On the previous feeding, I fed him two medium, fuzzy mice. He ate them very quickly with no problems at all. This last weekend I fed him an adult mouse. He ate it with no problems. The next morning I saw that he had thrown it back up. All mice were thawed and warm. Now he doesn't even stick out his tongue to smell his surroundings. Before he was very alert and energetic. Now he seems confused. I had thought the tank was chilly but it is at 75-80 F all the time. I tried again to feed him but because he wasn't smelling with his tongue I don't think he knew what the mouse was. I'd like to know why he doesn't sense his surroudings with his tongue anymore, and if I need to take him to the vet.
2007-06-06 12:29:53 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Is there a hot spot in your tank? You mentioned a temp of 75 -80F which is fine as the background, ambient temperature but there should be a basking area/ hot spot in the low to mid 90's F for a tropical boa. Regurgitation is common with sub-optimal temps for digestion, particularly with an increased meal size.
Your description of him seeming confused is a bit disconcerting. That, and the vomiting hint at the possibility of IBD (inclusion body disease) a viral disease that affect boids primarily. The prognosis is poor for IBD. I don't want to frighten you unnecessarily but as an owner of a boa it is something you should be aware of.
For now, increase the temps and give him 5 or 6 days to recover his stomach fluids before you offer food and keep and eye on him.
2007-06-06 12:51:50 · answer #1 · answered by Thea 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Snakes should not throw up their food...but they will if they have to....
How big is your boa...I'm assuming VERY young since it's still eating small mice...
The fisrt thing that comes to mind is the mouse was too big for him...
You usually cannot move from fuzzies to large mice...you should go to small mice (jumpers)...
As for telling if they are the right size...it should be as thick as the girth of your boa(the widest part of thier body)...if the mouse was bigger than his girth, then thats more than likely why he threw it back up....
If thats the problem, then get some smaller mice, and try to feed him again, then see how it goes...
If this isnt them problem or he wont eat smaller mice, then you want to take him to a reptile vet...
They will check for parasites and other problems, if you have a recent fecal sample, take it with you, it will help....as well as a shedding if you have them...
Remember, even if the vet is a 2 hour drive away, it's worth it...
Hope this helps...GOOD LUCK!!!!
2007-06-06 12:37:03 · answer #2 · answered by KaylaByrd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm no expert, but (my sister) did have a boa MANY years ago. It very well may be that your boa is preparing to shed it's skin. They get sort of sluggish then and a rather dull cast (since the old skin\scales are dead and on the way to being discarded.) Our boa did not welcome attention (would even bite) just before the molting. BUT PLEASE, don't take my musings as an answer...check in with your vet or at least a local reptilian club for advice. Blessings...
2007-06-06 12:44:22 · answer #3 · answered by Stevie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats really weird take him to the vet
2007-06-06 14:17:02 · answer #4 · answered by Megan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is probably something serious you should take it to the vet right away
2007-06-06 12:35:17 · answer #5 · answered by snjallaboutme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋