Scared for my boa - Page 3

**Aaron_S** · 12-23-12, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaurdammit

I cannot think of anything that changed other than her being boarded. My fear besides ibd is she somehow got her neck caught when they closed up the cage and it damaged her spine. She seems to have SOME feeling in her lower body but she cannot seem to grip things, its like her muscles cant do it for some reason. Its only her 4 inches to her head that is having the most problems and it seems like the spine does this number ~. It also seems to bow up at the sky and my other snake doesnt have this issue. I never noticed it on her before so could trauma cause it?

Maybe. It is possible. An x-ray would help determine the issue.

Terranaut · 12-23-12, 10:42 AM

Yup. If you suspect spinal damage you will need an xray but even if it is I am not sure anything can be done. I certainly would never have any other snakes ever boarded at that place again regardless.

KORBIN5895 · 12-23-12, 12:01 PM

I highly doubt its physical damage to the spine. It seems like were reaching for straws now.

Terranaut · 12-23-12, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

I highly doubt its physical damage to the spine. It seems like were reaching for straws now.

Its always a bit of a crap shoot when getting a txt explaination. Video or even a couple pics would be great.

KORBIN5895 · 12-23-12, 12:15 PM

Seriously though, if there was enough damage to her spine to cause disfigurement she would probably be dead. If her neck is contorted like that it's probably a muscle issue. I doubt it just randomly developed a kink. My guess is some chemicals have fried her brain causing the odd muscle control or she has ibd.

limey · 12-23-12, 02:29 PM

My python was weak for a couple months one time (quite recently actually) - she wouldn't grip like she used to. She felt a bit limp actually, just like you said about your boa. Anyway, whatever the problem was, it passed... she's fine now. Could have been just general lethargy.

Is it possible she could just be not used to her new surroundings and feeling uncomfortable/irritable in the pet shop's enclosure??? Of course, that wouldn't explain the stargazing or the contractions though.

dinosaurdammit · 12-23-12, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limey

My python was weak for a couple months one time (quite recently actually) - she wouldn't grip like she used to. She felt a bit limp actually, just like you said about your boa. Anyway, whatever the problem was, it passed... she's fine now. Could have been just general lethargy.

Is it possible she could just be not used to her new surroundings and feeling uncomfortable/irritable in the pet shop's enclosure??? Of course, that wouldn't explain the stargazing or the contractions though.

She has been acting for all basic purposes "normal". She did a good strike and coil today and ate. I fed her a smaller rat than normal because I wasnt sure how difficult it was for her to eat. She still stargazes and has this weird issue where her neck is ALWAYS curved a specific way. If I can get her and bring her home I can maybe use my webcam to get a pic of her. She always keeps it jacked up a specific way.

She can strike and coil effectively and in fact she never strikes her food (fresh killed) but she did today and ate it fine. I do worry that when she is sitting she likes to sit in the cool end more now. She slithers fine, she can go to one place to the next just fine its just about 4 to 6 inches of her neck looks kinked left and right. Its not straight its like you took a blade of grass and poked something, it gets all wrinkled at the tip.

shaunyboy · 12-23-12, 05:42 PM

what are your hot end temperatures ?

overheating can cause neuro issues

cheers shaun

dinosaurdammit · 12-23-12, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaunyboy

what are your hot end temperatures ?

overheating can cause neuro issues

cheers shaun

85 on the hot spot, it was 90 but i had to change bulbs because mine burt out :/

Corey209 · 12-23-12, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaurdammit

85 on the hot spot, it was 90 but i had to change bulbs because mine burt out :/

85 is a really low hot spot and why are you using bulbs?

dinosaurdammit · 12-24-12, 09:53 AM

This morning I woke up to her not sticking her head up at the roof today. I dunno if that holds true for the rest of the week or what but we will see. After she ate she seemed to do a bit better. She was able to grip my fingers with the last 8 inches of her tail, not as tight as normal but a hell of a lot better than the past few days.

BarelyBreathing · 12-24-12, 11:50 AM

Here's my question, and I just popped in, so forgive me if this has been addressed already.

Are you quarantining her away from your other reptiles? Are you scrubbing up and changing your clothing in between handling her and handling your other animals?

It's my opinion that she has IBD, and really needs to see a vet. Be prepared for the worst, it may be more humane to have her euthanized. I'm sorry.

dinosaurdammit · 12-24-12, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarelyBreathing

Here's my question, and I just popped in, so forgive me if this has been addressed already.

Are you quarantining her away from your other reptiles? Are you scrubbing up and changing your clothing in between handling her and handling your other animals?

It's my opinion that she has IBD, and really needs to see a vet. Be prepared for the worst, it may be more humane to have her euthanized. I'm sorry.

I do the hygiene part and she is at a different house than mine.

BarelyBreathing · 12-24-12, 03:36 PM

That's reassuring to hear.

SnakeyJay · 12-24-12, 03:42 PM

Taken directly from vin russo's "Complete boa constrictor" :
Most boa's thrive with ambiant temperatures of 80 - 85 with a hot spot recommended of 88 - 95... (Non breeding boas)...