So the plan is to rehab and rehome this girl. Horrified at her health.

So I took in a "dwarf boa" that is about 8 years old. Did some reading that said "dwarf" boas don't get over a couple of feet. She is 5 feet+. The previous owner used the excuse that she was well taken care of until 2 years ago. Then he had a baby and his wife turned into a tyrant. When I put her and her tank in my car I saw poop and shed and pee in the enclosure. He said has been that way for over a month. I asked about when the last time she had eaten. He said he has not offered in 2+ months. Her ribs are showing. She looked dehydrated. I was angry as I closed the car door and drove away. I took her out and checked for mites and to examine how pitiful she looked and to see if she had any other issues. I think she had a couple of belly burns as well. She had a UTH but not thermostat. The more I looked the more angry I got. I offered her a small pre-killed rat so that she could start out slow with a small prey item. The previous owner said she would only eat live. She slammed down the rat like it was candy and looked for more. Will offer again in 5-7 days to work her up slowly. Photos will come in a couple of days. Don't want to bother her to much till settled in. He also claimed she was aggressive when being handled. She was calm the entire time I was taking care of her. Cleaned her cage up and then put her in the back bedroom alone to acclimate on a thermostat for the first time.


Sigh... Breath....
Time for her to heal and put some weight on. So pissed. Waited till today to keep from cussing like a sailor. So pissed.

Trip to the vet will be Thursday.

Yes really not good, hate to see neglect like that , makes me so angry too,
good luck with her rehab, at least if she's eating it's a start to her recovery

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If she's burned she needs a vet ASAP for antibiotics. Burns can get infected and go septic and in her weakened state she could pass very quickly.

It honestly makes me want to cry when I think about snakes being neglected by cruddy people who don't care for them properly. WTAF.

Good on you for taking her in and nursing her back to health. She is a lucky girl.

I hate stupid people! Gah! Thank you for rescuing this poor baby! What a nightmare! And she was totally calm because animals sense when someone is there to help and love them. Thank you!

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Originally Posted by bcr229

If she's burned she needs a vet ASAP for antibiotics. Burns can get infected and go septic and in her weakened state she could pass very quickly.

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They moved it up to tomorrow morning when the exotic vet will be in. They know her situation because he brought her in and refused to treat her before sending her off to someone else. Hate stupid people.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

I hate stupid people! Gah! Thank you for rescuing this poor baby! What a nightmare! And she was totally calm because animals sense when someone is there to help and love them. Thank you!

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Animals are great judge of character in people most of the time.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

They moved it up to tomorrow morning when the exotic vet will be in. They know her situation because he brought her in and refused to treat her before sending her off to someone else. Hate stupid people.

- - - Updated - - -



Animals are great judge of character in people most of the time.

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What a douche canoe! Wow..refused treatment! Jerk! Where do you live...I don't want this person coming into my store to buy animals!

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

What a douche canoe! Wow..refused treatment! Jerk! Where do you live...I don't want this person coming into my store to buy animals!

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They are talking about filing an animal abuse report and charging him for her treatment and abuse.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

So I took in a "dwarf boa" that is about 8 years old. Did some reading that said "dwarf" boas don't get over a couple of feet. She is 5 feet+.

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Just to touch on this, depends on the locality, many 'dwarf' boas get to 5' or so. Hog Isle locality can be considered dwarf and there are plenty at 6' (some due to overfeeding but I digress)
Central american localities are considered dwarf but it is usually specific island localities that stay the smallest like taramahura locality.

Glad you got this boa out of a bad situation.

Corn snake I adopted a few years back, I was told he'd only eat live and was super aggressive (why they were rehoming him) - he also took f/t off the bat and has been a total docile sweetheart. People just don't try f/t (or give up super quick) and mistake a feeding response as aggressiveness. Probably the same in this case.

Good luck with the boa, hope the vet visit yields good results.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

They moved it up to tomorrow morning when the exotic vet will be in.

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Awesome. In the meantime you can mix up a weak iodine solution and gently wipe it on the burned areas using gauze. As dehydrated as she is you don't want to soak her in the solution because you don't want to risk her drinking it. I know she just ate so you don't want to move her much but you could probably get it done in a few seconds.

Quote:

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They know her situation because he brought her in and refused to treat her before sending her off to someone else. Hate stupid people.

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:rage:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

They are talking about filing an animal abuse report and charging him for her treatment and abuse.

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I hope they do.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

They are talking about filing an animal abuse report and charging him for her treatment and abuse.

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Good!

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

What a douche canoe! Wow..refused treatment! Jerk! Where do you live...I don't want this person coming into my store to buy animals!

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You have a pet store in Seattle? Or do you just work there?

I ask because Seattle is a close (ish) drive for me.....

Poor baby girl. Glad you got her out of there. Hope she recovers nicely.

I applause you for taking in that poor boa! I say this over and over to myself, but why get a snake ( or any other pet) if you cant properly care and provide for it?.. The excuse that man gave you was b.s. and frankly if that was me I would have told him just that. Anyways, the boa is in good hands now. Please share pictures when you and her are ready...

I really wish some people would just stay far away from all living creatures...they just can't be trusted to care, it's something to show off with a while. :mad:

I'm glad she's with you now, hope she makes a good & complete recovery...I know you'll do everything possible to make sure that happens...it's just so
pathetic what bad owners put animals thru...there's just very few acceptable excuses (like being in a car accident & laid up in hospital...) & obviously
that wasn't the case here. :(

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Originally Posted by Florence_Bones

You have a pet store in Seattle? Or do you just work there?

I ask because Seattle is a close (ish) drive for me.....

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i work at the Interbay Petco.

Just an update. The Vet treated her burns and gave me some cream to put on them. Did a fecal and gave her an injection of antibiotics. Animal control was present and took photos and police report. I showed the text messages and he documented everything. She is in my care still but staying over night at the vets house to be monitored a couple of days. They are going after him for animal cruelty and vet bills. I get her back Saturday morning and will keep treating the burns. Poor girl is in such bad shape. Will post photos Saturday if I can. So angry.

That's awesome they are going after him...

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Originally Posted by ElliotNess

That's awesome they are going after him...

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:carrot::dance::carrot::dance: Happy Dance from me too! Poor snake :(

It's terrifying that someone who blames such blatant animal neglect on his pregnant wife is having a child at all! Snakes are the most low-maintenance pet after sea monkeys!! You mean you haven't been able to find time in over 2 months to drop a rat in your snakes cage?!

Ugh, what garbage. Thank you for doing the right thing! Hope she springs back for you :(

As of last night she was doing good. The vet said she was hunting so must be feeling some better. Was told she did eat a small rat the vet had in his freezer for one of his animals. She gobbled it down and was looking for more. Poor thing. Found food and hunting like it might be her last meal. She is on smaller prey for a few weeks till we get her healthy. Don't want her to start growing again until her burns are healed and her stomach most likely has shrunk. I pick her up Saturday if all goes well.

This girl is a survivor. Still doing great. Was told last night that she is always hunting except right after eating. She shed last night and the visibility of the burns is more apparent. Cream and injections still to go. I pick her up tomorrow morning. I hope she keeps doing well. No mites! So happy to hear that. All fecal and viral test are negative. No word on them prosecuting him for cruelty. Hope he pays big time.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

This girl is a survivor. Still doing great. Was told last night that she is always hunting except right after eating. She shed last night and the visibility of the burns is more apparent. Cream and injections still to go. I pick her up tomorrow morning. I hope she keeps doing well. No mites! So happy to hear that. All fecal and viral test are negative. No word on them prosecuting him for cruelty. Hope he pays big time.

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Awesome work with this animal!!!! She's damn lucky you came along.
Honestly, this is a case where I feel an eye for an eye would be appropriate punishment. The previous owner should be forced to live the way he treated that poor snake. I guarantee he wouldn't mistreat another animal ever again.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Awesome work with this animal!!!! She's damn lucky you came along.
Honestly, this is a case where I feel an eye for an eye would be appropriate punishment. The previous owner should be forced to live the way he treated that poor snake. I guarantee he wouldn't mistreat another animal ever again.

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I agree completely. If was a child he would already be in jail.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I agree completely. If was a child he would already be in jail.

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...or a dog, or a cat...

She is home now. Took her home Saturday. She has been through a lot the past few days so not going to bother her till next weekend for photos. She did poop last night so I offered her a crawler rat. Keeping it small for now. She showed no interest. She went right into her hide and did not come out. Will have to take her back for a check up Wednesday and a shot of antibiotics again. They are going to teach me how to do it correctly. My vet knows I am hands on when it comes to the care of my animals. Love the education! She has been calm every time me or the vet or vet techs have handled her. Her belly is healing nicely. Keeping her temps a little cooler almost 83 on the hot side and 78 cooler side. Only handling the next few days will be putting cream on her belly and taking her to get shots. I think she is going to be ok as long as she keeps eating. I know I have been promising photos but don't want to do more than I have to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

She is home now. Took her home Saturday. She has been through a lot the past few days so not going to bother her till next weekend for photos. She did poop last night so I offered her a crawler rat. Keeping it small for now. She showed no interest. She went right into her hide and did not come out. Will have to take her back for a check up Wednesday and a shot of antibiotics again. They are going to teach me how to do it correctly. My vet knows I am hands on when it comes to the care of my animals. Love the education! She has been calm every time me or the vet or vet techs have handled her. Her belly is healing nicely. Keeping her temps a little cooler almost 83 on the hot side and 78 cooler side. Only handling the next few days will be putting cream on her belly and taking her to get shots. I think she is going to be ok as long as she keeps eating. I know I have been promising photos but don't want to do more than I have to.

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Yay! I'm happy to hear she's home with you. You're doing an awesome job with her!!

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Yay! I'm happy to hear she's home with you. You're doing an awesome job with her!!

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I almost forgot to add... when animal control showed up to his house they found other reptiles that were in bad shape. They took all of them from him and took him off to jail. Not sure if he made bond (did not tell me that). Court date is November 6th. Both me and my vet will be witnesses.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I almost forgot to add... when animal control showed up to his house they found other reptiles that were in bad shape. They took all of them from him and took him off to jail. Not sure if he made bond (did not tell me that). Court date is November 6th. Both me and my vet will be witnesses.

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Oh no kidding?? That's awesome!!

I really wish there was an application process required to purchase animals. It takes YEARS to adopt a child, but as long as you have the money you can purchase an animal within a few minutes...Then this guy and others like him could be "blacklisted" and not be able to purchase animals. Granted other people could purchase the animal for him, it would at least help, despite not being a perfect system.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

...I know I have been promising photos but don't want to do more than I have to.

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No, that's OK...getting her healthy now is ALL that matters...not photos!

Horrible what bad owners put animals thru, & even if it was a dog or cat, not much justice. In many if not most states, people convicted of animal abuse can turn right
around & own more. :O That's one thing I miss about living in California...it was illegal to drive around with your dog bouncing around in the back of an open pick-up,
like they do around here.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I almost forgot to add... when animal control showed up to his house they found other reptiles that were in bad shape. They took all of them from him and took him off to jail. Not sure if he made bond (did not tell me that). Court date is November 6th. Both me and my vet will be witnesses.

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Omg awesome! So so happy he went to jail. Thank you for taking such good care of her.

That is such awesome news,justice for the poor animals that's had to suffer, fingers crossed they will ban them from keeping animals

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OK she must be doing better some. She was out last night hunting. I am feeding smaller prey to ease her into eating properly again. I was thinking weekly feedings but I think 4 to 5 days might be her max on rat crawlers. How often would you feed her? Back to the vet today for another shot. Yes I could treat her but the vet said with the legal proceedings that I should bring her in every time. So far they have yet to bill me for anything. I do need advice on how often to feed her though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

OK she must be doing better some. She was out last night hunting. I am feeding smaller prey to ease her into eating properly again. I was thinking weekly feedings but I think 4 to 5 days might be her max on rat crawlers. How often would you feed her? Back to the vet today for another shot. Yes I could treat her but the vet said with the legal proceedings that I should bring her in every time. So far they have yet to bill me for anything. I do need advice on how often to feed her though.

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If she's digesting OK & hunting, I'd probably give her small prey every 4-5 days...she obviously needs it...trust what you see. After a few more times, then slow down
to every 7 days, but I'd take my cue ;) from the snake, always. Some rules are made to be bent.

If she's 5 feet long a rat pup/crawler is basically popcorn chicken. She took down a small rat nine days ago and has kept it down so rather than constantly tidbitting her every few days I'd offer a small rat every 7-10 days for a while, unless you think they would stretch her burned areas too much. In 5-6 weeks I'd switch to a medium rat every two weeks, and if she tolerates those then go to a large every three weeks, etc.

I agree that if she handles a small rat, one small rat every 7-10 days. Don't feed a boa every 4-5 days, even smaller prey items. The boa will recover with feedings every 1-2 weeks over time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

If she's digesting OK & hunting, I'd probably give her small prey every 4-5 days...she obviously needs it...trust what you see. After a few more times, then slow down
to every 7 days, but I'd take my cue ;) from the snake, always. Some rules are made to be bent.

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Thanks for responding.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bcr229

If she's 5 feet long a rat pup/crawler is basically popcorn chicken. She took down a small rat nine days ago and has kept it down so rather than constantly tidbitting her every few days I'd offer a small rat every 7-10 days for a while, unless you think they would stretch her burned areas too much. In 5-6 weeks I'd switch to a medium rat every two weeks, and if she tolerates those then go to a large every three weeks, etc.

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I am a little worried about stretching the burns as well as stomach size. Will ask the vet her thoughts today. She eat the day I received her and crawler rat. She eat Thursday a crawler rat at the vets office while in their care. Was hunting last night. She seams to hide unless hungry. She is 5 feet but super skinny.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

I agree that if she handles a small rat, one small rat every 7-10 days. Don't feed a boa every 4-5 days, even smaller prey items. The boa will recover with feedings every 1-2 weeks over time.

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I will ask the vet her thoughts on feeding today. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I want her to get healthy but know that to much to fast is bad for her. Also to always be digesting is bad as well. Hope several months from now she will be healthy.

Will post photos today when I get her out to take to the vet. Keeping handling to necessity for now.

I think a small rat every 7-10 days is a good feeding schedule for now. Then every 2 weeks once she's on mediums.

The only other suggestion I would make is to get some NutriBAC if you don't have it on hand, and dust a damp f/t feeder with some of the powder to help her gut flora get re-established.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I think a small rat every 7-10 days is a good feeding schedule for now. Then every 2 weeks once she's on mediums.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bcr229

The only other suggestion I would make is to get some NutriBAC if you don't have it on hand, and dust a damp f/t feeder with some of the powder to help her gut flora get re-established.

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Thank you both.

Yeah and if you're worried about building her up slowly, you can offer small-ish small rats (about 50 grams), then one around 60 grams next time, etc. Same for mediums, they can vary in size so start with feeders around 85-90 grams and build up to the heavier ones.

Boas are pretty tough and she'll likely bounce back from this just fine with some TLC. Good job with the rescue. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Yeah and if you're worried about building her up slowly, you can offer small-ish small rats (about 50 grams), then one around 60 grams next time, etc. Same for mediums, they can vary in size so start with feeders around 85-90 grams and build up to the heavier ones.

Boas are pretty tough and she'll likely bounce back from this just fine with some TLC. Good job with the rescue. :D

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Sorry no photos yet. Just wanted her to get safely back in her hide after being stressed.

bcr229 this is similar to what the vet recommended. Next feeding will be Sunday and a small rat around 50-60g and then a 6-8 days later slightly larger. She did well for handling and am so amazed at how well she is healing. When she shed at the vets office was almost a complete shed. Surprised me because of her burns but guessing she was already healing. My guess is the heat pad over heated and then burned itself out and she was on top of the spot when it did. No attitude while handling. Just mellow and wanting to be left alone. Cant blame her. Photos will have to wait. She is drinking water and seams to be drinking lots of it. Guessing she was without water quite often. She did pass poop and urinates the other day so everything is working as it should there. Going to take it slow. I want her well now! LOL but takes time. Loving her already. Should be ready to rehome by February is all goes well and I don't get to attached. She gets 3 more shots over the next week or 2. Under the vets supervision, I gave her the last one. Was so nervous. My hands were shaking. LOL. Cant wait to show up and see the guy get prosecuted for his treatment of his animals.

I you don't get too attached.......roflmao! Ya, I think you are there and she is in her forever home lol. You love her already and been through this with her. She is yours lol.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

I you don't get too attached.......roflmao! Ya, I think you are there and she is in her forever home lol. You love her already and been through this with her. She is yours lol.

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So true. Just don't want to many and having room for a rescue is always good. If I rehome her to a good home, I can rescue another. Do it with dogs all the time. One of my dog rescues went from severe neglect and living in a 8 x 10 kennel for 4 years to becoming a seizure therapy dog for an autistics kid. Now they are taking care of each other. Love it when that happens.


She was hunting again today. Don't want to over feed though. Might do a small rat Sunday to work her up a little. Vet still wants her to ease up because her insides might be shrunk and her burns healing. Saturday is third shot for her. She is doing well for the condition she is in.

Awesome work. I hope the judge throws the book at him

Couple of quick photos. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5b4e40354e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...43a90d1d76.jpg

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She is getting another shot of antibiotics today. She was hunting again last night. Her temps and humidity are spot on. upgrading her hide so she fits all the way in instead of hanging out of it. She seams to be recovering nicely. She is very active sometimes and calm others. I might put her in a larger enclosure than the one she is in. She is in a 2*1.5*1.5 Might be a little small for her.

She is doing much better and active between feedings. Easy to handle. She is awesome. Her belly is healing nicely also. A few more feedings and she will be back on track. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...104ae169d4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6bdc13a613.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...762a81849f.jpg

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What a big sweet beautiful snake she is! :gj:

She looks great, nice work. Sounds like she is much happier and definitely healthier.