Pneumonia problem

[Stella the BTS]

Hi all,

recently, my BTS was diagnosed with pneumonia, and as veterinarians over here are not educated to handle with reptiles, there hasn't been a good advice that could help her. Her vet told me to give her Ceftriaxone on a daily basis for 1 week, but it's been a week now and I can not see any progress. We dont even know if it's fungal or bacterial. what shall I do?

[Karen]

I had my own dealings with pneumonia when I got my rescue skink and it took a long time for her to recover from it. I was giving her a daily oral medication and injection every three days for a month. It might be worth emailing a vet that has more reptile experience and seeing if they might be willing to get in contact with your vet to give recommendations as to other medications and treatments.

[Stella the BTS]

Do you know any good vet whom I can contact?

[Kbell31]

Im sorry to hear this, I wish I could help you but I am not familiar with pneumonia treatments - wish you the best!

[Karen]

http://www.arav.org/ECOMARAV/timssnet/c ... ntpage.cfm - This is the first site I would go to since it lists only accredited reptile vets. You can do a search under member directory.

http://www.herpvetconnection.com/ - This is more a vet review site where people write about experiences with various vets.

http://exoticbirdhospital.com/ - This is the vet I took Sylvia to, and she was seen by Dr. Annie Massey.

I hope these sites might let you find some help.

[Katrina]

Have you talked to your vet about this? I would consult your vet and see if they advise a different treatment. I don't know of any vets in your area, so working with that one or else calling around to different ones in your area is your best bet. You will need someone local to prescribe any medications. Good luck!

What were the symptoms?

[Stella the BTS]

Thank you all for your replies.
I noticed it when her breathing became so noticeable. Since I gave her the shots, the heavy breathing is nearly gone but she has still little problem in her breathing. I think I should contact the vet again.

[Katrina]

They aren't the quietest breathers. If it is a slight whistle it is probably completely normal. If there is bubbling / crackling / wheezing - as if there is fluid in the lungs that air is passing through, then it is an issue. But a whistle or slight wheeze is completely normal, many of mine have this. If you're unsure then definitely talk to your vet again.

[Stella the BTS]

Hopefully, there are no bubbles. I called the vet, and he told me to keep on giving shots for another 4 days, then we should get another X ray to see the progress.