I’m going to preface this post with this fact: I’m a worrier. I always jump to the worst case scenario. So... I’m looking for some advice or similar stories to help talk me off the edge.
I know these forums aren’t a substitute for a veterinary exam. I do have an appointment, but it’s not until Monday.
I recently (2 months ago) acquired an albino Kenyan Sand Boa from a breeder. He’s 2 years old and about 60g. Since I got him, he’s been active and healthy, with a good appetite. He’s not turned down a meal yet.
He ate a good sized pinky rat on Sunday. On Thursday, I noticed he still had a good sized food lump present. I didn’t think much of it, because it was a hearty pink rat. On Friday, the lump wasn’t as obvious, but I noticed that he seemed quite bloated from about midway down to just above his tail. He sort of feels like a balloon.
At first I thought constipation, but I also noticed he seemed a bit weak, starting where his bloat does. He’s still able to move his body completely, but it seems that he doesn’t have the same strength as before. This morning his bloat is still present, but he seems slightly stronger and more active.
I’ve given him a 15 minute, warm water soak on both Friday and today. No poops though...
Of course, I googled. Most of the posts talked about “sausage tail” and constipation. But Dr. Google also talked about IBD and now I’ve convinced myself he has it...That his constipation and bloating is due to weakness and neurological changes due to this disease.
He’s bright and alert, shows no other neuro changes. Just gassy and slightly weak.
He’s in my quarantine rack, with 3 other sand boas who appear to be fine. Sani-Chips substrate, with a warm spot is between 90-95 and ambient is about 83. He does have a water dish available to him.