Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a Surinam boa from someone and when it arrived, I noticed that its chest is concave. Now when I say concave, I mean that it seems as though it is sucking an area in. The area starts about 3/4 of a foot down her and she is a total of 7 foot.

It seems to me that she is mouth breathing a little as she is a loud breather and doesnt seem to breathe when her tounge is out like my other boas.

Has anyone ever heard of this and what is it? Please help me out here, I want to help her, but I think that it may be best to return her and let the seller deal with it.

I think you have answered your own questions..

If after looking at a boa you just purchased you have serious concerns about it's health you should work it out with the seller right away.

As for the condition itself.. I have seen the concavity in adult females that have recently given birth, but not usually so far forward on the body as you describe, and along with the breathing concerns could well mean you have a sick snake.

Gus

I was once given a boa with a similar concavity. As near as I could figure it out, it was from a chronic respiratory problem. I'd advise getting your money back, if possible.

Paul Hollander

Doctor Mader did an article on emaciated snakes and had a very dramatic picture of one that had it’s entire underbelly area concaved from starvation. It was an imported BCC in the picture, probably what you have just received. Unless any of this condition was part of the deal I would return the snake ASAP, not only is it more then likely a URI (chronic) but also may be a serious parasite load that is too far gone to treat. Return the snake (I doubt it will survive the return shipping trip, but explain that to the seller and see if he still wants you to return her or try and fix her up at his cost, or he returns your money and you do what you think you can to help the poor animal)
But regardless return the snake, get you money back (I hope you already had isolated the animal, but if not) isolate the snake and remove that dealer from your “will do business with again” Even if he makes the sale right and returns that money, there is never any reason to send such a sick animal out.
Good Luck
-----
Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com

Thank you Hoppy, I did take this as part of the condition and dont believe it to be parasite related or URI as I actually have a vets opinion on this matter now, however the vet I have spoken to could do no more than a stool sample and minor checkup. I am going to keep a watch on her and see where we go from here.

I spoke to the individual at lengths about her and he says that she has a perfect eating shedding record in spite of herself. I even have documentation to attest to this.

I am moreover wondering if there isnt something else that caused this. I have recently noticed that the breathing issue is when she knows I am close. Seems she either senses the vibration of me coming in or sees me somehow before I am seeing her. Anyway, I will be taking her to the "reptile" vet here in town and see if he can help me out. She is an amazingly beautiful redtail and for being a true redtail at the price I paid, I think I can spend a lot on her and still come out ahead. Hopefully not in vain though.

Thanks again all who have answered me and if you all know or think of anything else, please reply to this message so I can read your responses as I will be notified from this one.

Jerry