Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all, I need some help. I purchased a '08 bca on June 21. She lives in a rubbermaid container with a 60w bulb that keeps the warm side around 86 /- about 2 degrees. There are two large plants on suctioned to the side for cover, and a half-log hide. She fed for me on June 22 and June 29, both times immediately seizing the hopper mouse from the tongs. She then went into a shed cycle, and did not eat again for about 12 days. I have read bca neonates have a sensitive gi tract, so I made sure she passed stool after her first two feedings before the third.
After coming out of her shed, she didn't seem as aggressive to strike her prey. I left the pk hopper in her cage, and after about 20 minutes or so she gently ate it. After that feeding (Sun July 13) on Tuesday afternoon I found the first regurge. I had handled her for a very brief time when one of the plants fell down in her tank and put fresh water in the tank. After finding the regurge, I didn't attempt to feed her again until yesterday. To my relief she ate a small hopper after about 20 minutes, and I thought all was well. Around 30 minutes ago, I found the hopper regurged in her tank. She had been coiled under the light all day, and has not been touched since feeding. When I saw this, my heart just sank. Can someone please give me some advice? I've seen her drink and soak in her water dish, so I don't think she's dehydrated. She's not in a high-traffic area either, so she shouldn't be stressed by people, etc. I really would hate to lose this awesome little girl, so I'd greatly appreciate any help. Thank you.

I could go into an extremely long scenario for you, but I will make it quick and too the point.

Something, had to cause the regurge to begin with.

Chances are, it was dehydration from the start and lets hope that's the case.

The other reason, would be illness and I dare not give my opinions on Reptile illness and go through that mess again.

So, positive thinking.

She is probably dehydrated, wich is the usuall case with little ones.

You may have seen her in the water bowl and taking in water, but it will take a good while before she is able to get her water reserves up to par and her stomach, back in order.

At this point, you need to do two things.

Give her water directly down the mouth with a 1cc syringe.

You need to lube it up with cod liver oil or extra virgin olive oil and keep a very steady hand and have someone else hold the body while you very gently guide the syringe, just a little ways past were the neck and head join and slowly give the water.

She can take even as a youngster, about three cc of water.

Then four days later, give her the water or Plain Pedialyte again and same 3cc.

Then five to six days later, do it once more and she will bloom like a flower.

Now, NO FOOD during this REhydration period and no food from this day until 4 weeks at least have passed.

That is right, no food for 4 to 5 weeks.

Then, she should take a meal and wait until she defecates and give her another one several days later.

This ABSOLUTELY will take care of your problem, UNLESS there is a parasite or disease that is causing it and if she gurges again, after the regime that I gave you, chances are you will loose her.

Did this Boa have any problems when you bought it?.......John J

John, thank you so much for the reply. When I first got her, she looked great (still does) and she is from Bill Cagle reptiles. Can I go buy the syringe at a CVS type place? Lastly, I'm not too sure if I can find someone to help me with the feeding. Is it possible to do by myself? Also, should I soak her tonight? I've never kept boas before, only carpet pythons and a few Hondo milks, so thank you so much for the help. I truly appreciate it.

Oh, Boy. Got her from Billy Huh.

O.K. yes, you can probably get one at the pharmacy and do it on your own, but be very careful.....John J

John, thank you for your help I greatly appreciate it.

I'm not sure if KS has private messaging, so would you shoot me an email?

Hanan003@bama.ua.edu

Thank you again, Bo.

I'd recommend taking the animal to a qualified and experienced reptile vet immediately. Have the vet check for parasites in the feces and treat with whatever med the vet recommends.

I'd also quarantine the heck out of that animal.

John's advice is also very good.

Come back and post what you hear from the vet. Depending on what the vet prescribes, you may also want to administer some Nutribac to replenish the "good" intenstinal micro flora that some meds can kill.

There's also the possibility that what's wrong with the animal isn't hydration or parasites and may be not only irreversible, but also contagious.

Best of luck with that animal. You should always research who you buy from and if you haven't already, look into it now.
jb
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Jonathan Brady
*You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you.*

Thanks for all the help guys. At this time, I simply cannot afford the trip to the vet - the closest one is about 2 hours away, and with gas prices and my financial situation I just won't work.

Is there anywhere I can buy reptile meds online?

I should've done more research, but I picked up the snake at a show not really intending to get a boa - she just looked so nice I really wanted to get her. I talked to the broker for a while, felt good about him and the health of the snake. Guess that goes to show that looks can be deceiving.

This sucks and has me bummed out, but I really appreciate all of y'alls advice. Thanks again.

Bo

You really need to get it to a vet. Honestly I would be HOPING this animal has parasites as that is typically very fixable. For example, a common parasite is a one-celled organism known as coccidia (many species of it) and the ONLY drug that kills it is sulfadimethoxine and available ONLY by prescription. Not only can this parasite kill your snake, but certain species of coccidia can infect humans. As a vet tech I see people who cannot afford their animals every day and I tell them all the same thing even if it sounds harsh: if you can't afford the vet bill, you shouldn't have the animal as it just isn't fair to them.

Do you have any idea how much a vet bill would run? I'm not really in a great financial situation, but I'm going to try to get the funds together.

I've kept snakes for about 8 years now, and this is my first boa and first illness to deal with. My other snakes are at home, and this snake is with me at school so thankfully it hasn't been around the others.

Thanks again for the help guys.

I think we have found the problem.

I would make sure she is completely checked out by a vet that knows boas. Also - make sure she is quarantined.

Oh - when you do give her the first meal. Make it something hairless. I would have her first few meals be hairless.

not sure what others wrote but heres what ive done and have had good results, first down size the meal big time, like a fuzzy to a pinky, then coat it in probiotics powder and give your animal a 10 day break since the last regurge to re-attempt feeding, unfortunately you are going to have to forget growing this boa for a while and think maintenance. if this doesnt work you may need meds, and i would do a stool sample of any stool you can get out of it immediately after it drops.