Came across a ball python with silver eye cap

I came across a 5 year old sex-unknown ball python this morning that has one silver eye cap. The other eye is completely normal. It had a couple small pieces of shed on it tails but otherwise looked good. I have never seen this before. I am assuming it is multiple retained caps. He said he thought it was a normal, but it almost looks axanthic, mostly black and silver with high white. It does look thin for being 5 years old. I asked how often he fed and he told me when the snake "looked hungry", so don't think it was fed on a regular basis. The guy wants $20.00 for him and I can probably even get it for less. Just not sure if I would be looking at a vet visit off the bat.

For those who have seen this, does this usually mean the eye is damaged or infected? I have handled retained eye caps before but never saw one such a shiny silver.

I have multiple BP's and don't really need another at this time, but would entertain getting it, getting it cleaned up, and finding a friend who would want a gentle big baby for a pet.

Thanks for any input on this!

http://youtu.be/m0BON9anGVE
I think if you could get pic of the eye it would be a lot of help

Sent from my iPhone

It sounds like several eye caps which can cause serious infections.
Clearly the guy didn't know what he was doing! If the cap is damaged or really thick I don't recommend trying to get it off or inducing a shed. There might be an infection under the retained eye cap & you can scratch the cornea. Some snakes even lose their eye.
Also since you have enough experience I'd say open his mouth up and check what is going on inside.
I wouldn't pay a dime I'd chew this guy out and tell him I'll take the neglected animal off his hands. I think the Vet is a must with this poor babe

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Originally Posted by celixo

It sounds like several eye caps which can cause serious infections.
Clearly the guy didn't know what he was doing! If the cap is damaged or really thick I don't recommend trying to get it off or inducing a shed. There might be an infection under the retained eye cap & you can scratch the cornea. Some snakes even lose their eye.
Also since you have enough experience I'd say open his mouth up and check what is going on inside.
I wouldn't pay a dime I'd chew this guy out and tell him I'll take the neglected animal off his hands. I think the Vet is a must with this poor babe

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Thanks! Pretty much what I was guessing. Would it be surprising to anyone if he said he worked for Petco! He is probably in his 60's so not sure if he even works in a store or in an office somewhere. I will probably contact him in the morning and see if I can get him. He is only a few blocks from my house.