Hello... I've been meaning to join the forum for a while now, and sad that this has to be my first post, but I have a problem.

I am a fairly new snake enthusiast; I started my collection about a year ago and it has quickly grown. My newest addition was a pair of amazing, lovely GTPs. They have been perfectly fine the last few months; both are great snakes and allow me to handle them without any aggression. The previous owner told me they are a mated pair, but I of course keep them in separate enclosures (as he did.)

In the last few days the male's face has become puffy and swollen (it was very slight at first so I thought it was in my imagination, but now it is impossible to ignore.) That's him in my avatar, but right now his head is puffed up to a much larger size. I've set up an appointment for tomorrow with a local vet who is supposed to be experienced with reptiles, but in the meantime I was hoping someone with more experience could help me understand what is going on. I love all my snakes and I am so worried...

The information: Merlin is supposed to be about 3 or 4 years old. He has a suitable enclosure with a lamp. I'm afraid I've fallen a bit behind on misting his enclosure, but he does have a dish with water that I have seen him drinking from on several occasions. He last ate a few weeks ago; he refused the last f/t rat I offered him, but a bunch of my other snakes did the same that time, so I think I just tried to feed them at the wrong time.

I haven't noticed any marked changes in his behavior. He does not appear to have any inflammation, crusting or discharge around his mouth or vents, though I have not had a chance to look inside his mouth yet. His face just looks very puffy and swollen.

Thank you for your time... I'm really upset about this.