Reptile & Amphibian Forums

2 weeks ago I found some discoloration behind the eye of this boa. The scales were discoloured. It was the same for both sides. It now seems to have gotten worse. I have posted pics of both sides. Any advice would be valuable. thx!

It look like somehow he/she is rubbing the scales off somehow, are there any rocks or decor that he could get his head stuck in? Not sure but if its happing on both sides I would guess he is getting his head stuck in something and rubbing or scraping the scales off. Maybe someone else will respond with a better idea.
Good Luck
David
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"Life is a Safari"

CHECK FOR MITES. There is a possibility that the boa has a heavy mite infestation, and is rubbing to try and remove the irritation. The combination of mites and rubbing could lead to lose of scales. (from the picture it looks as if scales are missing)

I would also recommend a trip to the vet, because the second pic (left side) shows some yellow crusting and drainage. a localized infection, with that sort of drainage/scabbing, could account for the sloughing of scales

THe previous posts were all great and this seems to be primarily a husbandry issue. If mites are involved, they need to be treated. If the boa is seen often trying to get out of the cage, then the cage is inadequate. Check your overall husbandry, temps, humidity, number and placement of hide areas ect.

The wound's don't look to bad at the moment, but a vet will give you some good advice on how to prevent them from getting worse and the infection spreading.

Good luck with your snake

Ian

I agree those are scrapes from something within the enclosure. A trip to the Vet is in order. In the meantime put some Neosporin on it or Tripple antibiotic ointment. Both work great for wounds. Check the whole enclosure for sharp edges . Good luck, Andy
AJF Reptiles

Dear all,

thanks so much for all of your advice, I think though that it probably is a scrap that got infected. I use a plastic box that I've drilled holed in. The hole is jus big enuff for her to get her snout through and not the entire head. I think she might have gotten stuck and injured herself wriggling free. Changing the box tonite and applying betadine and antibiotic cream. Thanks again folks

Sorry jus 1 last question, when I apply the betadine and antibiotic ointment, there is a chance it might get in the eye, is there anyway to prevent his (Q-tips maybe?). Is there a problem if some gets into the eye accidentally?

Shouldn't be a problem. They have a cap over their eye. Their eyes are not exposed like ours are. Still, be careful and yes, use a Q-Tip... good idea. But before you do, make sure there is no space under the edge of the eye cap where the damage begins look closely with a loupe or magnifier. And really, a trip to the vet asap is in order so it can be checked out thoroughly.

Bill

I also agree about the injuries from something in the cage. Consider retics -- they use their heads like a shovel and push to escape to the point of major injury.

Since the injury is on both sides and at the point where the head widens, I'd say this boa has been jamming its head into some kind of nook or cranny. Maybe a gap between glass doors or the door and a litter dam? Maybe something else. Look inside the cage for any small opening or space -- it's amazing how small an opening they need to jam their head into until it can't go any more. When you find it close it.

And get the animal to a vet.

Bill

PS: Let us know if you find anything in the cage.