How to Stop Boas From Star Gazing

Stargazing syndrome is not a disease, but rather a symptom of other diseases, disorders and injuries. Stargazing occurs when a reptile's nervous system is compromised, causing it to contort and twist its head and neck toward the sky as if gazing at the stars. Stargazing can be caused by trauma, parasite infection, poison, extremes in body temperature, bacterial infection or inclusion body disease (IBD). If the underlying cause of your boa's stargazing is infection, poison, trauma or parasites, your veterinarian will most likely be able to prescribe a course of treatment. However, IBD, which occurs predominately in boas and pythons, is ultimately fatal. It is also contagious, which is why prevention is your best course of action in protecting your reptile collection.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Bowls
  • Shelter
  • Cleaning implements
  • Sanitizing solution
Show More

Instructions

  1. Prevention

    • 1

      Adhere to a strict quarantine procedure. If you have other reptiles and acquire a new boa constrictor, keep your new boa separate from your other reptiles for three to six months.

    • 2

      Practice good hygiene. While your new boa is quarantined, make sure your hands and clothes are clean and sanitized before handling your other reptiles. Always care for your other reptiles first, then care for your quarantined addition.

    • 3

      Keep the quarantine equipment in quarantine. Never use the same tanks, cleaning implements, water bowls or shelters for quarantine as you use for your other reptiles.

    • 4

      Speak to your veterinarian about acquiring effective sanitizing solutions for your quarantine tank, bowls, shelters and other equipment.

    • 5

      Watch your new boa carefully for health concerns. Observe its eating habits and stool quality. Watch for other signs of illness such as neurological issues, gaping, mouth swelling and forced exhalation.

    • 6

      Be extremely careful and hygienic when visiting pet stores or handling other people's reptiles.

    Treatment

    • 7

      Immediately quarantine him to prevent any illness from being spread to your other reptiles. Practice good quarantine procedure as described above.

    • 8

      Take your boa to your veterinarian as soon as possible. It is essential to discover the underlying cause of your boa's stargazing.

    • 9

      Follow the instructions of your veterinarian. If your boa is afflicted with IBD, nutritional and fluid therapy may extend the quality and length of its life.