Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

I suspect one of my ball pythons has an abscessed lip. I bought this snake in a group as a package deal from a breeder closing shop.
At first when I noticed it, I thought maybe it was a birth defect, but I’m thinking that it may be an abcess and I am looking for a nearby reptile vet to check it.
Just posting photos to see what members think.
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I'd sure want to rule out abscess...I think that's much more likely than a birth defect. I assume it hasn't changed in size since you've had her? That would be
another good tip off (if it had gotten larger).

I just did an oral examination (boy, that was tricky to do!). The internal mouth looks normal, but the lip is very swollen in that one area.
Will get treatment and post update here.

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

I just did an oral examination (boy, that was tricky to do!). The internal mouth looks normal, but the lip is very swollen in that one area.
Will get treatment and post update here.

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Glad his mouth looks good inside...he may have been fed live & got a rodent puncture on the outside of his lower jaw that resulted in what you see now. Just my hunch...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Glad his mouth looks good inside...he may have been fed live & got a rodent puncture on the outside of his lower jaw that resulted in what you see now. Just my hunch...

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Makes sense, I agree that past mouth injury is the most likely cause.
(She never had any injury with me that I noticed.). I mostly feed thawed.

Rat or mouse teeth are pretty dirty, so just a little puncture might have caused this...the infection just walled off & grew, unable to drain. Should have a good
outcome though with a little medical help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Rat or mouse teeth are pretty dirty, so just a little puncture might have caused this...the infection just walled off & grew, unable to drain. Should have a good
outcome though with a little medical help.

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This will be the first time I’ve had to go to the vet, but after 30-40 ball pythons, that’s good odds I suppose.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

This will be the first time I’ve had to go to the vet, but after 30-40 ball pythons, that’s good odds I suppose.

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Yeah, I wouldn't complain too much if I were you...;)

They removed a fleshy abcess of some sort.
Next is daily topical antiseptic and antibiotic injections.
They are sending in the abscess for a biopsy.
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I’m so glad to have a professional herp vet right here in Asheville!
Tough to find one, out of all the vets, most do not have experience with snakes.
http://www.allpetsasheville.com/

First time at a snake hospital!