Rosy boa needing help!

[SteveP]

On a business trip in Las Vegas a number of weeks ago I stopped by a reptile shop and acquired a male Bay of L.A. rosy boa as a breeder for the female I have. Beautiful snake...just couldn't resist! Over the course af the following couple of weeks I attempted to feed him several times...each time he would ravenously take the mouse and the two days later regurgitate it. I took him to the vets where they confirmed what I feared, he has an impacted bowel, and was apparently in that condition when I got him. Unfortunately the little fellow is too small to perform surgery on and of course the vet suggested I ship him back to the shop. I didn't think shipping the animal back to Vegas in 110 degree temperatures would be a good idea however. I've soaked him in luke-warm water with the hopes of getting the bowel to relax as snakes are want to do in water, but no such luck. In all the years I've kept snakes I've never had one with an impacted bowel. I know it's usually fatal, and may end up putting the animal down (reluctantly of course), but I wondered if anyone had other experiences or suggestions? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]
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[BWSmith]

For impaction, I generally shove a little mineral oil down the gullet. Seems to work well for me. I have only done it on one snake however, usually it was on Beardies that ate too much sand. Just my theory on it [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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[Constrictor_BO]

Have you called the shop you got it from?? If not you need to and let them make the decision to send it back or not. At least they'll know what is going on with the snake.
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[SteveP]

Yes, I called the shop...they recommended the bath solution, and are aware of the situation. Again, because it's so blinking hot this time of year in Vegas, no carriers will take responsibility for the animal. Thanks for the input though...always in search of that magic bullet!
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