Questions about new Viper Boa

[Reinz]

Welcome to the forum.

I am not familiar with Viper Boas at all. At one time I thought about getting one, but being Wild caught turned me away. I’m glad to hear that yours appears to be tame.

Since I know nothing about their husbandry, I can only comment on the Vet visit. Did the Vet take a culture of the saliva? That is needed to see which strain of bacteria is infecting the respiratory system. Upon knowing that, the Vet can zero in on the best antibiotic. If no culture was taken, he probably just used a wide spectrum antibiotic. This is like using a shotgun when a rifle is the better choice.

Other than this, it can be a number of things. Dosing and/or administration could be off. Maybe the seller did not treat properly for parasites, or at all for that matter. Not that the parasites would cause the RI, but they can add stress which can weaken the VB’s system. Did you take in a stool sample to the Vet? (this for checking for parasites) If not, it would be a good idea regardless. Husbandry might need to be further addressed, I don’t know.

For the follow up visit to the Vet, ask about a culture, and checking out the stool. These tests are going to cost more, but may be necessary. If the snake defecates before the visit, refrigerate it immediately. If not, the Vet can do it whenever you get one and you can drop it off.

Hopefully others will tune in with help. This all I can think of at the moment.

Best of luck, and please let us know how this turns out. And PLEASE post photos!! We’d love to see this cool Boa!