Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone ever noticed a crease on their Boas ventral
surface and what could it be caused from. I noticed a slight crease in two of my adult females and I have seen it on some other boas as well. A friend and I were discussing this and were trying to come to some conclusions. It was thought that it may have to do with the animals breathing as per the crease has only been seen in the chest area. I know that one of the females have never had any resp. problems, but the other I obtained it as an adult so I am not sure on her. But she is 100% healthy now. Also an female suri that I obtained with bad resp problems three years ago, wich is long since 100% healthy has no crease at all. As per the other boas I have seen it on they were animals in pet shops and other peoples pets, but seemed healthy. I am really trying to research what this could be so any opinions would be appreciated. Also please post if you have ever seen this in any of your adult boas. I love these snakes and I am constantly learning new things there are still so many unknow's in this hobby, but with the help of this forum we are all learning together.
Thanks
Josh

I have noticed it in one of my adults.

I had a side thought last night the girls that I have noticed it on are very heavy constrictors. What I mean by this when I tong feed them their rats they grab and squeeze hard and long. They will hold the rat for ten minutes before they start to swallow.
I wonder if this crease can develope from constriction. I know that snakes don't squeeze with there entire bellies, they use two ridges of muscle one on each side of there belly. So I was thinking over time with enough presure can it cause the crease???? Any thoughts...

Are you talking about the umbilical scar?

No it is a 6 inch indented crease in the chest cavity sometimes longer. It isn't in all boas and I am just wondering if anyone knows what could cause it. I really don't think it is health related and that is because I have seen it in perfectly healthy snakes. Two of my big girls have one, but that is only two out of 15 adults that I have. Chris you said one of your boas have one. Has it ever had any resp problems, or does it squeeze its prey more so than most of your others. I am just making guesses here...

Thanks
Josh

Mine has never had any problems. He is VERY strong. I feed him on a monthly or less basis of one large rat, he is an '01 6ft. boa. He has maintained a lean body with spectacular muscle tone and does constrict with a lot of force, I know because he grabed my hand during feeding once, lol.