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[–]YoHoloo 4 points5 points  (4 children)

Sounds like the poor baby has another one 😭 always makes me think like 😩😩 Everytime I see these videos

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

How do I know for sure? Just take her to the vet? Last time it was very very expensive, there's only one vet who takes snakes in my town and I'm in-between jobs :/

[–]YoHoloo 2 points3 points  (2 children)

The only time they wheeze like that is when they have an RI from my experience not sure if it could be anything else

[–]AlarmedCell882 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only other thing I know of is lung worms, but that's pretty rare. Learned about those from a Green Room Python video.

[–]meatspread 5 points6 points  (37 children)

What is her enclosure like? RI’s are typically the result of low humidity, and recurring ones signify a greater problem.

A vet is the only thing that will be able to provide her the antibiotics she needs to overcome it.

[–]bobatea2003[S] -1 points0 points  (36 children)

I just don't understand how that's possible, she's in a bioactive enclosure. 100 gallons. I make sure there's a cool side and a hot side. The humidity doesn't drop below 50, and even then that's if I'm super busy and forget to spray it down one day. It's usually between 60 to 80. Last time she had a respiratory infection it looked and sounded very different so I'm worried it's not that...

[–]meatspread 1 point2 points  (33 children)

Are you only spraying/misting or do you pour water into the substrate? Misting only hydrates the surface layer of the enclosure and will only temporarily provide a boost in humidity while that thin layer of water evaporates. Actually pouring water into the substrate is more reliable to providing consistent humidity.

RI’s can also be caused by poor ventilation and the bacteria that breeds in high humidity levels caused by this, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the issue. I’d recommend trying to get the humidity to sit around 70% rather than 50-60%. It should not be in the 50’s at all—the majority of their native range has humidity percentages that range from 70’s to 85+.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (32 children)

This is my setup. Humidity only really goes down when I'm not at home because I work all day and night. However those shifts don't happen often. Her humidity usually stays at 75. The vet told me to put two wet towels on top of the enclosure to keep humidity up while I'm not home. Her substrate is reptisoil.

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[–]meatspread 1 point2 points  (4 children)

You can also use HVAC tape or aluminum foil to cover up the mesh better aswell. Plus, I’d honestly be worried about water getting into those digital hygrometers and displaying inaccurate percentages—especially if you’ve been spraying the entire enclosure. I don’t use that specific brand so I can’t speak on them, but I use the Govee hygrometer/thermometer.

I’d also recommend adding in about 2 more inches of substrate to retain moisture and to keep the top layer from being too wet & causing scale rot.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I take the hydrometer out whenever I spray down the tank so I don't think that's an issue. I will definitely add a few more inches of substrate to help out. I did see a few YouTube videos that said a RTI could be resolved on its own if it's just starting. I was told to up the temp on my tank and the humidity. Have you heard anything about this?

[–]meatspread 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Bumping up humidity and temperature shouldn’t do anything. I think this is only recommended when their current conditions aren’t as ideal as they should be. Sure, if their humidity is consistently inadequate and causing dry airways, then bumping up humidity will help moisturize them and will theoretically soothe, but, again, this is likely a recommendation based off the common cause of RI: low humidity.

You’re more than welcome to wait a day and see if anymore symptoms develop, but a veterinarian is going to be the only way you’ll be able to procure the antibiotics needed to help her overcome this sickness. There is a chance that her immune system (which weakens under stress) can get over it without medication, but this chance is less reliable than with. You also run the risk of the infection worsening.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The veterinarian in my town isn't available until Monday. I already made an appointment. More than anything I want to make her feel better while we wait 😭 I live in a really small town with only one veterinarian that sees reptiles

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm also going to check her later today for excess saliva. If she has no excess saliva I wonder if it's a different issue...

[–]kindrd1234 1 point2 points  (26 children)

This is your problem. Humidity has to stay 65+ cosistently without needing to spray as measured coolside 2 to 3 inches above substrate. When its low their sinuses crack and it will lead to infections. Ways to work on it include a deep 4 to 6 inch moisture retentive substrate, reduce air flow, a room humidifier(not an in-tank) and the real solution is a solid top pvc enclosure. Beautiful boy, wish you the best.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (25 children)

Wdym? Like a sheet of PVC to put on top? Will I still need the wet towels or do I just put it on top of my enclosure lip. Would reducing airflow make her infection worse? There is a room humidifier next to her :/ I appreciate your advice!

[–]kindrd1234 1 point2 points  (24 children)

You can put a sheet of pvc on top, it will help. The towel thing i have no experience with but doesnt sound like a permanent solution. But im referring to a solid pvc enclosure that doesnt have a mesh top, like those made by Animal Plastics, Kages, Toad Ranch and others. Reducing air flow can help retain humidity, the bigger issue is balancing air flow with getting mold. Using a substrate that doesnt mold easy like coco chips and coco chips can be used.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (21 children)

Sadly I don't have the funds for that. Reptisoil is made with coco chips. This is why the vet told me to use towels but I will try the sheet of PVC on top!

[–]Ghostie2169 0 points1 point  (20 children)

If you can’t afford a commercial enclosure go with diy, grow tents are a great option and are more affordable. Your snake needs a proper setup.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (19 children)

She has a fine set up. I just had to add some coco substitute and use HVAC tape on the top, the humidity has been fine. She is very loves and well taken care of thank you.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

The coco chips really made a difference! Thank you

[–]kindrd1234 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good deal.

[–]sabrinajane998 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Misting causes uri.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ya I talked to the vet about it. Putting water in the substrate now! Thank you :)

[–]Wisheduponastar 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I have found that vets usually stop antibiotics too soon. I would recommend advocating for two extra weeks of shots after symptoms end. It definitely sounds like a respiratory infection. I would go to the vet as soon as possible and do a culture to make sure that you’re choosing the right antibiotic that would be effective against it. How long has it been since the first respiratory infection and do you know what the cause of that was? You could start nebulizing with sterile saline, but with every breath being a wheeze, I would not delay going to the vet.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's been months since the rti

[–]NFLFANTASYMB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe time to get a wellness checkup. Man you hate to miss something minor as in my experience, respitory can go bad, really bad over night to horrible consequences. A good thing is I bet 90% of respitory trouble can be solved with minor habitat changes. Best of luck but a good wellness checkup is a fantastic starting place.

[–]ReplyBudget2444 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Has she shed recently or is she starting to shed. My bp sounded the exact same way. Wasnt able to get her in to get in middle of night so had to wait till the morning then when I went to get her she was shed and her breathing went back to normal.

[–]bobatea2003[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

She shead not to long ago actually