Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Although I have not read about it anywhere, I have encountered many female BCI's with what appear to be impacted scent glands. These often appear to be large hemipenal bulges, but when expressed they spray a very noxious black/silvery substance about the color and consistency of JB weld epoxy resin. While I have manually expressed these on several snakes in which it generally did not recur, I am curious as to the cause of this and if there is any particular health risk resulting from this "impaction". A few snakes seemed very uncomfortable from the degree of swelling they had experienced with the scent glands. Again, I have never read about this in any book or literature, so I would like your input.

nate.

This is a problem with some boas, much like dogs that have anal gland issues. Quite often if the contents gets too thick or if an infection develops surgical flushing of the glands is necessary. The contents should be fluid so if it's coming out thick it's been in there a while.

That's sort of what I figured. Are there any husbandry issues that either cause this or could prevent it, or, like dogs, does it just happen to some of them?

thanks,
nate.

Great post Nate...that is the info that I wish was shared more regularly on all forums...I had a female some years ago that also had the same condition...no one knew the answers except 2 people that I know personally...I was very glad for that! .It is just as you and the other poster surmised ...a full scent gland...squezed out between finger and thumb and your animal will be fine... I think it happens more frequently on older less active females...more of an age factor than a husbandry factor.
Andy Federico
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