Boa with raspy, open mouth breathing

RE: Boa with raspy, open mouth breathing

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 16:15:17 GMT

Getting the husbandry right is the priority. Unfortunately, I'm yet to meet many reptile owners who don't think they're already doing everything perfectly so you have to be pretty assertive to effect significant change!

Yes- tracheal swab usually good enough. (Remember trachea easily accessible at front of mouth....not in 'usual' mammalian position.)

RE: Boa with raspy, open mouth breathing

Anthony Dennison — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 16:07:03 GMT

Thanks Gillian.

Unfortunately my exotics knowledge is so lacking I'm not sure what I'd be looking for either! Samples for culture via a tracheal swab? I'll speak to the guy and see what he wants to do, though I've warned him if he wants a proper job doing he needs to see someone who knows what they're talking about (might send him to you!)

RE: Boa with raspy, open mouth breathing

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:58:48 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Dennison"]And how would I investigate noisy breathing in a snake?[/quote]

In pretty much the same way you would in any other species!

Seriously though- it sounds like you're trying to be kind to this client, and there is nothing wrong with tweaking poor husbandry as a first step. Ultimately though, you have to see the reptile. If someone rang up saying their dog was wheezy, and asking what's wrong, you wouldn't dream of just guessing!

On exam, you will be able to get a full picture on its health. It is amazing how little some clients know of 'normal'. I've had emaciated snakes presented due to it having a sore eye - the weight loss having completely passed them by because 'it is normal for snakes not to eat for months'!!! (It isn't.)

Ideally, with respiratory disease, as a minimum, you want to be radiographing the lung(s) and taking some samples for culture. Ideally bloods too if skills and finances allow.

Obviously, no point in doing all this if husbandry isn't good.