hi i just recieved from a friend who could no longer care for a female 9ft redtail boa.not sure of wieght but guess aprox 60-70lbs.her upper lip drifts off to the side so the mouth is not lined up.she has a slight nasal discharge but none from the mouth.her gums are also inflamed.her breathing is not labored at all but i think its a resperatory infection.i have her at 85degrees to warm her up.i did not provide h20 yet.i have not owned a snake in 10 years so i need some pionters.i remember baytril was good for this before but i have no access now.all help is appreciated.thanks in advance.
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
help sick boa
lovemoney
Jul 10, 2006 06:27 PM
Replies (2)
Riobravoreptiles
Jul 10, 2006 08:27 PM
That sounds like a big boa.
.
Here's the deal.. it's practically impossible to diagnose and treat a Boa online and I don't blame anybody for not wanting to jump in and offer advice.
.
In my opinion you shouldn't medicate the Boa unless you take it to a veterinarian and a specific bacterial contagion is identified. In the meantime I would make sure the animal had access to a hot-spot (substrate heat is best) of 95 (f) and of course a large enough enclosure that it can escape that heat and seek the temperature it wants. Contrary to what you may have heard it is my belief that water and humidity should NOT be kept form Boas with possible respiratory infections or distress, so I suggest you do give the boa water.
.
If the symptoms persist or get worse take the boa to a qualified veterinarian.
.
That's my advice.
-----
Gus
A. Rentfro
RioBravoReptiles.com
www.riobravoreptiles.com
"Quality is not an accident. Perfectly healthy animals are a minimum requirement.. everything else is just salesmanship" gus
joeysgreen
Jul 10, 2006 09:05 PM
The nasal cavity and oral cavity are all the same in snakes because they lack a hard and soft palate. The nares just lead directly into the grooves on the roof of the mouth.
This definately isn't the sickest snake mentioned in this forum, but don't let that stop you from taking it to the vet to seek treatment before it gets worse.
The above post gave you all the pointers for what's necessary while you wait for your appointment 
Ian
