reptilebaby
New member
I was told that fed ex didn't do pick ups, that you have to take them to the hub. Granted this wasn't said to me by fed ex, but someone else...
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Got a new ball a few weeks ago. showed up with clicky breathing
- Thread starter reptilebaby
- Start date
reptilebaby
New member
Yep, I know it is on me as well, I should have stuck to my feelings that it wasn't ok, instead of just "wait and see" but that was what I did. I assumed that since I didn't see any mucus in his tub, or anything for the first week or so that he was fine. I know I shouldn't have let my attention lapse. But that was the one time I did. Never going to happen again.
I do have a quarantine room- the problem is that I have others in quarantine as well, before I move them into the main room. But, I plan to do everything to get him in to the vet.
I didn't really want to turn this into a big problem for the seller, so I didn't turn this into a bad guy good guy thread. That's why I didn't post his name or anyything. or post in the BOI. Just figured I'd get people's opinions on it, and not really looking to bash anyone.
I am very glad he cares about his animals. Not a whole lot of people do.
I DO have to say that I did tell him I WOULD send him back if fed ex would pick up, but was told fed ex didn't pick up.
I really should get all my thoughts together BEFORE making a post...not jumbling them all up. It makes me look like a scatterbrain. lol
I do have a quarantine room- the problem is that I have others in quarantine as well, before I move them into the main room. But, I plan to do everything to get him in to the vet.
I didn't really want to turn this into a big problem for the seller, so I didn't turn this into a bad guy good guy thread. That's why I didn't post his name or anyything. or post in the BOI. Just figured I'd get people's opinions on it, and not really looking to bash anyone.
I am very glad he cares about his animals. Not a whole lot of people do.
I DO have to say that I did tell him I WOULD send him back if fed ex would pick up, but was told fed ex didn't pick up.
I really should get all my thoughts together BEFORE making a post...not jumbling them all up. It makes me look like a scatterbrain. lol
reptilebaby
New member
Maybe I should start over and try to put all my thoughts in the correct order!
The snake ended up staying with you because you asked someone, not Fedex, if they picked up and you were told no. You would have returned it had it been more convenient. So it went without treatment for weeks. And that was the right choice for the little guy?
reptilebaby
New member
He said not to worry about the breathing, that it was normal. So I dropped it.
It was the seller who told me fed ex doesn't do pick ups. I didn't ask anyone.
Sooo, instead of arguing, I decided he was probably right since I've never shipped any reptile and didn't know if the did pick ups or not.
Now I know that they do pick ups, and am glad for the knowledge. And it's not convenience for the return, it was that I, right now, had no way to get that far.
I'm going to make the best of the situation and am going to treat him now. I hope he gets better before the vet visit. I think he probably will. I've been told by more than one person it's an RI and the baytril will get rid of it. So, that's what I'll do.
It was the seller who told me fed ex doesn't do pick ups. I didn't ask anyone.
Sooo, instead of arguing, I decided he was probably right since I've never shipped any reptile and didn't know if the did pick ups or not.
Now I know that they do pick ups, and am glad for the knowledge. And it's not convenience for the return, it was that I, right now, had no way to get that far.
I'm going to make the best of the situation and am going to treat him now. I hope he gets better before the vet visit. I think he probably will. I've been told by more than one person it's an RI and the baytril will get rid of it. So, that's what I'll do.
HighVoltageRoyals
New member
I'm kind of lost here: if you questioned his judgment on one thing, why would you just settle for his answers to anything else without first looking into it yourself, especially if all that takes is picking up the phone and talking to a rep or going online and looking around a bit?
reptilebaby
New member
And yep, I know I made stupid mistakes. 
BUt all I can do now is move forward and take care of this issue the way it would have been before, if I had not decided he would probably be ok, and wasn't sick.
And then make damn sure that I keep a closer eye on everybody. I wish I hadn't stopped watching him so closely, if I hadn't he wouldn't have gotten so advanced.
Oh, and the offer of a return was NOT made until I mentioned that he was bubbling. I didn't even get back in contact with the breeder until then. So if anyone's under the impression that the offer of a return was made when I mentioned the breathing, that didn't happen.
BUt all I can do now is move forward and take care of this issue the way it would have been before, if I had not decided he would probably be ok, and wasn't sick.
And then make damn sure that I keep a closer eye on everybody. I wish I hadn't stopped watching him so closely, if I hadn't he wouldn't have gotten so advanced.
Oh, and the offer of a return was NOT made until I mentioned that he was bubbling. I didn't even get back in contact with the breeder until then. So if anyone's under the impression that the offer of a return was made when I mentioned the breathing, that didn't happen.
reptilebaby
New member
Yes. I trust people, and I knew he was a good person-quite knowledgeable, from what I've read. So I decied that maybe he was right after all, and was a possibility I was wrong about the breathing.
Right now I don't know what happened. You chose not to go to the BOI, and are instead writing the script for the seller, what he said and when.
And you are saying that the snake was sick from the get go, you noticed it on receipt (you made a bid deal of that) and now it hasn't been treated for two weeks. No transportation, no scale to weigh, all sorts of excuses.
I believe you have a sick snake. Other than that, since the seller cannot defend himself, I don't know what to believe.
reptilebaby
New member
I didn't want to do anything that could harm him, and didn't intend on making his name public, and I just wanted to get opinions. Didn't meant for it to turn into a big mess. I just was hoping that someone could say if they thought it might be a RI. I am sure it is, but I've only seen one RI in the entire time I've kept snakes. That was my entire motivation for posting this thread. All the other stuff in this thread I had no intention of posting, but was trying to answer questions.
I do have a scale now, thank god. It's going to make my whole life easier.
Maybe it'd be better for everyone if I walked away from this thread? I'm starting to sound like a broken record, and like a total idiot.
And this is beginning to take on the feel of a thread that belongs in the BOI, and that was NOT my intention...
I just was hoping that someone could say if they thought it might be a RI. I am sure it is, but I've only seen one RI in the entire time I've kept snakes. That was my entire motivation for posting this thread. All the other stuff in this thread I had no intention of posting, but was trying to answer questions. I do have a scale now, thank god. It's going to make my whole life easier.
Maybe it'd be better for everyone if I walked away from this thread? I'm starting to sound like a broken record, and like a total idiot.
And this is beginning to take on the feel of a thread that belongs in the BOI, and that was NOT my intention...
scratchypen
New member
Angie, Im sorry about your snake. That always sucks when animals get sick. Im sorry about everything that happened. Im glad that you are informed now and will be making better choices in the future. Life is a learning experience always, and, so is snake breeding. If I knew half the things in the beginning that I do today...Its always about learning and going ahead with the information you now have.
Please take the little guy to the vet, okay? I think he needs it. Even if it means taking a taxi. Also, please hold off on the baytril. I have heard from at least 2 breeders that baytril can cause more problems then help. Just practice procedures that shouldve been done in the beginning until you get him to the vet.
Keep the snake really warm. Make sure the hot spot is at 92 at ALL times. Provide the animal with both a heat lamp and a heat pad and watch temps. In order to prevent spreading DO not reuse his water dish and make sure your hands are washed up to your elbows and anywhere else the snake has touched.
I got a brb shipped to me before that got way too cold in shipping and developed an RI. I was lucky enough to have a good transaction with the seller and was compensated due to the issue with the snake even though it was most likely caused by shipping. I was very lucky that it was close to summer and I was able to keep the snake warm enough for the RI to go away.
Just try to get him to the vet and I wish you the best of luck.
Shantel
Please take the little guy to the vet, okay? I think he needs it. Even if it means taking a taxi. Also, please hold off on the baytril. I have heard from at least 2 breeders that baytril can cause more problems then help. Just practice procedures that shouldve been done in the beginning until you get him to the vet.
Keep the snake really warm. Make sure the hot spot is at 92 at ALL times. Provide the animal with both a heat lamp and a heat pad and watch temps. In order to prevent spreading DO not reuse his water dish and make sure your hands are washed up to your elbows and anywhere else the snake has touched.
I got a brb shipped to me before that got way too cold in shipping and developed an RI. I was lucky enough to have a good transaction with the seller and was compensated due to the issue with the snake even though it was most likely caused by shipping. I was very lucky that it was close to summer and I was able to keep the snake warm enough for the RI to go away.
Just try to get him to the vet and I wish you the best of luck.
Shantel
reptilebaby
New member
My friend has said that he will be going that way and he's willing to take this little guy with him. He is going there tuesday. I wish it was going to be sooner than that.
Thankfully.
I think that may have been the case with this one. He got too cold during shipping and he got sick.
He was the only ball I've ever had that got a RI. NONE of my others have ever had one. It's hard seeing it, and I still can't beleive I stopped watching for it. If I hadn't, I would have caught it sooner.
I have him under more heat, and I won't reuse his bowl. It'll be thrown away as soon as he is better. I bleached the quarantine tub he was in and I washed all the other snakes' tubs as well, that were in the same rack. They all appear fine-no signs of RI in them.
Thankfully.
I think that may have been the case with this one. He got too cold during shipping and he got sick.
He was the only ball I've ever had that got a RI. NONE of my others have ever had one. It's hard seeing it, and I still can't beleive I stopped watching for it. If I hadn't, I would have caught it sooner.
I have him under more heat, and I won't reuse his bowl. It'll be thrown away as soon as he is better. I bleached the quarantine tub he was in and I washed all the other snakes' tubs as well, that were in the same rack. They all appear fine-no signs of RI in them.
reptilebaby
New member
I won't be reusing the tank he's in right now either. I hate to toss it, but that's what I have planned for it.
I have heard that Baytril is hard on their livers and that you can't feed when you are treating with it. Has anyone heard that? That had me worried.
I have heard that Baytril is hard on their livers and that you can't feed when you are treating with it. Has anyone heard that? That had me worried.
hhmoore
tired & cranky shadow
A hot spot of 92 isn't "really warm", nor is it sufficient to do much in the face of what sounds like advanced infection, IMO. The whole bump the temps up a couple degrees thing is overrated, at least the way it is typically presented....I don't like to detail my specific opinions, or my approach (for reasons I have stated in the past); but I will say that "cool side" temps should be brought up to warm.
Angie,
Baytril can be a dangerous drug, though for a long time it seemed to be the DOC for snakes. That seems to be changing. Baytril is nephrotoxic, so maintaining adequate hydration is important...and it can cause some nasty scars if the shots aren't properly placed (this can happen even when administered by experienced hands, because snakes are prone to twisting and flexing - which changes the position of the needle).
My personal feeling is that oral Baytril is highly stressful to many snakes - BPs included - because they aren't going to willingly take the pills, even in food, at the required intervals. They simply don't eat that frequently, especially when they are really sick. That means crushing the pill, and tubing it into the stomach (with extra fluid for hydration, so there is that benefit
)
Keep in mind that initiating ABX may affect sensitivity testing, but the vet would initiate treatment before the results are back anyway. Like any other antibiotic, Baytril will only be effective against bacteria which are sensitive to it, and if the dosing is appropriate to the condition. Underdosing, too much time between doses, and insufficient duration will have reduced effect...and can increase the likelihood of relapse of symptoms or resistance to that medication - which are reasons that many people tend to warn against self treatment.
There is no reason to toss the tank, or the bowl - a thorough cleaning and disinfection will be effective in most cases....however, if the snake does not respond to treatment, it will raise the question of whether those methods will be effective. Play it by ear, no need to make that call at this stage. (I'd recommend frequent cleaning and disinfection of the tank and bowl during treatment, btw)
Baytril hard on the liver? Absolutely. Can't feed while treating with it? Absolute crap.
Angie,
Baytril can be a dangerous drug, though for a long time it seemed to be the DOC for snakes. That seems to be changing. Baytril is nephrotoxic, so maintaining adequate hydration is important...and it can cause some nasty scars if the shots aren't properly placed (this can happen even when administered by experienced hands, because snakes are prone to twisting and flexing - which changes the position of the needle).
My personal feeling is that oral Baytril is highly stressful to many snakes - BPs included - because they aren't going to willingly take the pills, even in food, at the required intervals. They simply don't eat that frequently, especially when they are really sick. That means crushing the pill, and tubing it into the stomach (with extra fluid for hydration, so there is that benefit
) Keep in mind that initiating ABX may affect sensitivity testing, but the vet would initiate treatment before the results are back anyway. Like any other antibiotic, Baytril will only be effective against bacteria which are sensitive to it, and if the dosing is appropriate to the condition. Underdosing, too much time between doses, and insufficient duration will have reduced effect...and can increase the likelihood of relapse of symptoms or resistance to that medication - which are reasons that many people tend to warn against self treatment.
There is no reason to toss the tank, or the bowl - a thorough cleaning and disinfection will be effective in most cases....however, if the snake does not respond to treatment, it will raise the question of whether those methods will be effective. Play it by ear, no need to make that call at this stage. (I'd recommend frequent cleaning and disinfection of the tank and bowl during treatment, btw)
Baytril hard on the liver? Absolutely. Can't feed while treating with it? Absolute crap.
reptilebaby
New member
Thanks. I appreciate it. I hope the vet gives me something easier to give, and not as dangerous! I know the vet does like Baytril though.
I really don'y feel safe reusing the bowl. It's plastic, not metal or ceramic. Then I'll just give the tank a good sterilization once he is better and back in his rack.
I am rather a stickler for cleanliness. If I see a mess in a tub, it gets removed.
I really don'y feel safe reusing the bowl. It's plastic, not metal or ceramic. Then I'll just give the tank a good sterilization once he is better and back in his rack.
I am rather a stickler for cleanliness. If I see a mess in a tub, it gets removed.
reptilebaby
New member
*don't*
reptilebaby
New member
Think an every other day cleaning would work? I don't want to disturb him too much if I can help it.
Willow
O.o
Angie I do hope you are keeping a keen eye on his humidity as well...I keep seeing mention of increasing heat and the fact you moved him to a tank....tanks are very hard to maintain humidity (especially if your using a heat lamp, which I would NEVER suggest for a sick ball python since it drys out ALL moisture from the air around your snake)...and altho you don't want to have him sitting in anything to high since he is now sick, you also don't want to dry him out which tanks can do easily even when a snake is very healthy.
I have dealt with clicking in my ball pythons....this was a huge problem for me while I was trying to get my humidity perfect in my snake room (AZ sucks!!) I no longer have that issue since I have fixed my snake room to accommodate.
I have never had the clicking turn into full blown RI....but I do know my issues always came from lack of moisture in the air, which is a big thing when it comes to getting a ball python sick = /
cleaning his water bowl every day while he is sick is a good idea...his tank can be cleaned less so not to bug him to much, but make sure to stay on top of it as he shows signs of improvement.
which tanks can do easily even when a snake is very healthy. I have dealt with clicking in my ball pythons....this was a huge problem for me while I was trying to get my humidity perfect in my snake room (AZ sucks!!) I no longer have that issue since I have fixed my snake room to accommodate.
I have never had the clicking turn into full blown RI....but I do know my issues always came from lack of moisture in the air, which is a big thing when it comes to getting a ball python sick = /
cleaning his water bowl every day while he is sick is a good idea...his tank can be cleaned less so not to bug him to much, but make sure to stay on top of it as he shows signs of improvement.
HighVoltageRoyals
New member
Angie:
To avoid a thread turning into a sort of BOI thread with people asking particular questions about a seller or questioning any methods in general, I suggest leaving out all information having to do with transactions or trying to pin the sickness on the seller (you did this by claiming sickness upon receipt).
If you just wanted this thread to be about your snake's RI and get other people's opinions on whether or not your snake has a RI, all that was need was this:
"Hey guys, I was just wanting to get some opinions on my snakes. I think it has an RI but I'm not sure *List symptoms *Post pictures"
tl;dr if you didn't want your seller brought up, don't mention him at all or imply that he is responsible for the snakes initial illness.
Best of luck to you in getting him back to health. Just let us know how everything pans out!
To avoid a thread turning into a sort of BOI thread with people asking particular questions about a seller or questioning any methods in general, I suggest leaving out all information having to do with transactions or trying to pin the sickness on the seller (you did this by claiming sickness upon receipt).
If you just wanted this thread to be about your snake's RI and get other people's opinions on whether or not your snake has a RI, all that was need was this:
"Hey guys, I was just wanting to get some opinions on my snakes. I think it has an RI but I'm not sure *List symptoms *Post pictures"
tl;dr if you didn't want your seller brought up, don't mention him at all or imply that he is responsible for the snakes initial illness.
Best of luck to you in getting him back to health. Just let us know how everything pans out!