Stuck substrate after feeding?

Tonight was feeding night and I noticed a small lump on the right side of his neck afterward. I know for a fact it wasn't there prior to feeding time so I'm thinking it has to be a piece of cyprus bark substrate. The lump is movable and from the short exam Jax would allow, it FEELS like a piece of bark. Can't get any pictures currently; camera batteries are on the fritz. But it's a pretty basic lump. No bleeding, no swelling really, no breathing issues. He has been moving around rubbing his neck along the side of his enclosure so it seems bothersome but not to the point of distress. He goes in the hot hide for a bit and then will peek out for a bit doing the rubbing thing. I know this is a stupid question, but is this something they generally handle on their own? I don't want to mess with him and cause a regurge but I'm kinda worried it's stuck and could cause infection of some sort. :(

Ingested substrate usually isn't an issue, but can potentially cause an impaction (block the digestive track)

For now just keep a close eye on it. If you suspect that something is wrong then a trip to the vet might be necessary.

Small pieces of substrate are usually not an issue if ingested. As long it wasn't too large of a piece you should be fine. If you suspect impaction(don't have any experience with this) a vet trip is in order.

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Cyprus bark is fairly decent sized? No experience with it. I wouldn't want to mess with him, hopefully he can get it out on his own. Smaller ingested substrate not usually a problem, as they digest bones. However, imo, might worry about larger chunkier substrate. Keep an eye on him, vet if anything is questionable.


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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Cyprus bark is fairly decent sized? No experience with it. I wouldn't want to mess with him, hopefully he can get it out on his own. Smaller ingested substrate not usually a problem, as they digest bones. However, imo, might worry about larger chunkier substrate. Keep an eye on him, vet if anything is questionable.

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The cyprus bark is pretty decent sized. But it's more just long, thin pieces not really fat and chunky. The thing I guess I'm concerned about is that the pieces are a little on the sharp side sometimes. :( I'm worried it's stuck. I will keep an eye on it and take him to the vet. How long should I watch it before a vet visit?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LadyWraith

The cyprus bark is pretty decent sized. But it's more just long, thin pieces not really fat and chunky. The thing I guess I'm concerned about is that the pieces are a little on the sharp side sometimes. :( I'm worried it's stuck. I will keep an eye on it and take him to the vet. How long should I watch it before a vet visit?

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If it doesn't move after a day or two, give the vet a call. It will likely just require the vet to open up the mouth and remove the pieces of substrate that way. They have fancy tools and ways of gently restraining/sedating the snake so that it doesn't get injured trying to resist the process, so it's best to take her in for some help that way.

Good luck!

-Jen