Page 1 of 1

Respiratory Infection

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:37 pm
by Blueythebluetongue
I know I've been making a lot of posts lately, but this is a question I really need to ask..
I've noticed that over the week my BTS has been showing signs of a respiratory infection, and today there was discharge around his nose, so I called my vet. They said that the reptile vet was out today, and there was no openings tomorrow, and they're not opened on weekends, so I have an appointment Monday. They said to call tomorrow morning to see if they had any cancellations but said it wasn't likely. They also mentioned if he got really bad, they could try their best to squeeze him in BEFORE opening hours, but that was only if he got bad. So my question is, if there isn't any openings tomorrow, what can I do to keep him comfortable and as healthy as possible until Monday?

Re: Respiratory Infection

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:54 pm
by donkeybuff
What are his temps like? RIs are often caused by cold temperatures. You should probably raise them by a few degrees. They can also be caused by keeping them too humid, so make aure you're not going overboard with the misting. The substrate should never soggy.

Re: Respiratory Infection

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:58 pm
by Blueythebluetongue
I did figure out the cause was my temps falling to low at night. He is some what close to a window (NOT right underneath, just sort of close) so he was getting to cold during winter. Should I keep a heat mat and heat bulb on all night? And I only mist once in a while, just when I notice it gets dry. I make sure he has enough but not ever to much.

Re: Respiratory Infection

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 7:31 pm
by donkeybuff
What are the temperatures at night (numbers)? Unless it's a significant amount under about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you probably don't need supplemental night heat. Too much heat at night will mess with his sleep cycle, since BTS rely more on heat than on light to determine their activity levels.

Re: Respiratory Infection

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 4:52 am
by Blueythebluetongue
They were about at 58, but I do have a black light I could use if needed so it wouldn't be to bad

Re: Respiratory Infection

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:23 pm
by donkeybuff
I'd say raise his daytime temps by 3-5 degrees and don't change his nighttime temps unless they drop below 60 again. Keeping him warm will help him recover and will help the antibiotics do their job.

Re: Respiratory Infection

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 5:04 pm
by Richard.C
X2

Id be checking your day time temps with a thermometer ,in various parts of cage,with an emphasis on basking spot temp,if days are warm enough,high 50s to 60 should be handable for these guys