Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my boa has a fairly bad RI, we got her to the vet a few days ago and shes on meds for it, but this am when i took her out for her shot she had a little blood in her mouth by the right (her right) fang. is this just something likely caused by her RI? or maybe even an accidental self-inflicted bite? should i be worried? i would have just called my vet for these little questions, but not only are they out on wed, but according to the letter i got in the mail just a few minutes ago, shes (argh!) now gone permentally (i'd heard mention of some family deaths or illnesses or something like that awile ago, so im assuming its related to that) and they wont have a replacement for a couple weeks.

Its not caused as a result of eating, shes refused food for a couple weeks now, and im sure its related to the RI and so havnt even bothered offering her food for the past two weeks, i plan to resume normal feeding about a week after she finishes the medication. maybe i can persuade myself to feed her some poor, cute, innocent little bunny rabbit by then too.

I honestly dont know the exact temps in her cage, but its about 95 on the far end, the heat pad is hot, but not burning to the touch, and it gets down to about 75-80 on the far end. shes in an 80 gal tank, aspen substrate, a (treated) climbing log, the heat mat is set on the backside of the tank going from top to bottom, all the way flush against the right wall, i dont have it underneath to prevent cracking, as this is a temporary home for her and the dempseys would like their fish tank back usable when i finally discover my inner builder and make a cage that doesnt fall apart before its even finished.
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1.3 Dogs (max, tasha, kaya, screw)
1.0 Ghost Corn (Ghost Faced Killa)
1.0 Ball python
0.1 Central American Boa Constrictor (Achilla)
0.1 Burmese Python
0.1 Rose Hair Tarantulla
0.0.1 Usambar Starburts Baboon Tarantula
0.1 White Knee / Zebra Tarantula
2 ferrets (Otis, Milo)
1.2 Emperor Scorpion
0.0.1 Melleri Cham (Sir Arthur Chamleon Doyle)
1.0 Nile Moniter
0.0.2 mice that were just to cute to feed to anything
And an ever-changing fishie tank...

If she has RI and is being treated, chances are you, the Vet, or someone else has opened her mouth a few times.

This is common after opening their mouths because while you are holding them, it is difficult for them to align their jaws properly, and so they accidentally pin'prick themselves around the gum area with their own teeth.

Their are rows of them, and it is very easy for this to happen.

Chances are the blood you saw did not actually 'flow', and actually stopped and/or disappeared all together a few minutes later.

Hope this helps..
Take care, Joe Rollo - Bci Joe
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Thanks and take care - Joe Rollo
'Tis not the stongest of the species that will eventually survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change' Charles Darwin

thanks it wasnt much blood at all, but i rather wanted some re-assurance my girl wasnt about to show up with some NEW thing to weaken her about-to-return-to-her health.
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1.3 Dogs (max, tasha, kaya, screw)
1.0 Ghost Corn (Ghost Faced Killa)
1.0 Ball python
0.1 Central American Boa Constrictor (Achilla)
0.1 Burmese Python
0.1 Rose Hair Tarantulla
0.0.1 Usambar Starburts Baboon Tarantula
0.1 White Knee / Zebra Tarantula
2 ferrets (Otis, Milo)
1.2 Emperor Scorpion
0.0.1 Melleri Cham (Sir Arthur Chamleon Doyle)
1.0 Nile Moniter
0.0.2 mice that were just to cute to feed to anything
And an ever-changing fishie tank...

What is the humidity in the cage? You mentioned that it's a tank, so I'm guessing that the top is open. Humidity escapes quickly.

Also, what is the humidity in the room where the cage is kept? During these winter months, home heating systems can dry out a room to the point that no percentage of humidity registers on a hygrometer. In my home I have forced hot air heating (terrible on humidity), so I use a powerful humidifier 24/7.

Just another thing to consider -- if the humidity is too low,the animal's lungs can become dry and irritated. Then, in an effort to sooth the irritated lungs excessive mucus is produced. If the situation continues the lungs can dry out to the point of bleeding. By that time the animal is in big trouble.

I recommend that you monitor the humidity in the cage and the room as well. Make sure it's right. If need be, cover most of the tank top with a large damp towel.

Good luck!

Bill