Has my BP broken a bone?

[Langfords]

Hi all, anybody who's seen my posts knows that a while back I bought a 3 month old bp. He's absolutely beautiful and incredibly docile, but recently, when my partner and I have been handling him, we've both noticed a bony lump about 3 or 4 inches from his head, on his neck. It's internal only and can only be felt when he's twisting his body around; there's no outward signs of trauma or anything like that (and being the calm little guy he is, he's very easy to inspect - which I do daily). I'm not sure if we've just never noticed it until recently or if its always been there. I'm worried it may be some sort of broken bone, although there's been no change in his temperament, apparent health or the way he moves (ever since settling down, he is almost always out, hiding under or climbing his logs, and just generally exploring the viv - ofc he also spends a good deal of his time hiding, but no more than normal). Moreover, when the bump in question rubs up against our fingers he doesn't flinch or even seem to notice.


I saw a similar post on another python forum and a user suggested that OP's snake may have injured himself by falling - we're both very cautious when we handle Pretzel and make no sudden movements; we've never dropped him and the wood in his tank isn't particularly elevated. He does, however, like to stretch his neck way up (it's not stargazing; he hasn't got an RI - I'm not sure why he does it tbh, but it's behaviour I've observed in a few of my snakes before) - I've never seen him fall whilst doing this but I'm sure he probably has. He eats every Thursday like clockwork and has eaten every time we've offered him food.


I'm honestly so worried about him and am seriously considering a vet visit. Could this be something normal or is it more serious?

[BallPythonWannaBe]

Posting a picture would help( I do have to admit I just skimmed through your post)

[tttaylorrr]

posting a photo is the only way we can help.

sounds like it could be a kink in the spine. are you sure you've never seen/felt it before this?

[Ax01]

yes, a pix would most def help.

anyway it sounds like it could be a kink. what kinda BP do u have? a kink is most common in Super Black Pastel and Super Cinny (combo's). your BP would be fine w/ a kink as long as it could swallow/take a meal or pass a poop.

Edit: if it can't take a actually take a meal or pass a poo, u have to consider it's quality of life and may need to consider putting it down. alotta breeders will put down kinked animals at birth or if it can't swallow/take it's first few meals.

Edit 2:

Hi all, anybody who's seen my posts knows that a while back I bought a 3 month old bp. He's absolutely beautiful and incredibly docile, but recently, when my partner and I have been handling him, we've both noticed a bony lump about 3 or 4 inches from his head, on his neck. It's internal only and can only be felt when he's twisting his body around; there's no outward signs of trauma or anything like that (and being the calm little guy he is, he's very easy to inspect - which I do daily). I'm not sure if we've just never noticed it until recently or if its always been there. I'm worried it may be some sort of broken bone, although there's been no change in his temperament, apparent health or the way he moves (ever since settling down, he is almost always out, hiding under or climbing his logs, and just generally exploring the viv - ofc he also spends a good deal of his time hiding, but no more than normal). Moreover, when the bump in question rubs up against our fingers he doesn't flinch or even seem to notice.


I saw a similar post on another python forum and a user suggested that OP's snake may have injured himself by falling - we're both very cautious when we handle Pretzel and make no sudden movements; we've never dropped him and the wood in his tank isn't particularly elevated. He does, however, like to stretch his neck way up (it's not stargazing; he hasn't got an RI - I'm not sure why he does it tbh, but it's behaviour I've observed in a few of my snakes before) - I've never seen him fall whilst doing this but I'm sure he probably has. He eats every Thursday like clockwork and has eaten every time we've offered him food.


I'm honestly so worried about him and am seriously considering a vet visit. Could this be something normal or is it more serious?

what previous post? this is your first post according to your post count. did u have a previous handle?

[SDA]

I don't think an image is going to show anything unless there is bruising or obvious kinking. If you got him from a reputable breeder and you have never dropped him (it's ok if you did I mean it happens) then the chance of him breaking anything in a normal enclosure are very slim. Mine has fallen from branches numerous times without issue.

If you are really concerned and can afford it, a vet will be able to xray or if skilled in snakes feel for signs of fracture. It could be nothing more than kinking or even just feeling his vertebrate and be nothing. Sometimes vet visits are more for peace of mind than anything so if you can swing it, don't feel bad for having a checkup done.

Edit: if it is just a kink and he is eating fine you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Some snakes are just born with a kink.

[Langfords]

Hi all, in response to everybody replying to this post; I have just re examined him in an attempt to take a photograph and have just realised that there is outward swelling. I can only imagine that this means the injury is fairly recent, as I definitely would have noticed. He's become quite irritated and the only thing he wants to do is hide, however, I managed to take a poor quality photograph in which the lump is just about visible (albeit at an odd angle). The lump is further down than I thought, and what is not apparent in the photograph is that it's rectangular in shape. I don't want to go prodding him any further tonight because he's so agitated.

The first is a picture of Pretzel from earlier today, in which I don't think the swelling was visible, the second is where you can sort of see it.






His viv looks sort of bare & sad, but I removed as much as I could from his it so I could get a picture without having to handle him physically.

Edit: & For those asking he's a normal BP.

[Langfords]

what previous post? this is your first post according to your post count. did u have a previous handle?

Haha, no I also uploaded this to Reddit's ballpython community, in which I am very active - I just copied & pasted & didn't think to proof read!

[Ax01]

ok, we asked for pix but that's not helping. u need internal pix aka x-rays esp. if u now see swelling.

what previous post? this is your first post according to your post count. did u have a previous handle?

Haha, no I also uploaded this to Reddit's ballpython community, in which I am very active - I just copied & pasted & didn't think to proof read!

ah ok. i don't get the Reddit format and prefer the forum.

[SDA]

I would repeat that a vet visit if you can afford it would be best. Those pictures don't tell the story so if you are concerned with a growing lump, please consider a vet to examine your pet. If you do not know an exotic vet, there is a useful post here about vets in the States or you could call around and find one that is knowledgeable in snakes.

US and Canada list

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...d-Exotics-Vets