Abscess growing on ball pythons head

[rcratzlaff]

I have noticed after this past shedding a abscess developing on my ball pythons head directly between the eyes. I am hoping someone out there has run into this issue and can give me some advice on what to do or how to treat it.
Thanks
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[bcr229]

That's an infection, my boa had one further up her nose and needed surgery to drain it, with antibiotics for 30 days afterward. The one on your snake is close enough to the brain to be dangerous, it needs to get to a vet ASAP.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

That's an infection, my boa had one further up her nose and needed surgery to drain it, with antibiotics for 30 days afterward. The one on your snake is close enough to the brain to be dangerous, it needs to get to a vet ASAP.

^This^

Abscess need to be removed and anti-biotics will need to be prescribed. Your only option is to go to a vet.

[Slim]

Does anyone have insight into what causes these types of sub dermal abscesses?

[rcratzlaff]

I'm pretty sure this one was caused from a rat bite. I have been trying to get the snake to eat frozen rats for awhile and have had no luck. Exhibit A of why shouldn't use live rats

My problem is there is no reptile vet in my area and won't be able to get to one for at least three weeks. I have been looking into alternatives and have found that a broad spectrum antibiotic will probably be the best short term option till I can get to a vet. I'm considering Baytril, Fortum, or Amikacin. Does anyone have any suggestions on an antibiotic or another course of action?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I'm pretty sure this one was caused from a rat bite. I have been trying to get the snake to eat frozen rats for awhile and have had no luck. Exhibit A of why shouldn't use live rats

My problem is there is no reptile vet in my area and won't be able to get to one for at least three weeks. I have been looking into alternatives and have found that a broad spectrum antibiotic will probably be the best short term option till I can get to a vet. I'm considering Baytril, Fortum, or Amikacin. Does anyone have any suggestions on an antibiotic or another course of action?

Anti biotics will not take care of the issue, only removing the abscess will, the anti-biotic is prescribed afterward to prevent further infection. Once an abscess is there (caseous puss which is a solid form puss) only surgery will do the trick.

[rcratzlaff]

Anti biotics will not take care of the issue, only removing the abscess will, the anti-biotic is prescribed afterward to prevent further infection. Once an abscess is there (caseous puss which is a solid form puss) only surgery will do the trick.

Do I need to worry about it getting larger and becoming a danger before I can get to the vet?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Do I need to worry about it getting larger and becoming a danger before I can get to the vet?

Yes it can get bigger and become an issue.

[Spiritserpents]

Antibiotics should not be given unless directed so by a vet. Only a vet can prescribe antibiotics, and a vet can only do so after a physical exam. No one here can advise you, ethically or legally, as to which antibiotic to use because we either aren't veterinarians or haven't done an actual physical exam.

[bcr229]

I'm pretty sure this one was caused from a rat bite. I have been trying to get the snake to eat frozen rats for awhile and have had no luck. Exhibit A of why shouldn't use live rats

My problem is there is no reptile vet in my area and won't be able to get to one for at least three weeks. I have been looking into alternatives and have found that a broad spectrum antibiotic will probably be the best short term option till I can get to a vet. I'm considering Baytril, Fortum, or Amikacin. Does anyone have any suggestions on an antibiotic or another course of action?

If you are comfortable shipping you could always FedEx it to the vet, I know mine accepts shipped animals for treatment from around the US.