Black spot in boa's mouth.

[Iridium]

About two weeks ago, I acquired a pretty underfed male BCI (who is allegedly three years old and skinnier and no longer than my year old male ball python). While feeding him (one small mouse about the width of his thickest point, I don't dare feed anything bigger) yesterday, I noticed as he had his mouth around the mouse, there was a black spot that appeared to be on the glottis. There was no pus, redness, or other abnormalities I could see, but this was only briefly.

I was wondering-- is this a spot of pigment, or a possible sign of disease? How could I open his mouth and take a closer look with it being the least stressful towards him?

[Albert Clark]

About two weeks ago, I acquired a pretty underfed male BCI (who is allegedly three years old and skinnier and no longer than my year old male ball python). While feeding him (one small mouse about the width of his thickest point, I don't dare feed anything bigger) yesterday, I noticed as he had his mouth around the mouse, there was a black spot that appeared to be on the glottis. There was no pus, redness, or other abnormalities I could see, but this was only briefly.

I was wondering-- is this a spot of pigment, or a possible sign of disease? How could I open his mouth and take a closer look with it being the least stressful towards him?

Maybe what you saw was the tracheal opening. Remember that during swallowing the trachea is and can be extended outwards and underneath the prey item. You can open the mouth using a qtip. The plastic middle part of the qtip. Don't use wooden qtips. Carefully use the middle plastic part to pull the lower jaw down to open the mouth. I wouldn't do it until after he digests his meal and he is relaxed. Good luck and be careful with the poor guy.

[Iridium]

Thank you so much! It probably was, but I'd like to get a closer look just to make sure and catch it early if anything does happen to be wrong.