Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everyone,

Ok...I bought a boa the other day and she was shipped to me yesterday. When I opened the box, I noticed a lump on one side of her body on her right side between the 5th and 6th saddle. I have never seen that before. Has anyone else?

She was born at the end of April so she's a just a little squirt. She did not appear to have a lump in the ads (She was posted on KS). I sent them the same pictures. The person that I bought her from has no idea what it is. I'm talking with him to determine what we should do.

She has not eaten in about 11 days, so it's not a food lump. It is soft but not mushy. I can apply light pressure but do not leave a "dent" in it. Yesterday the boa appeared not to care if I touched it...today she was a little touchy. I don't want to stress her out more but picking her up but I am concerned as to her health.

My thought is that maybe she broke a rib or two in shipping...take a look.
Link

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Link

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1.1 Hypo Columbian Boas
0.1 Ghost Colombian Boa "Luna"
1.0 Albino Colombian Boa "Butters"
2.1 Normal (until proven otherwise) Colombian Boas "Mars" "Freek" & "Ugg Lee"
1.1 Hypo Nicaraguan Boas "Splotch" & "Baby"
1.0 100% Het T Nicaraguan Boa "Mr.T"
0.1 Anery Nicaraguan Boa "Pepper"
1.0 Reverse Stripe Nicaraguan Boa "Johnson"
0.1 Normal Nicaraguan Boa
1.0 Bluefield's NI Boa "Shadow"
0.1 Roatan Island HO Boa "Ember"
0.1 Poss. Super Hypo Hog Island Boa "Pumpkin"
1.0 Costa Rican Boa
1.0 Corn Island Boa
1.0 Panamanian Boa "Jack"
0.1 Caulker Cay Boa
0.1 Sears Hog Island Boa "Oink"

It does look to me like a possible shipping injury. How was it packaged? You'll have to work it out with your seller how to proceed (guarantee etc.), I would think a vet visit would be required.
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
10.22 BRB
10.15 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

Hi Dave,

She was shipped cardboard box with crumpled paper around a cloth snake bag with strips of newspaper in the bag. So basically like any other snake that I've recieved. I've been keeping her under supervision to see if the lump changes in size or moves down the body. So far no change in 24 hours.

Amie

OK, does it feel "solid"? Does it feel like it's broken ribs? Does she have a reaction when you touch it, like she's in pain? Does it feel "soft" like it could be fulid filled? Gently feel the area and see if it has a "pulsing" feel to it. Do you have any pictures of the snake "before" you got her.

OK it it feels "solid" it could be a tumor. If it's broken ribs you will actaully be able to feel the bones. If she has a "pain reaction", she's in pain and needs to see the vet. If it has a "fluid filled" feel to it should could have fluid build up. This build up "could" be blood or body fluids. The lump seems to be in the general area of her heart. If you feel like it's pulsating in the area take her to the vet NOW!

This lump "could" be a tumor, fluid build up, broken ribs, enlarged heart, obstruction, or ???? it could be something I haven't mentioned. Only a vet can tell you for sure.

No matter what's wrong with her she needs to see a vet. Don't offer her food just in case it's an obstruction.

Could still be an injury, but if it's broken ribs it is many of them. a single broken rib would be a very small bump compared to your pics. There could be swelling tho. Did it get bigger from the time you opened the box? Regardless you need to get that boa to a vet or return it to the seller. They should pay for the vet bill if you keep the boa or take it back. Personally it sounds cold but I would return the boa, unless it is a very special one of a kind.

Sorry to hear about your new boa.
Caden

this is the case with your new baby. If I was in your position, I would call the person you got her from and work something out. I would also NOT WAIT to take to the Vet. To maybe have X-rays and find out what it is.
Hope she is OK. and wish you the best.
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Joel Pretz
JP Reptiles