EverythingReptile.org
  • Everything Reptile Home
  • About Us
  • First Annual Keeper's Award Contest Page
  • Interviews
    • The Frilled Dragon Speaks - Interview with Candice Yaacobi
    • Rattlesnake Roundup - Interview with John F. Taylor
    • Adenovirus Interview: Tracie Kretzschmar
    • The Adventure Gecko Does Hamm - Interview with Lauren Phillips
  • Reptile Care
  • The Right Supplies
    • Basking Heat Bulbs
    • Ceramic Heat Emitters
    • Dimmers & Thermostats
    • Infrared Heat Lights
    • Thermometers, Temp Guns & Hygrometers
    • Under Tank Heaters
    • Timers
    • UVB bulbs
  • Understanding UV Lighting
    • UVB bulbs
  • DIY Section
    • Enclosures, vivariums and tanks
  • Proper Diet
    • Feeder Pics and Information
  • Supplements
  • Feeder Companies
  • Rescue Spotlights & Links to Rescue Organizations
    • Rescue Spotlight - North Bay Tegu and Monitor Rescue
    • Rescue Spotlight - Friends of Scales Reptile Rescue
  • Reptile Breeders
  • Reptile Vets
  • Diseases
    • Reptile Physiology & Herpetology
  • Parasites
  • Medication
  • Imaging, Procedures, Surgery
  • First Aid and Home Remedies
  • Quarantine & Disinfecting
    • Quarantine Guide
    • Tank Cleaning and Disinfecting
    • Chlorhexidine Gluconate 4%
  • Escaped Reptiles
  • Reptiles in the News
  • Everything Reptile Blog
  • Kid's Page
  • Contact Us
Follow Everything Reptile!
Respiratory infections are caused by a variety of microorganisms. Poor husbandry and dirty environment can contribute to the reptile not being in healthy condition and unable to fight opportunistic infections. Of course quarantine the reptile with a respiratory infection.


SIGNS   OF    RESPIRATORY    INFECTION

  If your reptile exhibits these signs it can indicate a respiratory infection. 

   *Mucus noted in the mouth and nose.
   *Popping, crackling, wheezing, whistling, gurgling or coughing. 
   *Open mouthed breathing other than in the basking area.
   *Labored breathing.
   *Lethargy.
   *Poor or no appetite.

   

TREATMENT

If respiratory infection is suspected a vet assessment is necessary as the reptile will need a course of antibiotic. These can be given orally, by injection or inhalation. 
Proper husbandry is essential to recovery. Provide the required heat, UVB light if indicated, and proper diet, This will help your reptile's over all health. Elevating temperatures in the reptile environment is sometimes advised for the immune system to work at optimum.  Postural  positioning at night to help raise mucus can be of benefit. ***


***Cilia are similar to minute hairs in the lungs of mammals. These cilia function in a wave action inside the lungs sweeping debris and mucus up toward the top of the lungs where mammals can cough to help move the material out. .Reptiles do not have this cilia to help move the mucus consequentially mucus from respiratory infections settle and make a respiratory infection in reptiles especially difficult .  The following photos show how simple it is to provide postural position for your reptile with a respiratory infection. This positioning can help drain the mucus toward the top of the lungs.
It is quite simple. You will need a surface for your reptile to sleep on, a folded towel or some other material to elevate one end, and something comfortable to lay on. 

Picture
This is simply a folded bath towel with the cover from a plastic shoe box elevated on one end. But you can improvise.
Picture
 This shows fleece to lay on. Hand towels are another good choice. Be sure to tuck the material under the elevated end. This will stop your reptile from sliding down.
Picture
After the reptile is asleep it is easy to place him or her in the head downward position. This will gravity assist in draining the lungs. In the morning you may see more mucus in the mouth. This is to be expected.


How to Make a Home Nebulizer. This can be very useful especially during RI's.
Picture

Prevention 

The common advice of providing proper husbandry can't be stressed enough. A clean environment with required temperatures, UVB if indicated and proper diet. With out this support the reptile becomes stressed, the immune system is unable to function well and the opportunistic microorganism develops into an infection their body is unable to fight 



The information presented here and much more can be found at the following links
Picture
Respiratory Tract Infections in Reptiles
Picture
Chameleon Respiratory Infections Treatment Debate, article about using Baytril in the treatment of RI in Chameleons.
Picture
Respiratory Infection in Reptiles