largefluid filled abscess on a dumerils boa.

[demonseed38]

I'm not a boa guy but I noticed a large abscess on a dumerils boa in the local pet shop. I know everyone there so I asked to look at it. There was no heat in the cage and it's been in there a month. I raise a lot of venomous snakes and always keep a complete reptile aid kit in the truck as well as the house. I got a 3 ml. Syringe and drew out the fluid which was clear. Does any one have an idea on what could cause this. Also it's not a bite either. I'm thinking about buying it discounted mainly to treat it and resale. But my main question is. Does anyone think it could be viral?

 

[bcr229]

I don't think there's a way to know if it's viral, bacterial, a tumor, etc. without a vet visit.

If it were me I wouldn't take it unless 1) the shop gave it to me, as the vet bills could easily end up costing more than the snake is worth, and 2) I had a place to put it under a different roof and HVAC from my collection.

 

[Snake-Queen]

While Dumeril's prefer lower temps than some boas, they still need heat.

I've never come on fluid filled blisters on boids. It could be anything from a bacterial infection to a water blister from soaking too much.

If you were to purchase, I would proceed as if it was infectious/viral.

 

[demonseed38]

It's about a nickel size blister. I appreciate the advice. I just feel bad for it

 

[Snake-Queen]

It's about a nickel size blister. I appreciate the advice. I just feel bad for it

Then convince them to take it to a vet.

 

[demonseed38]

I tried. They will Just put them in a ten gallon in the back to die. It ticks me off pretty bad

 

[Snakesitter]

It's horrible they might do that...but think of the risks to you and your other reptiles first. If it comes to it, an anonymous call to county animal services may teach them a valuable lesson.

 

[demonseed38]

Thanks for the advice guys. Hopefully it gets better

 

[hhmoore]

Is the abcess just below the vent, but visible on the lower portion of the side?

 

[demonseed38]

It's mid ways up its body close to its spine

 

[bcr229]

It's horrible they might do that...but think of the risks to you and your other reptiles first. If it comes to it, an anonymous call to county animal services may teach them a valuable lesson.

Cliff you live in a part of the country where animal control is probably well educated about reptiles and their husbandry. Unfortunately in most areas if it's neither "cute and furry" nor "livestock" then they don't have a clue about correct husbandry.

 

[hhmoore]

It's mid ways up its body close to its spine

Never mind, then. (What I described, I've seen several times in dumerils - including two of my own.)

 

[demonseed38]

I'm going to go today and give it some baytril. I'll take a picture and post it so you guys can see it.

 

[hhmoore]

You shouldn't do that...unless you are a vet. Treating your own animals is one thing; treating other people's is another. (That has nothing to do with your knowledge base, or your ability to deal with the abcess - it's all about legalities...you've been chest thumping about them in other threads, so don't be a hypocrite)

 

[demonseed38]

Good point.

 

[demonseed38]

Ok. I went to buy the boa this morning to treat it, and they give it to me for free. They can't sell it like that or get it credited back from the warehouse so,SCORE!!!!!. Here's some pics of the abcess. This is after drawing 04 ml. Of fluid from it

 

[demonseed38]

Also it is isolated from my breeding facility. I wouldn't risk infecting my other animals. I'm taking it for some blood work tomorrow

 

[bcr229]

 

[Snake-Queen]

Wow, that looks nasty.

I'm very pleased they gave it to someone who cares & is willing to get it treated.

Keep us updated.

 

[demonseed38]

I'm hoping that it's from poor circulation from not having heat. It's getting blood work tomorrow to rule out viruses. And I've started it on baytril also. But yeah I'm glad they did that and not euthanize it.