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rescued a boa constrictor...need help

sy_reen Jul 01, 2005 09:06 AM

We rescued a yearling boa who had been roaming free in a house for an undisclosed amount of time. He is dehydrated, which we know how to fix, but the main problem is he also had a piece of duct tape, about 1-2 inches long, stuck to the underside of his chin and down his body a little ways. My question is how do I get this duct tape off of him without ripping his skin completely off? The tape has been on him for awhile because it is down below his scales. He is in shed stage, trying to remove the tape on his own, but I don't know how well he will be able to shed with the tape stuck to him. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Replies (6)

koky6869 Jul 01, 2005 09:25 AM

if he is in shed , try and leave himalone and see if it comes off with the skin (hopefully) .. its way too dangerous to try and take it off now in the skins delicate state right now and you might do more harm than good. let him try taking it off on his own when he shed ,, if not , see a vet so that he can tell you what would be best .. do you have pics ?? that would help as well.
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NO BEAUTY LIKE THE BEAUTY OF A TRUE REDTAIL !!

sy_reen Jul 01, 2005 09:28 AM

I can get pics later tonight. I called the vet this morning and their suggestion was to call the local farm store to see what kind of adhesive remover they had. The vet has no idea what to use. I will try to get a picture of him tonight and get it posted. Thanks!

yavannaus Jul 01, 2005 10:16 AM

I've had luck using baby oil when trying to remove a piece of fly paper that was stuck to a nile monitor.
Definately see what happens when he sheds. He can probably get it off on his own. If he cant, try the baby oil. Peanut butter might help too (non-crunchy =D).

sy_reen Jul 01, 2005 12:15 PM

Thanks!!

joeysgreen Jul 02, 2005 05:22 AM

My clinic uses a bandage adhesive remover that is completely awesome! I believe nail polish remover is very similar and if used carefully should be safe.
1)See if the snake can remove it while shedding
2)If using a adhesive remover of any kind, use sparingly, keep away from the oral mucosa, rinse and dry, and use in a very well ventilated area (outside since it's summer).

boids-n-more Jul 02, 2005 11:48 AM

Try useing pure alcahol. It evapotates quickly and should remove the stickyness of the tape. I would use a q-tip soak one end then gently rub it against the bottom of the tape and work if off that way if it doesn't get removed by the shed. Paul

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