Baby RTB breathing probs...possible RI

[driftwooddodgeman]

I have noticed strange sounds coming from the tank as of late, and finally took him out today to check on him. He opens his mouth every so often...just a little. Also, I hear little sounds from his mouth, like.....built up air finally escaping through his mouth/nostrils, kinda like popping, but more breathy...like plugging the end of a straw, blowing in it, and releasing the built up air...hope this explains the sound well enough, 'cause it's the best I can do. I know you're supposed to immediately raise the temps in the cage for an RI, and have done so. The temps at night have been around the LOW 70's a couple times, much to my dismay. My room gets quite hot, so I turn the fan on at night...and almost froze him a couple times! I believe this is the cause of it, and hope raising the temps will work. Just need some guidlines for temps so I don't cook him. Maybe 100*? Obviously this won't be permanent, only to get rid of the RI...any help? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]
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[driftwooddodgeman]

BTW...the norm. temp gradients are day high: 88 day low: 83 night high: 82 night low: 78

[Shadrach]

Hey Drift has he been blue lately? I don't think temp's in the lower 70's would cause a RI? I have a Boa that open's her mouth around shed time to loosen skin! Do you see any bubble's comming from the mouth or nostril's??
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[eddie]

Sounds like you have your temps under control now.
Listen to its breathing, with your ear close to him.
Do you hear any whistles, gurgles, pops, clicks, raspyness or any other than clear breathing sounds?
Also pay close attention to his mouth when open.
Do you see any extra saliva or wettness and or bubbly fluids?

Also what The Shadrach said about sheds, sometimes the skin can partially block the nostris on the beginning stages of shed and it can and will make some strange noises when it does.
Just keep the temps like ya have them, and see if he shows signs of an impending shed.
If so, then treat as a shed, with several daily mistings and see how he sounds and looks after shed.
If the noise dissappears, great!
If not, then very possibly an RI.
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[DragonGuru]

Hey Drift, our baby did this same type of thing about a week or two after we got him and when we took him to the vet they said it was in fact a minor RI. They gave us some anti biotics and it cleared him up really quick. Might need a quick trip to the vet if you don't have any anti biotics.

Hope my newbie information is of some help to you.

Good luck,
DG
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	Respiratory Infection Respiratory Infection

[driftwooddodgeman]

no, I didn't see any fluids...I tried opening his mouth with a cotton swab stick (Much to his disliking, poor guy...) Everything looked good, from what I can tell. Nothing swollen, no mucous buildup or anything. Just sounded like he was forcing his breaths out like I explained before. I had thought of the skin blocking the nostrils, too...the most he's done lately is had some of the clear scales flake off, which I read on here was from the Mineral Oil soaking. Other than that, and sometimes body convulsions, he looks fine. Those convulsions worry me though...mainly his head...it'll suddenly jerk up from time to time, and as far as his body, it'll just compres itself like he's trying to cough or something...being a newbie, I appreciate the help given, and hopefully more help to come. yesterday, I had the temps set around the high 80's with the UTH in his rock home set to 90*...should I go back to the reg temps? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

	Under Tank Heater Under Tank Heater

[driftwooddodgeman]

I just picked him up, and am still hearing heavy bursts of air coming from his mouth/nostrils. (and this is from a good foot away...) (the sound is like trying to cough softly through your nose..) Kinda worried 'bout this...would hate for him to get very ill! Also, I was reading the posts about the sexing of the boas, and the spurs...and if I underdstood them rght...I don't see any spurs, so Thumper *may* be a female! lol... Anyway, I would really appreciate more info on this RI thing...if you guys need any more info from me, lemme know! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[motorherp]

I don't know a lot about snakes but I've a friend with a glass lizard, when he is picked up or when you suprise him, he huffs and puffs at you through his nose. No idea if boas do it as well just they way you described the sound reminded me of it. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
I'd take him to the vet if you're worried it's usually for the best [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[driftwooddodgeman]

naw...don't think it's a defensive thing. Just sounds like he's gotta cough all the time...
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[JC86]

I'd suggest taking a quick visit to the vet. If it is a respatory problem catching it early would help it heal a lot faster. The longer you wait the worse it could get.


Scott
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[driftwooddodgeman]

any idea of how much a trip to the vet should cost? to be honest, I really don't have all that much money right now...
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<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE> Just need some guidlines for temps so I don't cook him. Maybe 100*? </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

If you were to place his temps at 100 degrees, YES you will cook him [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

A trip to the vet will cost ya anywhere from 35 bucks on up through the roof. Call and find a vet who specializes in not only reptiles bur also knows snakes too. Then ask what they charge for a visit.
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[driftwooddodgeman]

actually, the highest temp I had him at today was 90, with the cool side at around 87...not *too* hot, but don't want to chance it. I'm gonna put his temps back to normal. I'm keeping the UTH under his rock at 90 though...it's only 5* warmer than usual...he's gonna have to wait 'till this Friday before I have any money to get him to a vet. he's still *coughing* every now and again. Poor guy... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_frown.gif[/img]
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	Under Tank Heater Under Tank Heater

I also lower the humidity for an RI too.
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	Respiratory Infection Respiratory Infection