Skin Lumps

I've noticed that the one female has had the one large lump for a while. I noticed others on this forum had similar issues and guessed that it was likely the tumor issue. It seems that just recently the tumors have gotten more severe. I watch her with a close eye now, and she doesn't seem to be in any pain. She doesn't clean/bite/etc the sores excessively.

Ideally, I'd like to feed her off, but if there's even a chance that it could mess with my snake's health (if ingested), I need to simply euthanize her.

They are not infections, although they can get infected from scratching, but the scabbing seems to be normal. They are carcinomas very likely caused by a papimillio virus. I feed them off, predators are meant to eat sick and weak prey. One rat isn't going to hurt them.

Some rats can get the tumors young, but generally they develope after 9 months of age, sometimes delayed for more than 14 months of age. Sometimes they develop almost overnight. It really varies and that's all the answers I have. However, I do have a lot of scientific articles on the tumors and warty growths on my page if anyone is interested in reading about them.

I agree. feed them off. Wouldn't worry about the snake getting anything.


Don't ever underestimate the amazing things a snakes digestive system can do!

LOL, if you had a snakes digestive system, you would be able to eat a full grown overweight cat..... whole. :8:

:)

My last adult male asf also formed a large bump with a crust and fur loss on his back. After researching, I agree that the mass is a carcinoma possibly from pappiloma virus. It is not transferable to humans... or your bp.

I did however come across breif mentioning of something called rat pox??? Anyone familiar with this?