I recently purchased a six-month old albino boa (B.c.imperator) from a well known breeder.
Shortly after arrival it had a very soft stool. A week later after eating it had another very soft stool from which a sample was given to my vet. A fecal showed no parasites, but a lab culture tested positive for abundant growth of Escherichia Coli and light growths of Enterobacter species and of Salmonella species.
My vet feels this is a serious problem and showed be treated by medication. The test results were sent to the breeder and his vet felt this a normal reaction to an animal subjected to the stress of shipping and doesn't require treatment.
Both Vets are experienced in the treatment of reptiles.
As anyone had a similiar experience to this? The animal appears outwardly fine and has no problem eating. It recently had a third stool, which was still soft, but not as bad.
I'm caught in the middle of not knowing if I should keep it or sent it back. I'm concerned regarding sending it back as if something happens to it during shipment, the breeder could easily blame me.
