Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok so I posted a message on the 24th...I THOUGHT that my female columbian was having babies (I assumed she was gravid because she was with a male for 2 months and she was getting girthy.I never witnessed ovulation) Well I am now convinced that she is constipated.She has had plenty of urates but has not deficated in about 2 months or so.She does have a prolapsed rectum as well but it's not as bad now as it was on the 24th.I know that a prolapsed rectum is serious but I need to get the constipation fixed first.What do any of you guys suggest? Soaking her in warm water a couple times a day? Let her go outside and move around?Right now taking her to the vet is not really an option for me financially.I have read online that you can TRY to fix the prolase yourself,like getting gauze and surgical tape and wrapping it,or simply use a band-aid to try and fix it yourself.I just need some suggestions and opinions they would be greatly appreciated.On top of it all I still believe that she is gravid.I know this is not a good situation.Thank you all.
-Rachael

You need to get to a good Herp Vet.
The prolapse is either a result or reason.
Have you soaked your Boa in warm water?
Soak in warm water and call a Herp Vet.

. . . Lar M
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Boas By Klevitz
Boas By Klevitz

You definitely need to see a vet. If she prolapsed days ago, then I would think that it's too late to fix her, as the exposed prolapse would dry up and not function any longer. If by chance it is not too late, a vet can give her an enema, and then stitch her up.

BTW -- if you can't take your Boas to the vet at any given time , then you should re-consider owning them . And you should definitely not be breeding them . You are going to be having much more costs for awhile when (if) the babies show up - with extra tubs, feedings, heat sources. . . etc. These are live animals, and deserve to have proper care.
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Snake room janitor

She could also be egg bound. If she is gravid, and has a high percentage of slugs, she will most like try to go early, they seem to do that. She could have slugs she's trying to expel, but can't, or she could be constipated, or it could be something completely different. You really need a good qualified herp vet involved. All we are doing is speculating, they can make a determination and treat. If there is a prolapse ivolved, it is even more urgent that you seek qualified medical advice. Good luck.

Mark
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uncommonboa.com

I came on here to get advice on what I could do for her I did not come on here to ger rude comments such as "you need to reconsider owning boas." First of all I have owned Boas and Pythons for over 13 years and NEVER had anything like this happen.Due to just buying a house and other certain financial problems I cannot take her to the vet.Before anyone goes and assumes that I am an ignorant and careless pet owner they really need to get their facts straight.You can't tell me that you have never once been in a financial bind.I am not being rude or nasty here don't get me wrong.Just don't go JUMPING to conclusions about me or my snakes.Thanks -Rachael

No conclusion jumping here. Just facts there are no house hold remedies for a Boa with a prolapse or other serious problems.
You must try to work out payment plan etc.. but please get the Boa some help.
With a serious problem,She won't get better only worse.
. . . Lar M
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Boas By Klevitz
Boas By Klevitz

No I wasn't talking to you,that was for the other fellow.I will talk with the Vet more to see what we can work out...in my area I know of only one Herp Vet but I doubt they're open on Sundays.I do appreciate everyones input and advice because I know you all have been doing this a long time so you must know a thing or two I do not however appreciate someone insinuating that I am a bad Herp mom just because of the situation I am in.All of my snakes are spolied brats and I love them very much.I will NOT sit back and watch this snake die.And I wasn't aware that snakes were living things...thanks for clearing that up for me.Must be nice to be perfect.Thanks to all -Rachael

There's not really a home remedy for a prolapse rectum. Sometimes it requires surgery to fix it.

The best thing to do, for now, would be to keep the area moist. Make sure the tissue hasn't dried out and hope for the best.

You "could" try to gently push it back in, "if" the tissue hasn't died. You'd need to lubricate it first, but I have no idea if that would work. If it's still pink and appears to be vialble tissue, then there's a slight chance that pushing it back in will help. If the tissue has darkened.... Then it might be too late. BTW it dosesn't have to be "black" for the tissue to be dead. It could be a darker shade of pink or reddish.

If you can post a picture, maybe one of the forum members could tell you if the tissue "looks" like it's still alive.

Since you can't afford to take her to a vet..... That's about all you can do for now.

What makes you think she's constipated?? When was her last meal? When did she last deficate? Are you sure it's her rectum and not her uterus??

BTW a "less expensive" alternative might be avaliable, "if" you have a Veterinary College near you. They charge considerably less, than the average Vet, and they do very good work.

I had a Leopard Gecko with a prolapsed hemipene. I was only charged for the meds and anastesia. The total cost was 108 dollars. My Gecko is still doing fine and it's been over a year, since his surgery.

I have her on damp paper towels right now.The tissue is light pink and dark pink. I am not 100% sure she's constipated,but I'm pretty sure.I have been talking with several different people about this and they all say the same thing...she's constipated.Last time she ate was on Jan 27 and last time she pooped was about 2 months ago.She has had plenty of urates,just no real defacation in about 2 months.I soak her everyday for about an hour in warm water hoping that would stimulate her to do...something...but nothing so far.I just moved about 2 weeks ago and I cannot find my camera but I'm trying to find it and when I do I will post pictures of her prolapse.Thanks -Rachael

Here's a video of a Ball Python with a prolapse rectum. I found it on youtube. If this is what your boa looks like, then that's what it could be. Of course, if she's pregnant, it could also be her uterus that's coming out. She could be bound up with slugs and/or babies. If she is, then she may have pushed out her uterus. If you google, "prolapse rectum" boa, you might find some good info that could help.

I've never seen a prolapsed rectum or uterus, so I don't know what it would look like in a boa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqHzEYzXEuA