I hate to bring bad news in this season of new life but I think it is important to inform the boa community when things don't go well so maybe something can be learned from it.



I was doing my usual Saturday morning cleaning when I noticed one of my gravid females was restless. The activity increased until she seemed frantic. I was concerned because she was at 86 days POS and I was fearful of a premature birthing. I continued cleaning and handling other animals while keeping an eye on Marquita. She seemed to settle a bit so I went to the other side of the room. Soon I heard thrashing noises. She was having violent seizures. This hit especially close to home as I have witnessed my wife have seizures. It is something you never forget.



Marquita's episodes lasted for about 5 minutes and then she was still with her mouth ajar. I first believed that I should wait it out and that she would come out of the seizure as is common in humans. I observed carefully for signs of life but I became convinced that she had passed. My attention turned to the possibility of saving the babies. I had no experimence with premature baby boas and I didn't know if they could survive when born 19 days early. I opened Marquita and found 9 babies and 6 unfertilized eggs. The babies never took a breath. I observed nothing that would clearly indicate a cause of death. This is disheartening but I clearly understood that tragedy was possible when undertaking breeding trials. I think people new to the hobby should understand these risks as well.



What can be learned?

1. I would like to know if any other hobbyists have experience with boas suffering from seizures. Do we know of any causes? Do boas normally die after seizing?

2. Are there hobbyists that have experience with premature babies? Can we establish a timeline whereby survival is likely?



I do have photos but please use your judgement. These are not the type of photos that are usually shared here but I think they can be educational for some hobbyists. I chose not to include them directly in the this post. You must use the link if you decide to see them.



Good fortune to all those still awaiting babies. Appreciate the live, healthy ones. They have beaten the odds to make it that far.



Peace, gray




Caution, unsettling photos

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