HELP!! ball has a lump

[john.w.smith]

First off id like to say hello. My name is john and am new here but have been lurking for a while. I've been into herps since I was flipping salamanders as a child, started keeping snakes in highschool, and in college getting heavy into field herping. Had a beautiful daughter 3.5 years ago and my ex made me get rid of my snakes. We won an anole at a fair last summer and now I'm getting my daughter and wife into the herp world. I've kept balls in the past and decided to get one now to ease my family into it. So I picked up a little girl on craigslist last week and everything was perfect

Today I had her out and for the first time noticed a small (drop of water) sized on her neck about an inch below the base of her head. I've been scanning pics that I've been takin of her and can't see it, but its small and maybe I missed it.

So. Now what do I do now? Does anyone know what this is? Is a vet my best bet right now? Do I wait and keep an eye on it for a few days?

Thanks in advance

[Crazy4Herps]

Hi, John, and welcome to the forums!

A little lump could be any number of things, from a harmless birth defect to a tumor or abscess. Does it seem to bother her when you touch it? Can you get in contact with her previous owners and ask if they've noticed it before? If she's had it for a long time and it hasn't caused any problems it's most likely not a problem. On the other hand, a trip to the vet is always the safest course of action.

[kasmiraross]

yeah id go to the vets just 2 be on the safe side good luck

[Vypyrz]

Hi, John, and welcome to the forums!

A little lump could be any number of things, from a harmless birth defect to a tumor or abscess. Does it seem to bother her when you touch it? Can you get in contact with her previous owners and ask if they've noticed it before? If she's had it for a long time and it hasn't caused any problems it's most likely not a problem. On the other hand, a trip to the vet is always the safest course of action.

to BP.net

I agree with C4H. It could also be anything from a tick to an old rat bite. Without pics, it's hard to say. But, when in doubt, check with a vet. Since you just got her, if you decide to take her to a vet, I would suggest taking a stool sample in also to make sure she doesn't have any internal parasites...

[john.w.smith]

Thanks for all the replies and welcomes. This is not something I've encountered before. I don't think its any kind of bite as her scales look perfect, just slightly raised. I've seen bites and encountered ticks and external wounds, this seems like some sort of growth or something. And no it doesn't bother her to be touched in the area. Also I have an email to the owner, waiting to hear back now. Ill try and get some pics of it after work today.