Nose rub

[mpgt]

My dwarf boa rubbed his nose a while ago. It seemed to be healing up until he shed last week, and opened it up again. It didn't look too bad. Two days ago, I saw some red there for the first time (like nerve endings or something). I don't know if he rubbed it again, or if it's part of the healing process. Last night I was about to get him out to take a closer look and apply some Neosporin. He hissed at me with his mouth open wide. That was quite a shock from him. I got him out with a hook, and he was fine. I'm guessing the hiss meant he was in pain or not feeling well, right?

What should I do now, leave him alone or get him to a Vet?

Should I keep bothering him in order to put the Neosporin on?

Would it be a good or bad idea to move him to a bigger tub or an aquarium right now???

Thanks!

[Masahiko]

Originally Posted by mpgt

I'm guessing the hiss meant he was in pain or not feeling well, right?

That would be my guess, too.

Originally Posted by mpgt

What should I do now, leave him alone or get him to a Vet?

Got any pictures?

Originally Posted by mpgt

Should I keep bothering him in order to put the Neosporin on?

If it looks open then I would clean it and apply neosporin 2-3 times a day. He won't be happy about it but its better than infection. I would also remove loose substrate (if any) and put the animal on newspaper, instead.

Originally Posted by mpgt

Would it be a good or bad idea to move him to a bigger tub or an aquarium right now???

He may become curious in his new enclosure and worsen his nose rub during his exploration of the cage. They like to test 'em out, make sure they are really escape proof.

Good luck, man.

[mpgt]

Thanks Rick. Here are some pics from 2 days ago.

[Masahiko]

It doesnt look too bad, but it can get worse if not taken care of. Watch for swelling. Use some hydrogen peroxide or betadine/iodine, whatever to keep it clean.

If you feel more comfortable taking him to the vet, you could, but it is still going to take a while to heal and sheds can make it raw again, which totally sucks. I feel your pain, man. Dealt/dealing with this myself, as well...

[ssjsmits]

I've seen cases that are far worse. What kind of cage is he in now. I'd try removing anything that can further irritate it and treat it as you has been. Perhaps use what Rick just mentioned.

[razeraze]

I am a big fan of zoo med wound healing aid. It worked great on my water monitor and does not rub off easily like antibiotic creams.

[brooksie2]

Yea I was going to recommend the Zoo med.....


good luck with that

[Texas Rattlesnake]

I've never dealt with a nose rub, and wonder if your tub is too small for him.

Just brainstorming here. I do not have any personal experience to offer.

[mpgt]

He's going into a real big tub today. The stiffeners in the lid look pretty smooth. His nose looks a lot better now.

[Stargazer]

It doesn't look too bad, Joe. I hope he continues to show improvement. If he were my boa, it would be a toss up whether I'd take him to the vet in the cold weather.