Prolapsed Rectum!

I have heard of the prolapsed hemipene and rectum many times before but unfortunately today it was my turn to experience this. :(

I work part time at a local Pet Store. We got 3 baby balls in on Friday which I sexed 2 males and a female. I checked them over when I worked on Saturday and everything was good.

Today I decided to feed them and noticed the smallest male (55 grams) had a huge fleshy organ hanging from his vent. I knew right away it was a prolapsed rectum. It was very dry and looked like it was 'peeling' (for lack of a better word) and was full of bedding.

(I was not able to get pictures as I did not have my camera with me today! Sorry.)

I made a separate enclosure for him with paper towels and cleaned up his rectum. I then proceeded to make a shallow sugar/water bath for him and soaked his rear in it for about 5 minutes while making a sugar/water paste. After I finished soaking him I put the paste onto the rectum which draws some fluid and causes minor shrinkage and also acts as a lubricant. Using a rubber glove I gently eased the prolapse back into the vent (very carefully) and massaged the area. It looked very sore. After the rectum was back into the vent I put some steroid-free neosporin on a band-aid and wrapped it around the vent to make sure it does not prolapse again.

I will check on him every day and remove the bandage in a couple of days. I will update you as he eats, heals, and passes urates and feces if anyone is interested.

I am pretty proud of myself for being able to act right away and saving this little guy. It has come a long way from knowing nothing about reptiles at all and it is thanks to you guys. Keep up the good work, your advice does not go unheard. A special thanks to this thread by Tim (http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=87612) for the pointers as well.


What a day!

You did good :gj: keep us posted

Great Job! You Rock!

Daniel:gj:

Please do keep us updated on this little snake's condition. Sounds like you did a great job!

Good job you did today! :gj:

Nice quick thinking! Good job.

Thank goodness you were around to come to its aid! Please keep us posted. :gj:

Update.

He still looks pretty sore but his vent is starting to close up a bit more. He is passing a lot of urates and urine if you press on his abdomen with no ill effect. I replaced the bandage on wednesday and took it off yesterday. I tried feeding him yesterday but he had no interest; I will try again in a few days.

Little guy is doing very well overall. :)

Hi,

Wouldn't holding off on the feeding be a good thing? Or was he a good enough eater that poop is on the way regardless?


dr del

Congrats on a job well done. I am glad that my post was able to help someone. I always post my informative posts in hopes that someone can use it one day and save a snake. Please keep us posted on his progress.

Derek,
I guess it could be detrimental to feed him, however, at his young age, and being so small, I would rather keep the food going in and deal with the side effects if they return. In the case of older animals, I find that they will fast (and can afford to) after a situation like this.

Great Work,