Ball Python rescue help... pics and videos

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

My guess would be that his going without food so long has affected his digestive track. Now he has a big meal that his system couldn't handle but it's down too far to regurge it. If you soak him in warm(not hot) water and see if he can move it, that may help, but if his intestine is damaged or twisted or too weak to move the mass on to poo it out, he may not be able to be helped, short of an enema or surgery.

I would advise NOT to take him out to the yard, nor to handle him much, if at all. Let him relax in his cage with plenty of hides and warm humid spots and leave him alone except for treatment. He's not used to being handled, and ball pythons generally don't like bright open space. Roaming around a lawn will stress him because remember, all his tiny snakey brain is telling him is "Any minute a giant bird will swoop down and eat me!".

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wow... thanks. I didn't even think about the stress by taking him outside, good call. Thanks for that, now I know.

I will be doing another bath today and massage and see what happens, if nothing..... I will have to take him in and hopefully I can find someone who can help with cost or care. But we're trying as much as we can with this guy :-)

Thank you so much for all the help, I will keep you posted.

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Originally Posted by albinos_rule

I assume you are putting the Powerade in the water? I don't think in the water it is going to help with dehydration, and I don't think all the sugar in the Powerade would be good for him. Just continue with the plain water soaks, and massages :gj:

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Oh yea... lol it's in the water not direct lol I saw some posts on the web to do a 50/50 with Powerade and water and let him soak if there is nothing else available like proper meds or vet. The sugar is a concern but from I read if it's a one time emergency thing it should be ok. Do you think I should avoid the powerade all together and just leave water? What about Pedialite?

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Originally Posted by gurpgurp

Reread my post....

I didn't think it was an idiotic move to leave him there to suffer like his last 2 owners did, so I am trying. I'll remember that next time tho, thanks.

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I posted that for that Derek whatever his name was.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has responded, I am about to do another bath and soft massage. He still has that bump and when I look under him I kind of notice 2... um.... I don't know how to explain it without sounding weird, but kind of looks like a tight testicle sack and you can see both balls..... does that make sense?

..... now let the giggles settle.... sorry, I am better at explaining things with visuals. :-)

I will keep everyone posted, I will also try and shoot another video and take pics if there are any changes and see if anyone has any advice.

Thanks again and talk to everyone soon, wish us luck..

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Originally Posted by albinos_rule

I posted that for that Derek whatever his name was.

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Copy that, thanks for clarifying. Hope you didn't take it the wrong way, I will admit I did for a second because of how I read it. My sincere apologies. I, like the snake, am a little stressed as well so I can get a little short with people. I just want him to feel better.

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Originally Posted by gurpgurp

Copy that, thanks for clarifying. Hope you didn't take it the wrong way, I will admit I did for a second because of how I read it. My sincere apologies. I, like the snake, am a little stressed as well so I can get a little short with people. I just want him to feel better.

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That is ok, misunderstandings happen. I commend you for doing what you can for the snake. It is people like Derek who makes comments like he did that really get under my skin..Good luck with the snake :gj:

ok sorry for the improper wording, and rereading that it was rude, but in my defense i had just gotten home from a long day of school then work. I didnt mean "you are unfit to care for animals" if you cannot drop that money at any given time, i mean if that amount of money is completely out of the question for a period of time that allows your snakes condition to worsen. I also wanted to say that rescuing the mistreated thing was awesome and so was looking for any kind of help. Again im sorry for the improper wording and the rudeness of my comment, I do wish you and that poor little guy the best of luck. And keep us updated please

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Originally Posted by Derekm951

ok sorry for the improper wording, and rereading that it was rude, but in my defense i had just gotten home from a long day of school then work. I didnt mean "you are unfit to care for animals" if you cannot drop that money at any given time, i mean if that amount of money is completely out of the question for a period of time that allows your snakes condition to worsen. I also wanted to say that rescuing the mistreated thing was awesome and so was looking for any kind of help. Again im sorry for the improper wording and the rudeness of my comment, I do wish you and that poor little guy the best of luck. And keep us updated please

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We all have bad days..it's all good :D

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Originally Posted by gurpgurp

I want to say thank you to everyone who has responded, I am about to do another bath and soft massage. He still has that bump and when I look under him I kind of notice 2... um.... I don't know how to explain it without sounding weird, but kind of looks like a tight testicle sack and you can see both balls..... does that make sense?

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Do a Google search for pictures of a prolapse. Is that what you're seeing?

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

To be honest I think that really needs investigating by a good reptile vet. :(

Until I saw the lump I thought it might be neurological damage from overheating but given the position on the body I think it is more likely to be something like a blocked/ twisted intestine.

That's not something I would suggest trying to treat at home.

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I have to fully agree with Dr. Del! I know I'm a new user to this site, but I have been keeping and breeding reptiles for over 20 years and have come across this before with rescues. The bulge appears to be past the stomach which would indicate intestinal compaction/twisting, possibly from the previous owners choice of substrate and lack of water combined. The swelling is most likely methane from the decomposing rodent that is stuck in the intestine. If it is compaction, the only home remedy I know of is super soaking (water logging) and massaging the snake. This has helped me in the past, and it has failed as well. The best chance the snake has is to see a qualified vet.

Good luck and keep us informed.