What's wrong with my Columbian?

[sphex]

Tonight I had my Columbian Boa around my neck when I went to my TV to change a disk in the DVD player. As I was in the process of changing the disk the snake started going ballistic & spit up all over my neck & leg. It was a clear, odorless fluid. In the past I noticed he would hiss towards the TV, but should I be concerned about a possible health condition instead? I'm freaking out. Please help. Thanks.

[sphex]

I talked to the local herp expert Saturday & he mentioned the water drinking scenario. He also said if the snake was eating then there should be nothing to be concerned about. He ate just fine yesterday. The only time I hear it breathe is when his head is next to my ear. Thanks.

[Warrior Kalia]

How recently had the Boa eaten, or drank a lot of water? And are your sure that the liquid came out of his mouth? I know that sounds like a crazy question, but if you had him around your neck for thirty minutes already, you probably weren't looking at him that much anyway. He could have hissed about time he released the liquid "elsewhere".....lol

[bcj68]

Next! If the snake had the amount of fluid that you describe in it's lung (single), you should be able to hear the snake breathing.

[Warrior Kalia]

Also, are you sure the "hissing" you described isn't labored breathing?
I kept a wild caught Mexican Boa once, that hissed at any movement anywhere near him. It was so loud you could hear it in every room of the house!
Safest thing to do for your snake, is take it in for an exam. Better to waste a few bucks and nothing be wrong, than to be sorry later.

[sphex]

Ok, I took it out of the tank after about 30 minutes & he was just fine.
Had him around my neck for about 30 minutes. Could it have been the close proximity to the CRT? I respect your suggestion to the fullest, Foglet, as well as others, but I always hope for the best regardless. BTW, gonna get that fogger tomorrow. Thanks again.

[sphex]

He ate last Sunday & I don't know when he drank. I've never seen him drink any water. I'm pretty sure it came from his mouth because when I took him off my neck it was dripping from his head. "Elsewhere" was my first thought as well. Thanks.

[bcj68]

If a snake has a drink of water a few days after a meal, it is quite possible for a snake to regurg if it's position is changed, and gravity and pressure on different portions of the body take over. If a snake had the amount of fl

[batura]

Keep asking until you hear the answer you want; and you will eventually receive it. Also note, the above said you SHOULD be able to hear it breathing. It is a misnomer that all respiratory infections result in the
"wheeze" so often associated with respiratory infections/complications, especially with the onset of such infections.

Symptoms may include listlessness, weight loss, swollen or bloated body, gaping, open mouth breathing, often (not always) with audible exhalations when in an ADVANCED state. Wheezing may be heard, but IS NOT present with all cases, or clicking noises when breathing. Bubbly, stringy, or sheeting mucous appears in the mouth. The head may be held in a raised position to facilitate breathing. In snakes, the tines of the forked tongue may be stuck together.

Another reason to have your snake checked out by a vet....IBD often mimics respiratory infections.

I am never amazed at how many honestly expect a medical diagnosis over the internet, especially when no one has actually seen the animal, nor knows it's history. There are those who are in a state of grandeur in thinking that they can offer such diagnosis by way of telepathy...

Take it to a vet. If for nothing else, to get some piece of mind if it IS nothing to worry about.

[sphex]

One more question. If this is a respiratory problem wouldn't it have a thicker consistency than water, like mucus? This was just like pouring water from a glass which is why I'm not going into a panic yet, however I'm by no means an expert. I also thought you could hear wheezing if it was respiratory? Thanks.