Boa too skinny? - Page 2

Mr.Anderson · 07-04-16, 02:27 PM

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely look into it. I contacted underground Reptiles and sent them photos and they claim my boa is perfectly healthy... I'll try outlining the issues for them. Happy 4th!

brandonh · 07-05-16, 11:26 PM

vet visit tomorrow? let us know how everything goes!

Mr.Anderson · 07-07-16, 09:13 AM

I just came back from the vet. In his regular examination, he didn't have any physical illnesses or injuries but the doc said he was definitely underweight and she gave him a 3/10 in terms of physical condition. She suspects parasites. Cryptosporidium to be exact. She gave me a prescription of metronidazole and also I sent a stool sample and the results will be live in 24-48 hours. Hopefully the treatment will work. She suggested I feed him earlier than 2 weeks after regurgitation but a much smaller meal, like a small pinky.

**Andy_G** · 07-07-16, 09:23 AM

That suspicion as well as the treatment doesn't make a lot of sense here. Is your vet very familiar with exotics? What kind of testing was done for them to come to this assumption? Fecal, swab, anything? I absolutely hate whenever something is prescribed without some kind of C&S involved. I also strongly disagree with feeding so shortly after a regurgitation takes place and wouldn't do that even if it was a vet's advice.

Cryptosporidium is a water bourne parasite that will primarily be introduced to it's host by means of infected drinking water or contact with contaminated feces. There may be other vectors but I am not certain. It is not treatable to my knowledge with reptiles to the point of reaching a cure and would require lifelong treatment and isolation from all other reptiles just to keep it's number at a somewhat controlled level. Most people who have had the misfortune of dealing with it just throw everything away that has been in contact with the animal and aren't up for the lifelong treatments and quality of life becomes questionable in those cases. If you have anything else in yor collection and you've even used the same feeding tools you could be in for a world of hurt. I hope that you have quarantined this critter from the start.

I hope your vet was incorrect in their assumption. Almost anything else would be much less sinister, and if the "blind" treatment works then it's probably not crypto. Hopefully someone with more knowledge on the subject can chime in as I am only a long-time hobbyist and breeder.

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-07-16, 02:35 PM

Yeah totally agree with Andy here, from what I inferred from your post, the vet hasn't even done any testing yet. They gave you a diagnosis before sending in the samples, and you're waiting on results. Crypto is a rather serious condition to just declare out of nowhere before any testing.

Unless the tests come back positive with crypto or another parasite, the more likely culprit to his skinniness could be constant regurges. They can seriously take a toll on their bodies, and he's regurged at least twice in your care from what I can tell. He could also have been underfed, or wild caught and underweight.

And again, I agree with Andy, do not feed your boa early. Wait the 2-3 weeks and then feed, and I seriously advise ordering some NutriBAC.

Mr.Anderson · 07-07-16, 02:39 PM

Yeah I highly doubt it's crypto either seeing as Mr. Anderson is my only pet. I declined the vet's proposal to do a crypto test because it requires a stomach flush for which Mr. Anderson isn't physically prepared. He's top frail. Also as you said it's rare and untreatable. It does match up with all the symptoms of my snake though, that's why she suspected it but then again so do other parasites. I just went with the fecal exam for which the results should be ready in 48 hours or so. I did research before I took the metronidazole and it doesn't harm the snake, though I plan to wait the 48 hours for the results of the fecal before administering anything. Thank you for your response, it's very reassuring to know I did the right thing by not getting the crypto test. Also yeah I wouldn't feed him earlier since he's so fragile now. The vet is an exotics expert but admittedly she didn't seem to have much experience with boas. She mainly compared then to BPs and there are a lot of differences there.

Mr.Anderson · 07-07-16, 02:41 PM

Also the NutriBAC is in the mail �� I'm doing all I can to ensure Mr. Anderson's recovery

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-07-16, 02:46 PM

Good to hear! Vets are knowledgeable, but unlike dog or cat vets, they have to learn a little bit of a whole host of different species. So, often the story goes they have a tiny bit of knowledge of a handful of species and don't become experts on one or a couple. So, while they're a valuable tool, you have to also do your own research to check their info.

Mr.Anderson · 07-07-16, 02:52 PM

One last note, the vet didn't declare out right that it was crypto, she suggested that it could be. However i highly doubt that it is. Even if it is, I can't do anything about it and since he's my only animal the most I can do is provide for his comforts. I think it's a worm from what I've seen of the feces. I'll update you guys on the results of the tests!

Albert Clark · 07-07-16, 04:27 PM

Consider triple checking your husbandry also bc the incorrect temperatures can lead to regurging and inappetance before any parasitic infestation. Not saying yours is off , but it will certainly be a differential. And you may be surprised.

dannybgoode · 07-27-16, 12:31 PM

Any updates on Mr Anderson? He's a lovely looking snake and I'm hoping he's coming on nicely...

DLLNP · 07-27-16, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybgoode

Any updates on Mr Anderson? He's a lovely looking snake and I'm hoping he's coming on nicely...

I was wondering the same thing!

Mr.Anderson · 07-28-16, 12:42 AM

Hey guys, so it's been 3 weeks since i took him to the vet and he's been doing a lot better. The results of the fecal came in negative, however the vet insisted that i try the metronidazole perscription and so i did. one dose a day for three days and then two weeks later, repeat. I just finished giving him his last dose. I started seeing change in his behavior 2 days after the first dose. He was suddenly more active and inquisitive than before. He used to just sit under his hot spot and bask all day without moving or even acknowledging my presence and wouldn't put up any struggle when being picked up. He is now a lot more curious. He's actually using the climbing branch i put in his enclosure for the first time! he climbs up the often and perches on the branch and looks around. After the metronidazole he's a lot more responsive too. first time i fed him after his regurgitation a month ago, he actually struck at the thawed mouse very aggressively. He now tracks me when i enter the room or move around and flickers his tongue. I still don't know what disease or parasite it was but the metronidazole worked. I'm very happy and excited to see him being active and alert. He's still a sweetheart when being held but his grip is stronger and although he is still underweight (we're working on that), it is obvious that he's exerting more pressure than before when he felt limp. What do you guys think the problem was if it was solved by the metronidazole?

Selena_23 · 07-28-16, 08:11 AM

Sorry, but What is Nutribac? Alive bacteria for a gastrointestinal tract?

Albert Clark · 07-28-16, 11:34 AM

Metronidazole is the generic name for Flagyl. It's a very versatile drug that is bacteriocidal,trichomonacidal and amoebocidal. The term cidal, when used medically,refers to something that kills rather than suppresses (static). It's used in a variety of doses to target specific anaerobic, or flagellates or protozoan infections. If the boa had a negative fecal he may have had a different organism that was susceptible to Flagyl.