Sick red tail

[reptiledude987]

I got a call from a friend with a red tail not doing so well that he wants me to take in. I will be picking up the snake tomorrow morning. He told me that it has mites for sure which is easy enough to take care of. Hes unsure but it may also have a RI. If so is the only way to resolve this with antibiotics at the vet? Or are there steps that can be taken in my care to get him healthy again? Again not certain at this point if there is an infection at all I just want to prepare for worst case scenario.

[natsirtremraf]

My Experience: I took one of my boas to the vet for a possible RI, mostly because of his tongue sticking together and the gasping sound he kept making. So it wasn't advanced if he had one. The vet I took him to gave him a shot of antibiotics anyway. His reason was "just in case, and to get ahead of it, if he does have one". Never advanced and the gasping is no longer there. However, his tongue still sticks together, guess thats just him.

From what I've read: Increasing humidity might help, especially if the cause of the RI might be from lack of humidity. Keep the environment clean, and reduce stress as much as possible.

I would say if its an advanced RI, antibiotics would be a good idea. But I've heard a lot that you can cure an RI with just proper environment and care.

[reptiledude987]

That was the plan. Ill pick him up tomorrow and assess the situation. I asked and theres no gurgling sound and no mucus and hes not tilting his head up to breathe. So if there is an infection it sounds like its minor. From what I've been reading I'm getting conflicting info with the weather the humidity needs to be raised or lowered to resolve this. I know heat needs to be bumped a few degrees just looking for a solid answer regarding raising or lowering humidity.

[reptiledude987]

So I picked him up this morning and he has the worst case of mites I've ever seen. so I gave him a good rinse in the tub to get most of them off. I think that should help minimize inital discomfort. mite treatment has started. as for the respatory issue not 100% sure I think hes good but can hear his breathing. So I'm going to keep his temps on the high side and keep a close eye on it. Hes also a bit under weight so I'm going to get a few good meals into him and think he should copme around fine. Any other tips or advise are always welcome :)

[KavomatovlHes]

I think it depends on what kind of shrimp a river shrimp is. If you have pictures, or a scientific name, that might help people determine if they are safe to keep with red cherry shrimp.

[toddnbecka]

I think it depends on what kind of shrimp a river shrimp is. If you have pictures, or a scientific name, that might help people determine if they are safe to keep with red cherry shrimp.

Hmm, looks like someone posted on the wrong forum... lol.