Medical Mystery - Vet has no idea what this is

I brought my snake snake to the vet on friday for a large bump on his nose, I ignored it at first, when I checked on him Friday, I saw that there is now a hole in the bump :O so I rushed her into the vet. The vet played around with it for awhile pushing on it, and the snake was in clear distress. She came up blank, thinking it could be a potential infection and decided she wanted to do an 'investigational' surgery for around $400 just to go in and see what it was. I certainly can't afford that, I go to college and only work summers. I left the place with no more answers then i came in with. Here are some pictures of him.

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_2203.jpg

The hole is in the middle of the nose, its small, I tried to get a good picture of it but he's not having it. You can just make it out in this picture

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_2199.jpg

Does anyone have an idea what this is? His eatting habits have not changed, he is just as active as always, absolutely nothing has changed since this first made an appearance, I'd say two months ago.

btw, he is kept in a free standing tub, sent up exactly the same as the sticky to this forum.

Bumps like that tend to be bacterial infections, do you feed live? Live eaters can get bitten while they are coiled and you may not have seen it. That's the most common reason for this type of ailment.

It's opened because the bacteria infection is spreading. She's going to need antibiotics and something topical for the infection site.

Is your vet a reptile/exotic vet? Those types of infections are not all that rare.

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vets will bleed you for every dime as long as they can.

He should have started treating the infection immediately and then explored other options with you if that didn't work.

First, I'm am NOT a vet!

That said, the hole makes me think abscess from an infection, such as from a bite as suggested above, rather than a growth or tumor.

Also suggest seeing reptile specialist x2!

Indeed, reptile or exotic specific vet will help immensely. Haven't had any experience with the ailment, but clueless vets? Don't chance it, certainly cost me. Hope it goes well! Poor thing

Open it up, drain it, clean it with betadine, repeat. You may need antibiotics, but you may not. If the snake eats and drinks, it's sort of like when you skin your knee. If it's a bad case of road rash, it may take some time and scar, if it's just a scrape then keeping it clean and dry should be enough.

A vet isn't a bad idea, but may not be necessary.

I agree with all the above, sounds/looks like an abscess to me too. I would try calling that vet back and asking for antibiotics....or trying another vet all together.

I asked her when I was there if we could just do the antibiotic shot and she said absolutely not because the bump will still be there she didn't understand the concept that I don't care if the bump remains I just want whatever it is, if it is an infection, to stop growing.

He has only eaten frozen thawed since he's been with me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malaika

I asked her when I was there if we could just do the antibiotic shot and she said absolutely not because the bump will still be there she didn't understand the concept that I don't care if the bump remains I just want whatever it is, if it is an infection, to stop growing.

He has only eaten frozen thawed since he's been with me.

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Get a new vet. She sounds like a moron

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobbafett

Get a new vet. She sounds like a moron

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Will do. I'll make an appointment for this Friday with another vet. Thanks for everyone's feedback, I'll keep you updated.