Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I purchased a bcc(I believe) at a show yesterday that was imported from suriname about 6 weeks ago. I have never owned anything but cbb animals before, and was wondering if anyone had any advice as to anything that should be done or things to watch out for. He has a great temperment, and seems to be in very good health, no mites, though i treated him and quarintined him none the less, and one small wound almost healed, (most likley from a tick I would think,) just behind the head. Seemed like a risk, but for the price, and as beautiful a snake as he is, (his sides almost glow purple I couldn't pass him up...
I haven't measured him, but he is around 36 inces or so, I would guess maybe 2 years old.

Any help would be apprciated.

Thanks

Many people run a course of Flagyl and Panacur to eliminate the possibility/probability of internal parasites commonly found in imported boas. These drugs are used orally and are generally easy on the snake too. If the snake seems healthy it may always be, but if you have a collection and plan to move your new snake into the snake room one day then it will be worth it atleast for the peace of mind. Congratulations on the new pick up by the way! any pics?

When I bought him, he said he had already treated him for internal parasites, & for mites, (which i did lightly again...)

No pics yet, I will put a few up, i also wanted to get some opinions on what local he may really be, I am far from an expert. In theory hes a surinam, but I am not so sure. Ill try and get some good pics this weekend.

Thanks.

If it aint' broke, don't fix it. If you have a problem, treat it strategically, not with general/broad spectrum Anti-Biotics or De-wormers. They will naturally cycle out large concentrations of Parasites. Proper husbandry is what you need to be pro-active about health, not these "Wonder" Wormers that everyone touts. 95% of my BCC are Imports, with 90% of that number being with me the first day they landed. If they are healthy when they come in, acclimation should be a smooth, problem free process.
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South Central Herpetological

I agree. A healthy import with no symptoms does not require treatment. However, if you want to be on the safe side, collect a stool sample and take it to a qualified reptile vet for analysis. I can't stress the "qualified" too much.
Unnecessary and botched treatments can do much more harm than good.
Don't love 'em to death. There's a lot of that going around these days. Probably more an economic issue. Somebody's making money. Just my cynical nature.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Well, thats what I was thinking, just wanted to ask. Just good, simple husbandry and care. There is a good reptile vet in the area, i will take a stool sample by there after his next meal.

Thanks for the help guys...

I have several WC in my collection. All were supposedly treated before they arrived. Before I even think about putting them with another Boa they will have stool samples checked and get treatment even if they seem healthy. Under stress of breeding a boa that appears fine can develop issues related to the parasites.
This is just my opinion. I know thoughts around treating animals range from periodic regardless (please make sure the dosage is not too much) to if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. All approaches have their advantages and disadvantages.

Take care,

Kevin

In the course of my life I have imported tens of thousands of Surinames and I found it is much better NOT to treat them period unless they are sick. If you understand how to keep them they are among the easiest of W.C. herps to acclimate. Over a 10 year period I even had a Vet. on staff and we did it both ways. I AGREE "IF ITS NOT BROKE DON'T FIX IT".....TC