Star gazing is a symptom (and a term you don’t here too much anymore) not a dieses. Nowadays most people relate Star gazing with IBD right off the bat. It is not always true, Star gazing is simply a condition that causes a Boa to lift its head straight up as if it were, well, Star Gazing, Hence the name.
With IBD star Gazing is a neurological problem, were the disorder has proceeded to point of causing the snake to have limited if any control of its movements. This is also why IBD snakes will be found twisted and upside down, but still alive in a cage.
However Star Gazing can also be caused by other problems, not so dire, such as a URI (snake cold). A snake with congestion will raise its head to help drain so it can breath better, that will also come along with clogged nostrils, mucus bubbles from the mouth or nostrils and a wheezing sound when the snake breaths.
What ever the cause may be, it is always wise for a Vet visit when that type of symptom shows itself in a snake. If you have more then one snake, Isolate that snake, if this is your only snake, take it to the Vet and explain the symptom and if there is no sign of an URI, ask for a test for IBD.
I hope this helps some, Good Luck
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Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com

[ Hide Replies ]

• question about stargazing? - cee4, Tue Jun 7 20:07:44 2005
• RE: question about stargazing? - Hoppy, Tue Jun 7 21:49:16 2005
• Thanks for the info - cee4, Thu Jun 9 07:33:51 2005
• RE: Thanks for the info - joeysgreen, Thu Jun 9 11:18:45 2005