Potential problem... need advice

[ajeff]

Hey all, I was thawing rats out tonight when I had some friends drop in unexpected, so I had to feed while people where here. One of my boas, freshly shed, I go ahead and feed her a rat. I leave the shed in with her as not to disturb her, I figured I would get it later.

I should of just risk taking a bite and gotten the shed skin out of the cage. But I offer her a rat anyway and keep going. I spooked her a bit working in another cage and she kind of backed away from the meal, so I left her alone. I get ready to head out but decide to check on her to make sure she did swallow the rat. She did but I notice the shed is stuck to her mouth, I figure it may have just got hooked on her teeth. So I tried to get it out. Turns out she swallowed some of the shed! Slowly, I tried removing it, I got some of it out, but not all of it. Her airway is clear and her mouth is, but the rest tore down her esophagus and I suspect in her belly. I seen a bit of blood on the shed that came out of her

Now, I feel horrible. I never had this happen before, a snake swallowing their shed. Im freaking out right now, I don't know what to do. I hope she digest and passes it no problem.

Anyone have this happen? Im very mad at my self right now for leaving the shed in with her in the first place

[starmom]

Well, I've never had a situation like this but, logically thinking, the snakes digest skin all the time (rats). I bet it's okay.....

[JimiSnakes]

She'll be fine.

[ajeff]

Thanks Jimi & Starmom. Just a little freaked out and upset at my self for letting the situation happen

[cassandra]

If they can digest bones and teeth, I would imagine a little of their own skin isn't gonna hurt. =)