Someone is selling me a Red-Tail Boa... but it has a lump...

[JimiSnakes]

It just looks like a fatty abscess to me. A vet check wouldn't hurt, but I don't think it's life threatening. A friend of mine has a ghost male that has one. Hundreds of dollars at the vet and it's still there. I'm not saying that this is what it is, but I'm pretty sure. When you go to get her, push on it a little. If it doesn't seem to hurt her and it's not solid and hard then that's most likely the issue.

Vet checkups are usually around 40-60 and it's always a good thing to do regardless of noticeable health issues.

[JimiSnakes]

I sped-read and missed the part where the guy wants $250....lol. I'd stay clear for that price. There's plenty of breeders who can sell you a Boa shipped for less than that...and offer a health guarantee.

[j_h_smith]

Just remember, snakes don't usually show signs of illness. It's a fact of nature. Don't show your weakness. Is this such a drop dead best deal of the century, that you have to have this snake? I would step back two steps, look at the situation and make the decision based on fact, not emotion.

You never know when you buy a snake. It could be healthy for years, or it could be sickly until its death.

One question is, why is the guy selling it?

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

[NightLad]

Just remember, snakes don't usually show signs of illness. It's a fact of nature. Don't show your weakness. Is this such a drop dead best deal of the century, that you have to have this snake? I would step back two steps, look at the situation and make the decision based on fact, not emotion.

That is good advice. Remember that after the vet+tests, you could end up paying double the price. Maybe more, depending on the course of treatment.

A rule of thumb about lumps: "hard = tumour, soft = abscess/cyst." (Not meant to be a substitute for medical treatment. Always check with your doctor!)

My BP got bit in the eye by a mouse and I took him to a herp-specialist vet who owns a private practice in addition to working with the local Zoo.

The visit + medication + a fecal test (which I meant to do anyway because he was raised on live) cost nearly $300 (Canadian). That was without any invasive procedure. At best, if this lump turned out to be a cyst or abscess, it may be treatable with non/limited invasive therapy. However, if it is something more serious, that might even need surgery, you could easily be talking about a lot more $. Think along the lines of several times the cost of the snake.

If you really feel that this is the snake for you, than go with your gut. However, get that money-back guarantee, and understand that even if you need to make use of it you will still be out the $ from the vet visit/tests. (And as others have pointed out, that $ may equal the price of a snake from a breeder that can assure optimal health.)

Good luck to you!

[West Coast Jungle]

Could be scar tissue if it flattens out and is soft when squeezed down. I have a snake with an internal scar an learned this fron Dr. Stahl one of the best snake vets there is. Then again it could be several other things!

The reality is the price is way too much as Jimi said you can do much better from a reputable source.

[midtx350z]

He just emailed me this:
"I have no problem taking her to the vet and getting her checked. But the price will go up to 320. I use a to z vet they r the only vet that specialize in reptiles. I guarantee the health of my snakes. If you have any questions call after 7. Also the small red tail is already sold. Thanks!"

No go?
Any good breeders in Texas?

[wilomn]

riobravoreptiles.com

Talk to Gus.

[NightLad]

He just emailed me this:
"I have no problem taking her to the vet and getting her checked. But the price will go up to 320. I use a to z vet they r the only vet that specialize in reptiles. I guarantee the health of my snakes. If you have any questions call after 7. Also the small red tail is already sold. Thanks!"

No go?
Any good breeders in Texas?

It is good to hear that he guarantees the health of his animals (get that in writing on a receipt if you buy), and it is good that he is willing to take her to a vet -- at your expense, which is only fair since you are requesting it. However, understand that he is only quoting the base-fee of the vet visit, and not any tests or treatments that they may recommend.

Unless this is an extremely obvious condition, most doctors I know would hesitate to make a diagnosis without a test to back it up.

So basically he is offering to sell you the snake, and take her to the vet for you (IE: time and gas, which he may or may not be factoring in to the cost).

I’m assuming that unless she fails the physical than the snake would be deemed healthy and the transaction would be considered complete.

If you do go this route make sure to ask for a copy of the vet report. After all, you will be paying for it. I’d personally find it important to know that A) the growth is not malignant and B) that if it is benign, if it may pose future problems, such as with feeding.

Ultimately the decision has to be yours, but if I were in your position I would ask myself the following:

1) If the vet gives the snake a clean bill of health and it turns out that the lump is benign (non-threatening), will it matter to me that the snake has it?
2) If the vet gives the snake a clean bill of health but the lump is treatable (IE: abscesses or cyst) or may cause issues in the future, will I want to pay extra $ to treat it?
3) If the growth is malignant (tumour) how quickly can I get my refund minus the fee for the vet visit? ;P
4) Despite my attraction to this particular snake, should I hold off until I visit some more breeders that may have guaranteed healthy animals for less $?

I wish you the best in coming to a decision.