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RI Symptoms

Posted By:

mojosreptiles

In Relation To:

Cain [AHJ_Male]

Hello,

I was just wondering what the symptoms are of an RI? So far, I haven't had any sick snakes, but one of my newest has been doing some things I have never seen before. His throat/lower half of the mouth bobs up and down (looks the way a male's adams apple moves in swallowing motion) and his hissing sounds a little funny to me. Also, I feel like his body is making weird gurgling noises ... perhaps disgestive?

I could be paranoid, but thought I would ask anyway because it has me a little worried. I just received him last week so he could just be stressed. If I have to take him to the vet, what is the ballpark of what I can expect to pay for the visit? I hope I can find one that takes exotics nearby.

Oh yeah ... and he bit me too

Thanks!


Points:	150
Topics:	General Health , Respiratory , Heating
Tags:	Ri
Species:	Pythons > Morelia > Morelia spilota cheynei
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Accepted Answer

1/12/2009 11:35:03 PM

bwaffa

That sounds suspiciously like an early respiratory infection. Of course, I can't see or hear the snake...and he's new enough to you that you can't be sure whether it's cause for concern or just normal for him... Frustrating!

With a new animal it's good to get an initial check-up anyway, just to be sure it's coming clean into the collection. Vets are typically $30-50 for an office visit, depending on your location. I'd say bite the bullet and do it just to be sure. Make sure to get one that's reptile oriented!

Assisted Answer

1/12/2009 11:49:08 PM

amarilrose

Personally, I would run a thumb under the swollen-looking area with gentle pressure, moving towards the head and mouth. (I hope that description makes sense, let me know if it does not) Some people describe this as "rolling" a thumb from the throat to the mouth, though from your description, the swollen-looking area sounds like a longer portion of the snake's throat than would be easily covered by a rolled thumb -- so mimic that action as best as you can.

If this pressure causes an expression of mucus, with or without bubbles from the mouth and/or nostrils, I would be very concerned -- it's no-question vet-visit-worthy!!

If no mucus or fluids are expressed, I would tentatively keep a close eye on temps, humidity, all other aspects of husbandry, and watch his behavior very closely for any other indicators. I know you said this is a new snake, and like Brad mentioned in resposne to your blog entry, it's very aggravating. The easy answer is definitely to take him to the vet -- if you can get to a good one. If no mucus or fluids are expressed when you apply pressure as I tried to describe however, if there is anything going on, it may be subtle enough that the vet may not be able to define it any better than you can. It's not easy to call either way. With subtle symptoms like these, even if you do take him to the vet, regardless of what the vet says, I would still say you should watch him "like a hawk" -- so you know if and when these symptoms progress any further.

Other indicators to watch for are:
swelling of the mouth (or lower jaw) and/or throat,
"drooling," mucus or bubbles around the mouth or nostrils (even without you handling him)
some animals will lay on their sides with all of their bodies or sometimes just the front third,
some animals will lay with their heads elevated, possibly pointing their noses skyward, in an effort to ease breathing (though I have a snake that has done this for 3 years and is perfectly healthy, he just makes me nuts!)
raspy or gurgling sounds
generally dulled appearance (this is probably most apparent in more advanced cases)

I hope this helps, and I hope nothing is actually wrong with you little guy!! Best of luck! :)

Assisted Answer

1/13/2009 8:49:46 AM

rob_carmichael

I also answered this in your blog section:

The earlier you can get a respiratory problem under control the better. Oftentimes, these are by products of something else going on and in many cases, antibiotics are the best course of treatment. Ask your veterinarian about Fortaz. We use that almost exclusively now as it is much safer than Amikacin and more effective than Baytril. You didn't mentione what kind of snake this is as there are some homeopathic things you can do until you can see the vet. If this is a python or boa:
- maintain slightly higher than optimal temps - no lower than 82 on the cool side and low 90's on the warm side...night drops should be minimal (few degrees is okay).
- maintain optimal humidity levels with good air flow. Installing a small computer fan on each end of the cage works great (and something that should be considered as a permanent part of any herp set up....one fan brings fresh air in and the other pulls stale air out). The extra humidity will help loosten things up. Dry air will only exasperate the problem.
- Keep immaculately clean - consider newspaper for now and keep the substrate nice and dry even though the ambient humidity will be raised.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Author Comment

1/13/2009 8:24:43 PM

mojosreptiles

All - thanks for the info. i'll be keeping a CLOSE eye on him and will likely take him to the vet tomorrow or thursday. i'll let you know how it goes :(

Rob - he is a jungle carpet python.

Author Comment

1/14/2009 7:24:03 AM

mojosreptiles

ok i am seeing small bubbles on his snout this morning ... saw a big one come out and burst immediately last nite. so i'll be calling the vet to see if i can get him in today.

Member Comment

1/14/2009 9:02:52 AM

amarilrose

Good move. I think bubbles are fairly definitive of an RI.

After you get back from the vet, I would make sure to contact the seller, since you just got this guy a week ago!

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Author Comment

1/14/2009 9:05:11 AM

mojosreptiles

thanks. i've already contacted the seller. so we shall see what happens.

Member Comment

1/18/2009 9:39:51 PM

aaron

Bubbles unprompted typically are.. If you mist, you can see bubbles when nothing is wrong.

Please update this thread as you go through your treatment / resolution ... I'd love to get more RI stories on here, .. I'm fighing a nasty one myself. Well, not myself, but one of my snakes.
*sigh*

Author Comment

1/18/2009 9:44:03 PM

mojosreptiles

Hey Aaron! I took him to the vet last week and was given Fortaz and Anakacin to treat him. I have to give him shots of each every 3 days. 0.6 cc of Fortaz and 0.2 cc of Anakacin ... every 3 days for 9 doses. He's doing alot better. I have been misting his cage liberally in the morning and at night. His weird throat behavior has gone away and he is more active. I'm pretty confident he will pull through with the medication and my attention. The vet said I shouldn't feed him while on meds, but others have suggested that I give a small meal (if he will take it ) to help keep up his energy while on medication.

Member Comment

1/18/2009 10:04:31 PM

bwaffa

I'm with the vet on this one. Your kid is on a one month regimen -- he'll be fine for that period without a meal. Feeding can affect the efficacy of your antibiotic, and also introduces a new variable into the equation. Sit tight and wait til he's 100% again before offering food. I'm glad to hear he's coming around!

Member Comment

1/22/2009 11:17:03 AM

aaron

I never understood or agreed with the not feeding thing... when I'm sick, and on antibiotics, sometimes I don't feel like eating, but sometimes I do. And when I do, I search for my comfort foods,... steak, chicken fried steak, eggs, etc ... and I'm sure that the nutrition helps my system recover faster (as well as gut loading myself with vitamins)... I realize the reserves on a snake are much different, but it just never made sense to me.

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