Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Could someone list the symptoms and possible cures?

One of my columbian boas seems a little disorientated. I got her a few days ago and it seems that her muscle tone is very bad, her back half seems swollen like she has to poop and she lifts her head up and bobs it back and forth kinda like she is drunk.

She does still have a good apetite and I don't think its IBD.

I have been keeping boas and other types of snakes for many years now and I believe my husbandry practices are good.

She is kept in a shoebox rubbermaid (she is a neonate) with a hotspot of 89-90 and a cool side of about 80. She has a water bowl and a small hide.

Thanks for the help.
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Erik Melander
All Eyes On You Web Media Productions
erik@alleyesonyou.ca
www.alleyesonyou.ca

I had an animal come down with identical symptoms as what you've described. I've had her since last summer and never had a problem until about a month ago. I noticed the head wagging side to side motion and less activity and overall coordination as well as the swollen body. I took her to the vets and he treated her twice over two different sessions with flagyl after doing a fecal exam. She's improved but still isn't there 100% yet. She hasn't pooped out the second dose yet. She's fed fine ever since the first visit to the vet. Both visits cost me a total of about $53 with the medication included.

I am definitly going to take her to the vet as soon as I get the time. I also noticed she doesn't have a very good grip when I am holding her, which is very different the from tight grip I get from my other snakes.

Did your boa have a weak grip?
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Erik Melander
All Eyes On You Web Media Productions
erik@alleyesonyou.ca
www.alleyesonyou.ca