bruised nose and not eating

First post. I have lurked for far too long anyhow before joining. but I will get right to the point. I am in super concerned mode right now. Cosmo, my male BP, has not been eating regularly and is losing weight.

vitals
- weight - 447g (down about 125g from about 570g)
- habitat - 41qt sterlite tub
- substrate - paper towels
- temps - cool = 80F and hot = 92F
- age - 1 year, 1 month
- feeds on both live and p/k rats
- last shed was 3 weeks ago

now in addition to this, he has been sluggish and will not even take just weaned rats. He used to be on small rats 1 time per week. He has what appears to be a bruise on the top of his nose and his nostrils appear inflammed. I have taken pics and got a close up. At first I thought it might have been a nip he got when attempting to feed but you can see there is no broken skin or scar. I have already made a vet appointment for him but the earliest he can get in is not until late next week. but I only noticed the bruise yesterday and freaked and hope I can get this sorted out before next week.

Thanks in advance!

pics
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...4/IMG_0027.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...4/IMG_0029.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5.../closeup-1.jpg

You are describing more than 20% weight loss, sluggishness, and some sort of visible injury. Did the vet's office understand this is not for a check-up, this is a possibly seriously ill animal? You didn't say how fast this weight loss has occurred, but I would say it is possible the snake won't be alive by the time of the appointment next week. I'd recommend calling them back and insisting on an appointment much sooner than that. Most (I would think all) vets reserve some of their time for urgent situations so they can see those animals that need it the very same day, so I very seriously doubt the vet is truly fully booked until next week, they are just fully booked in those appointments they will give out to less than urgent situations.

sorry - the weight loss prolly over at least 5 months. now this is not to say that he has not eaten in 5 months. it has been hit or miss. sometimes he would eat and sometimes he would skip a week but then it has gradually gotten more spread out and now has not eaten in 6 weeks.

Yes the vet knows this is not a check up. I think I should call and press the issue

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wizeguy4

sorry - the weight loss prolly over at least 5 months. now this is not to say that he has not eaten in 5 months. it has been hit or miss. sometimes he would eat and sometimes he would skip a week but then it has gradually gotten more spread out and now has not eaten in 6 weeks.

Yes the vet knows this is not a check up. I think I should call and press the issue

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yeah press it hard.. if that dosent work.. make sure you smack him across the head with it!