Slit all the way down belly

We just had a hatchling come out yesterday, and we didn't notice it until now, but she has a slit perfectly down the middle on her belly starting two inches from the head. It runs thorough the umbilical cord and down a little ways. There are no intestines out. It is hard to see but it looks much like a paper cut on a human. I can't get pictures right now. I thought it was perhaps a cleft scute.

I watched a youtube video of a bp born with her heart outside her body. The owner stitched her up and she's doing fine. I'll see if I can find it for you.

That'd be awesome, from the lack of responses I'm guessing this isn't too common of a thing...thank you for the posting and trying to help!

Looked, can't find it. I remember the bps name was Grace, I think.

How deep a slit we talking?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by anicatgirl

How deep a slit we talking?

---

Like I said it resembles a paper cut. Imagine a paper cut on the pad of your finger, and how it appears closed when you aren't touching it. But if you go and spread the skin apart, it will open up a little with flesh underneath. It doesn't appear deep. No intestines showing, only muscle and tissue (barely).

If there isn't anything sticking out I'm not sure that there's a whole lot to be done about it but keep an eye on it. Just keep the baby on paper towels in a clean environment, see if she'll shed and eat for you, and go from there.

I don't think the pictures are still up but here is the story of Grace;

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...phic-images%29

Here's a picture of it:
http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file.../1/6/cleft.jpg

Your definition of "all the way down" needs work - you muppet. :P