Just wanting to share the possibility of some good news. Afew months back I purchase a male Arabesque het Albino. Beautiful snake! I had the intention of pairing him with a huge female Arabesque het Albino that i already had. they were together for most of that time. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that he was behaving very stangely. He was just all over the place. Couldn't control his head, couldn't right himself, and seemed to have no control of movement at all. Immediately I thought IBD! And with the help of THE Boa Constrictor Manual, i thought so even more.
I made the first possible appointment with a local "herp" vet. He gave me the basic rundown about IBD, and reiterated that these symptoms could have other causes. Long story short: He has been on antibiotics for 2 1/2 weeks, and seems to be getting better. He is able to right himself, feels like he has his strength back, is drinking and the "drunkenness" has lessened considerably. So I'm crossing my fingers!
I've actually learned a lot from this experience. I've decided to change some of my boa keeping behavior. (like anyone cares-LOL)
1. Have every new boa checked by the vet. Just a basic checkup. for $100, it's worth it.
2. Quarantine every new boa for a reasonable time
3. Regardless of how long the day has been (work, kids, etc)spend time in the snake room every day. Make sure all looks well.
well, thanks for a place to spout off. (Wife's not always interested in hearing about it)
Take care all. Boogman
