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Major dilemma, need advice

the2ndrunner Apr 02, 2006 10:05 AM

Well one of my boas was showing some very strange signs (like movement problems, and stargazing) The movement problems were there since I got her but the stargazing just started up. So I took her to the vet and the vet said he had never seen anything like it and it could be a neurological disease. She got worse as time went on, so I contacted the breeder and he was very very nice about it and offered to take her back.

Well now all 3 of my other boas are now showing the exact same signs. I also have a rat snake but she seems fine. Maybe it is a boa exclusive disease. I don't know what to do. They are just going to get progressivly worse. I was thinking I may have to put them down. Then it would be necessary to completely disinfect all of the cages and then get one new boa at a time, quaretining each one. I really don't want to see them getting worse and worse each month. Any opinions?
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1.0 Columbian (BCI)
0.1 Suriname (BCC)
0.1 Longicauda (BCL)
0.1 Bolivian (BCA)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat Snake

Replies (4)

vcaruso15 Apr 02, 2006 11:07 AM

That is a tough decision to make. I think you have to rate it on there quality of life. If you feel that they are in constant pain and unhappy you may have to make the tough decision and put them down. When you are ready to start rebuilding your collection I would recommend you throw away all the cages and accessories and start fresh!!! I know this may involve a large expense but I would rather be safe than sorry.

pythonis Apr 02, 2006 07:06 PM

as far as the snakes go im not sure. they are still alive so dont give up hope. just because one person doesnt know what it is that doesnt mean nobody else does. take it to a vet and if you have already take it to another vet. if you end up having to put down one or more snakes then get a necropsy done on the main one (if it ends up passing)or one of the deceased.

Also, im not sure if throwing away everything is realistic. cautious yes but I wouldnt be so quick to dismiss the abilities of a little bit of bleach and water.
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1.1.0 Colombian Redtail Boas (normals)
2.1.0 Sumatran Blood Pythons (normals)
1.0 Black Blood Python (normal)
1.0 Dumeril's Boa (normal)
0.1 Coastal Carpet Python (normal)
0.1 Jungle Carpet Python (normal)
0.1 Surinam Redtail Boa (normal)

the2ndrunner Apr 02, 2006 09:34 PM

Maybe I am jumping the gun here. They do act normal besides the occasional star gazing and movement. Defication, tongue flicking, and eating are normal.
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1.0 Columbian (BCI)
0.1 Suriname (BCC)
0.1 Longicauda (BCL)
0.1 Bolivian (BCA)
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat Snake

TheBigDrewbowski Apr 04, 2006 08:34 PM

it sounds like inclusion body disease. Check out you-know-who's description at http://www.anapsid.org/ibd.html

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