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Q:
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Can Ball Pythons get respiratory infections from going from extremely high temps to a healthy temp?
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I understand that respiratory infections in Ball Pythons are usually a result of being exposed to temperatures that are too low. So I was wondering if it would be common for a Ball Python to get a respiratory infection in a scenario like this.
Say the Ball Python lives in a cage with overhead heat lamps that are not controlled by a thermostat. The air temperature is typically between 90-100 degrees.
This same Ball Python is moved to a new home that has much better living conditions, and the cage temp is regulated to the common 80-85 with a 90 degree hot spot.
Could this drastic change in temperature result in a respiratory infection or would an RI be more likely a result of the general stress associated with this kind of move?
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Accepted Answer
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5/19/2012 11:23:31 PM
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abi21491
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A respiratory infection typically should not occur as long as it is clean environment with proper temps - RI occurs with the introduction of bacteria into the respiratory tract usually when the animal has a suppressed immune system (due to low temps and/or stress or other illness.) So as long as the cage is clean, the snake has no prior history with RI's and the temps are right you shouldn't have any issues. This is not to say proper temps will prevent an RI - plenty of snakes have come down with nasty RI's with proper temps. Some bacterial infections are worse than others and no matter the snake's immune system can hit them hard. Stress from moving shouldn't cause an RI on it's own, most RI's are bacterial so that would be the true underlying cause if the snake ends up getting sick. Is the snake exhibiting any symptoms? Good luck!
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Member Comment
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5/20/2012 12:49:49 PM
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Doomtrooper
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Like Abi said the only reason ( In my Mind ) That an animal could get an RI from temps that are to high is the addded stress ,, and the other factors would have to be present as well ( dirty cage , Mold , what not )
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Assisted Answer
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5/20/2012 8:17:25 PM
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Lashman
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Just want to add that a problem with ball pythons that I've seen is keeping them to hot and dry. The lack of humidity for those not realizing that though they may come for a hot dry climate they live in burrows where there is humidity. I say it's like us getting cotton mouth. To me a RI is just that, an respitory infection. Habitat temps could cause stress and make it harder to fight off infection but don't see where they alone cause it. In the case of low temps it usually also involes too humid condition allowing for bacteria to grow plus stress of cold blooded animal not having need heat function properly.
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Member Comment
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5/20/2012 9:36:57 PM
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kid007inplay
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I agree with comments stated above, especially with Lashman. You mentioned about temps, but nothing about humidity. IMO, there are many factors including stress, but heat and humidity are the main causes of RI. I don't know what you are using to heat the cage, but heat lamp will quickly dry up the air inside the cage. If that's the only source of heat, regular misting is needed. It sounds like you got proper temps, but humidity needs to be between 60% - 70% for BPs. I recommend getting a digital hygrometer and thermometer to maintain proper conditions. Good luck.
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Author Comment
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5/21/2012 2:19:46 PM
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zharper
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Thanks for everyone's answers. Luckily, I don't have a snake with an RI currently, but I am trying to learn as much as I can. I would like to rescue reptiles in the future, and I am always thinking of random questions. I did find some great information on bacterial infections in reptiles. You can check it out here, http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/171407.htm
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