sick, I assume he'd have got it at the breeders or at the pet store because I've only had him a week.

A bit of info because I know you'll ask;

20gal tank w/screen top, covered except for lamp.
100w red heat bulb
2 hides, fresh water daily, silk plant for cover, driftwood for climbing
Paper towel substrate

warm end temp- high 95, low 90
cool end temp- high 84, low 80
Humidity was 50% is now 70% because he looks like he's in blue

Any input is appreciated.

	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[deadliestformula]

Are you sure you have heard bubbling? Also when did you raise the humidity, before or after you heard bubbling?

Typically with RI you should raise temps and LOWER humidity.

	Respiratory Infection Respiratory Infection

[jenaero]

No I'm not sure. I mean, that's what it sounded like and it was quite loud. But at the same time I was upset so I may have confused it? For a minute I thought it was the filter from my turtle tank but I'm sure it wasn't.

I realize I should lower humidity but I didn't want him having a problem shed on top of this. I picked him up this morning and he seemed fine. Clear nose/eyes/vent and he was in blue so that's when I bumped up the humidity. It's been quite low before today.

Also, I recall reading something about striking and missing the prey repeatedly but I can't remember what it had to do with.

[deadliestformula]

If he was that deep in blue he may have had trouble seeing exactly what he was striking at. One of my boas has that issue. I would bathe him and make sure he can soak and lower the humidity, The soaking will help with the shedding part and the lowered humidity helps with the RI part. Although if you are not noticing any wheezing or 'coughing', or any bubbling or open mouth breathing, and it was only a one time thing, I would be a little doubtful about it being RI. I noticed that some larger snakes tend to 'sigh' which sounds a little like a cross between a hiss and a wheeze when in reality its just a loud exhale. Is it possible that it could have been that?

[jenaero]

Originally Posted by deadliestformula

If he was that deep in blue he may have had trouble seeing exactly what he was striking at. One of my boas has that issue. I would bathe him and make sure he can soak and lower the humidity, The soaking will help with the shedding part and the lowered humidity helps with the RI part. Although if you are not noticing any wheezing or 'coughing', or any bubbling or open mouth breathing, and it was only a one time thing, I would be a little doubtful about it being RI. I noticed that some larger snakes tend to 'sigh' which sounds a little like a cross between a hiss and a wheeze when in reality its just a loud exhale. Is it possible that it could have been that?

He wasn't in blue on Friday when I tried to feed so I didn't think that was the problem then. I didn't hear any coughing but he had his mouth open and I know I heard wheezing...then again I've never had a prob like that with any of my herps so maybe I was mistaken. Is having the water bowl enough? I mean I don't want him having a bad shed. Should I lower humidity and he'll know to soak if he needs to?

He's only roughly 1.5ft and when he does strike you can actually here the *woosh* sound of him breaking the air. This 'wheezing' sounded much different than that and then when I heard the bubbly noises it made me that much more worried. There's been no coughing tho and no symptoms at all since Friday.

I'm so confused.

[deadliestformula]

I do not raise humidity levels above their 'normal reccommended' level for shedding. I also always have a soaking dish available for my critters. I haven't had a problem with complete sheds. I would think that he'll soak if he feels 'dry'. If you are not hearing any more signs or witnessing any other symptoms, I would just leave thing as you have them and continue on like normal. After you adjust the humidity to the normal levels (presumably after the shed cycle is over) monitor him for any more symptoms. You will notice them when and if they come back. Then proceed immediatly with lowering the humidity and raising temps. That ought to knock out an RI, if it doesnt then a trip to the vet may be necessary for antibiotics. But if you aren't experiencing symptoms I would say that it was a one time weird fluke thing.

	Respiratory Infection Respiratory Infection

[jenaero]

Ok I'll keep a good eye on him for now. Thanks a lot!

[deadliestformula]

NP, good luck.