Colombian red-tail rib kinking- any help appreciated

[Will0W783]

I was handling my male Colombian red-tail last night when I noticed something quite disturbing. About midway down his body, he had a section that was equivalent to maybe 6-7 vertebrae that was kinked up like a ^^^^ pattern. I gently palpated along his spine and it appears that the actual spine is still straight, and that the kinking might be only affecting his ribs? That section of him is much thinner than the rest, which is why I first noticed it. I had not personally handled him in over a month, as he was always hiding coiled up under his water dish and I didn't want to disturb him. Also when he moves that section, which he seems still able to bend, it makes a sound like a knuckle cracking. There is nothing in his cage that he could have fractured his spine or otherwise injured himself on and he has no paralysis or muscle weakness that would indicate a spinal injury. I'm worried that this is the start of osteitis deformans, but is there anything else it could be? I was looking online but didn't find anything helpful other than the osteitis information. I'd appreciate any insight and advice. I am not a boa expert, but I do know that they are far more susceptible to osteitis than pythons- I did think it was more a geriatric condition though.

[Aaron_S]

That sounds like something an x-ray might be useful for. It could possibly tell you if there's a problem with the bones at all.

[Will0W783]

Yeah, I think I will end up taking him to my herp vet. He's a great guy and really knows his stuff. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas b/c the vet's on vacation for a week, and I am really concerned.

[citysnakes]

can you post pics?

[Will0W783]

I'm at work now but I will get some pictures of it tonight.

[Good 'N Plenty]

I have a normal female BP whom I rescued from an absolutely horrible keeper, and she too as some serious kinking along her back. At the point of the kinks the scales have actually warped and occasionally she has the same slight pop sound (though its more like a feeling than a sound as you feel it much easier than you hear it if your hand is on the kink in question)

Are there any bumps or such associated with the kinks? My bp has some calcification at the spot of the kinks, but her behavior is absolutely fine despite this. She eats fine, sheds fine and is actually my most mild and calmest bp.

If I can, I'll try to post up some pictures of my BP later tonight as well for comparisson.

[Will0W783]

Thanks G 'n P, I'd appreciate photos. He eats well as he just took down a meal a few days before I noticed this and it doesn't look to be an injury. I didn't notice any bumps; what first caught my attention was just how much skinnier he was at that point- the rest of him is full and plump and that area looks a little sunken in and skinny. You can't see the kinks if looking at him from above, just that something doesn't look "right." When you look from the side or from underneath you see them though and his spine does not seem to be affected, as it feels straight to the touch, and he can move and bend normally. (Just "pops").

[Will0W783]

Ok, here are pictures of him taken this morning. Sorry the quality is not the best, but I had to take them with my phone as my fiance won't let me touch his SLR camera.

[Good 'N Plenty]

Ahh ok. The ones my BP has look more like muscular atrophy along the spine rather than being low in the belly like that.

If I saw those pictures with no prior info about the snake I'd be tempted to think perhaps it had swallowed something shaped like >< that. Then again, I also can't see it move/shift or hear it or feel it.

Aaron's suggestion of x-rays appears to be the way to go, strictly in my non-medically-trained opinon.

[Will0W783]

Yeah I thought about the swallowing thing, but it feels like his actual bones in there and there's the cracking/popping noise. I am going to schedule a vet exam for him as soon as I can.

[Good 'N Plenty]

Best of luck with that! Hoping the lil guy comes out 100%!

[Smilts]

I have a boa that has a similar thing. His doesnt make any odd noise amd he had it when I got him however. Ive had him a year with no problems and it doesnt feel as defined as when I got him. Honestly I got him from a petstore and figured he had had a rough life before. But I'd be most interested in what the vet tells you. Sorry I know Im not very helpefull.

[siz]

How's he doing, Kim?

[Will0W783]

He's doing fine so far. He just ate another small rat and seems to have absolutely no trouble getting it down and digesting and passing it. He's still as docile and calm as ever; even when I touch the area he doesn't flinch so it doesn't seem to hurt. I'm still keeping an eye on him for another week or so and then calling my vet if I don't see any improvement.