Facial Injury

[4mb3rNich0l3]

Sorry if I am posting this in the wrong section, but I got a text from a lady with a ball python with a swollen face(the right side of his face is pretty swollen) and she has asked me to take him in. I really wanna help the little guys out but wondered what all I could do to help him? Heres the picture she sent me


I know a vet trip would probably be in order, but does anyone have any advice I can do to help him before hand?

[Steve-J]

Unfortunately not much you can do without a visit to the vet. It's likely an abscess or infection of some sort that usually requires treatment that may include antibiotics, for a cyst or abscess they may have to remove it to rid the affected area of infection then prescribe an antibiotic course.

[4mb3rNich0l3]

I figured :/ was hoping there was something i could do to help before that. It dosnt look itd bevery comfortable... well i may go ahead and set up a place to meet. I can get a better look at it when i get him.

-Amber

[Slim]

Did the lady say if this is an injury, or a condition?

[carlisleishere]

I've seen that before on another forum, and the owner got rid of the infection themselves, but I HIGHLY recommend going to a vet.

I do not agree with at-home abscess removal, but here's the vid. *graphic*http://youtu.be/u4ATSWg71rc

[4mb3rNich0l3]

She got him from a college student i guess. She thinka he struck the glass of his aquarium. She said he eats fine and that he just ate 2 small rats friday. And that when she first got him he soaked for several days and the college student kept him in a box. So wo know how neglected he was.. i feel bad for him

-Amber

[carlisleishere]

If he's eating, that's a good sign, but that swelling doesn't appear to be normal. I would still take it to a vet.

[kayrussell]

what a sin.... some people shouldn't own snakes if they will neglect them...

[RetiredJedi]

I do not agree with at-home abscess removal, but here's the vid. *graphic*http://youtu.be/u4ATSWg71rc

That is CRAZY!!

[heathers*bps]

I wonder if he was pushing on his tank? I have seen my retics/burms do that, and an occasional bp and their mouth swells up some.

I would gently open his mouth and see what's going on inside.