Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was given 2.2 Costa Rican boas to repair(free of charge)that all demonstrated Neuralgic problems. They all have good weight and are hydrated and look healthy on first observation. They all, when held by the tails and turned upside down, have a hard time righting themselves. They flail around slowly and can't seem to right themselves, their heads wander upside down.They also had no tongue movement or response.They also had mild Stomatitus.They move well on flat surfaces. I was concerned that they had either, Toxicity exposure(Vapona strips,paint etc.)or a Viral brain infection or Worse. I did a Fecal smear and floatation. In all four CR boas samples I found Tape worm and other internal parasite loads.I also found unidentified(by me anyways) bacterial infestation.
The treatment I used on all was Parasite irradification drugs. Fenbendazole 60mg/kg..Metronidazole 50mg/kg..Droncit 2.5mg/kg which I was able to administer by Rat(meds in small Rat they ate). The next day I noticed slight improvement in all. I then administered Enrofloxacin(Baytryl)10ml/kg IM initial load dose and wide range Vitamin supplements(B mostly) The next day the condition was greatly improved in all the snakes. Three of the snakes were coordinated when turned upside down and were flicking their tongues. There is one male that is not improved in it's head coordination when upside down. ..QUESTIONS..1-Is it possible that the damage to his nervous system is unrepairable and/or that this was a condition that will improve with time ? 2-Has anyone encountered these symptoms before.? 3-Is there something more I can do or have not done..or done wrong.
PS..I am just a avid snaker and not a Veterinarian/Tech.
All the Costa Ricans are isolated and all precautions were/are taken to non-contamination exposure to my collection

It's really difficult to say. There are a bunch of things that can cause neurological symptoms, including IBD. If IBD were the culprit, I would not expect to see improvement from your course of treatment (or any other for that matter). I guess time will tell. I would continue what you are doing, but be careful with the Enrofloxacin. It is a harsh drug and frequently causes sterile necrosis at the injection site. What was the specific reason for choosing Baytril? If you were going after Gram- rods, there are a few other drugs that are not quite as harsh and work as well, such as Amikacin sulfate and Ceftazadime.

I'd keep up supportive therapy and finish the treatments for internal parasites, and maybe re-evaluate the Baytril. In my experience, a stomach tube is a better way to deliver the meds you are using, as opposed to putting them in food items. Absorption will be better.

I only have Baytril but I dilute it 5to1 for that reason. I will not be able to get any Fortaz or Amikacin for two weeks. I also was worried about IBD but there would be some symtoms such as weight loss, anorexia and such long before neurologic symptoms show themselves(I would imagine). The snakes all show maked improvment all but one. I might add that they show no uncoordination on a level surface. Only when held vertically.This also could be a stress response..what do you think?