Help i think my ball python ate too much

[marutheballpython]

2 days ago I fed my ball python 2 small mice. But then he escaped his feed box and found the other small box where I had one extra mouse for my other ball python... He then ate it and kept moving. Now his head looks bloated!! Do I need to take him to the vet?

[Mike41793]

That swelling wouldnt be from overeating unless the mouse was physically stuck in that part of his throat. Get a picture of the inside of his mouth. If the mouse isnt stuck there (I cant think of why it would be) then that swelling is being caused by something else. That much swelling that close to his brain could turn bad quickly. If you can't come to a conclusion tonite, i would make a vet appointment asap.

[bcr229]

1) Vet, ASAP for that snake. I wonder if the mouse bit or scratched him and it got infected?
2) No need for a "feed box" in the future, feed him in his enclosure.

[marutheballpython]

Just checked his mouth. Nothings in there... I'm dropping him off tomorrow morning at the vet

[Mike41793]

1) Vet, ASAP for that snake. I wonder if the mouse bit or scratched him and it got infected?
2) No need for a "feed box" in the future, feed him in his enclosure.

My thoughts as well. Not even necessarily infected. Just any minor irritation in that area could make any minor swelling look wicked bad.

[marutheballpython]

He seems to be acting fine.. but still taking him to the vet

[Mike41793]

yea definitely still take him. that swelling doesnt look good. could be something minor that will go away on its own or it could be something serious like an abscess that requires draining/surgery

[Crowfingers]

If you feed live, then the one of the mice could have not been completely dead when he started swallowing it and may have bitten/scratched the inside of his mouth. I can't imagine that a snakes' mouth is all that clean so infection or at least severe irritation could be causing that whole area to swell. Like everyone else said, a vet visit is in order. Hope its nothing too serious.

[marutheballpython]

If you feed live, then the one of the mice could have not been completely dead when he started swallowing it and may have bitten/scratched the inside of his mouth. I can't imagine that a snakes' mouth is all that clean so infection or at least severe irritation could be causing that whole area to swell. Like everyone else said, a vet visit is in order. Hope its nothing too serious.

I honestly think that is what happened... Normally I watch my snakes completely kill their food (I hold down the rodent) to prevent any injuries... but I didnt see him kill his third mouse because I left the room, letting him digest in his "kill chamber" never thinking he could escape or even want to eat more. Pet visit is in order for tomorrow morning though. I feel bad cause I squeezed on his head trying to get his mouth open... hopefully everything will be ok.

[Crowfingers]

Snakes are tough, so hopefully with a little TLC he'll be fine