Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, it seems that after much waiting, my sand boa is not pregnant like she had seemed and is full of slugs... If she was pregnant, they didnt get far, because the vet couldnt see anything but "masses" in her. Now, my question is this.. what do I do now? The Vet gave me oral calcium to give her, said it should stimulate muscle and make her push out the slugs.. What is the next step? He told me that If i bring her back to him to have surgery, the cost would be "significant". Is this something that is usually expelled on its own eventually? Anyone? ALl answers appreciated.

Sean

I had two females slug out this year(both youngfemales and males) I wouldn't worry too much about it, she'll most likely drop them on her own. Do you know how long she's been gravid? I may start to worry if she goes much past normal gestation (4to5months) In my expirience a boa that is full of slugs usually drops them early.
Slugs do seem to be much harder for a female to pass so I would keep a close eye on her.

Good luck, Steve P.
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Steve Perry,
North Idaho

Honestly, I on't know exactly when she was due, I would say sometime this month. I saw breeding activity in March, and actually SAW them in the act towards the middle / end of march. This is thier first time breeding, so maybe thats just the problem, lack of experience so to speak.

I would suspect that the male was the one who failed as she produced slugs. the female of mine that slugged out was a first year breeder and was put with a small first time male, he was very interested and I caught them hooked up several times, I just think he was shooting blanks. He will be ready to go next year though. I aquired a 6.8 of poss double hets a couple of years ago and every female (except the one who slugged out), has proven to be het albino and a couple have proven to be dbl het,,,,lots of fun. I'm sure you'll have better luck next year.
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Steve Perry,
North Idaho