HELP can't swallow!!!

[phunkyfuel]

The small mouse my python just ate got turned sideways after it was most of the way in her mouth. She's been eating this size for almost two years and never any problems but it's been stuck where it is for almost an hour. It looks like her scales are going to burst! I don't know what to do. I think it's too far in for any kind of removal.

For a while she couldn't keep her head up and was falling backwards when she tried to lift up and swallow.... I'm scared someone help me!

[The Serpent Merchant]

First off what type of python do you have and how big is it? second how big was the rodent in comparison to the snake?

if it was even possible for the snake to eat the rodent sideways My guess is that it was too small for the snake.

[wolfy-hound]

I've never heard of a snake not able to either spit out or swallow down a rodent it tried to eat. I'd leave her along, as long as she's breathing. Since they have a separate breathing tube from the throat the food goes down, she's probably not in danger.

But never saw that. If you could post a picture, without disturbing her, might help.

[WingedWolfPsion]

How about a pair of long tweezers to try and shift it? Use a rubber spatula to open the snake's mouth. Great care must be taken not to perforate the esophagus, but if you can pull one side of the rodent back out, perhaps you can reposition it.
(After an entire hour, I would be concerned as well).

For folks who think it's not an appropriate sized mouse, don't count on it. Snakes are capable of swallowing things that are twice their girth--it's just not recommended!

[Capray]

[QUOTE=wolfy-hound;1850958]I've never heard of a snake not able to either spit out or swallow down a rodent it tried to eat.

Wait isn't that how you assist feed?

[WingedWolfPsion]

Capray--No.
Assist-feeding involves opening the animal's mouth, and placing the rodent's head just slightly down into the snake's throat--then you close the mouth to hook the teeth in, set the snake down, and remain very still and hope. lol...

If it works, the snake will decide to swallow instead of spitting the rodent back out. I have had to repeat this up to 5 times before the animal got tired of the fight and swallowed the rodent. Often, however, they swallow it on the first try.