I have a rescue gray ratsnake, her age is unknown but I believe she is geriatric- she looks like an old woman and is almost completely blind.
When I got her she had an RI which I treated, even before getting to the vet appointment I had it nearly completely healed just from regular cleaning and humidity soaks.
She finished her antibiotics but still did an occasional gasp/huff and clicking. It was more noticeable when she would move around. Then she randomly laid eggs, wasn’t able to pass one so I took her to the vet again. Egg came out fine and she was started on antibiotics again for the possible RI.
I’ve had her over a year now I think, she’s been to a vet about 4 or 5 times now. Still does the occasional gasp/huff and clicking when active. Her mouth is clear, no drooling or any other symptoms. Eats fine.
I’ve not had a snake with scarring on it’s lungs before and from what I read it seems like that’s what this is?
Photo tax, her name is Fillet because she looks like a frozen fish.
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Awwww, she looks like a sweet old gal. I love her name. Hahah
Has the vet done any testing on her like a swab or trachea wash?
Depending on the severity of the RI, there definitely could be some lasting damage like scarring. Her geriatric appearance can also be a factor. If she is up there in age she could have been immunocompromised and that can also be a contributing bit to scar potentials.
The downside is that as you may have already saw, it’s not something that will improve and she can always be at risk of developing another infection.
When I was working veterinary for a while, I had a dog with scarred lungs from a bout of pneumonia at a year old and she would get a bad URI every almost every year like clockwork. And each time I had to explain, ‘trust me bro. She’s sick.’ On the other hand…I would have to remind the vet that she had scars when they made a worried face while listening to her on a normal checkup.
I wouldn’t be surprised that she can be wheezing when she gets handled or is being active. She may not have the same muscle tone she used to. That can cause them to wheeze and sometimes pop when pressure is put on the general location of the lung.
I would just try to keep doing what you are to keep her conditions comfortable and clean. Obviously you want to avoid too much humidity that can cause bacteria or fungus buildup, but also maintain a good level so she doesn’t get dried out and have difficulty.
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They did a twab 3 times. First time there was some stuff, second there was a small amount, and the last time there wasn’t much of anything.
I’ve just been flooding her waterbowl every now and then, I do that with a lot of the species I keep.
I guess I’ll just watch her, since there’s no drool or bubbles I’ll assume that’s just how she is. Like an old lady hackin a lung out
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That’s good on the swabs. Always best to culture it and treat specifically for it. Heck, that happened to me with an infection last month.
As far as for Fillet. Yeah, that just kinda is how it is sometimes. Obviously if anything seems to be changing back to the vet. Specifically, I would be worried about any food regurges most because she could aspirate some of that stomach acid.
I hope she just settles well into her new retirement home with you and stays comfy.
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