Ball python swollen neck

So i feed my ball pythons couple days ago and was doin my usual spot cleaning when i noticed that one had a swollen area towards her neck which I believe to be mabye a piece of coco block? Ive never had this happen before and contacted a vet near me that deals with reptiles. Ive never had anything serious happen to any of my pythons which required vet attention any recommendations on the best vet i can go to for ball pythons in the bay area?

Im new to this forum and not sure how to work this yet i posted pictures in my gallery.

You mean you think she swallowed a piece of coco block? I can't imagine a snake doing that but I guess if it wasn't completely expanded & you feed your snake directly on the substrate without putting something under the prey (as a "plate"), she might have gulped that down along with her rodent...:confusd: That must feel pretty miserable- I'd say get her some vet help FAST- that's the best thing I can suggest.

Incidentally, for posting photos: https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-Post-Pictures

For finding vet options near you: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

How does it feel? Hard with edges? Soft.... Fluid like?

I can't imagine the snake taking in one of those blocks. Doesn't seem like something that would easily stick to it's food. Do they? I've never even seen that stuff.

Coco blocks would never stick to any of the prey. I feed frozen thawed and always dry them so that nothing would get stuck to them. With this particular girl shes a bit shy never strikes at her food and always in her hide so i have to place it by her hide for her to get it on her own. Ive watched my other pythons eat off the substrate and always see the little blocks fall when they start eating so doesnt make sense that she would take some in along with her but thats the only explanation that makes sense that i can think of. I gently touched the area and it’s definitely hard with a bulge on the belly side.

Is there any other missing decor that would explain the lump? Snakes have swallowed towels, light bulbs, & all sort of things, but it's not common, that's for sure. At least she's not a picky eater. ;)

I once massaged waste out of a constipated Blood. I'm not sure if you'll be able to do it but that's probably what I would try if I was trying to handle it myself. Massage it forward and if you have some forceps that would be a big bonus to be able to grab it and pull it out if you get it to move forward. I'm worried it's dry though and that will cause it to stick inside. Maybe letting the snake soak and drink before trying would help.

Like mentioned above snakes have swallowed all sorts of things. I've seen a vet pull a towel out of a snake much like I described but they had a helper to hold the snake in place.

What did the vet say?

I'd for sure get the vet's help on this, so you don't make things worse. (KMG, I don't think they had time to contact the vet yet-?)

And massaging waste out of a snake is different, because that's going the direction it's supposed to go. For that matter, I've helped an exhausted bull snake lay some huge eggs, one of which was extra-large & stuck. But this could do some real harm because it's going the "wrong way".

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I'd for sure get the vet's help on this, so you don't make things worse. (KMG, I don't think they had time to contact the vet yet-?)

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Maybe not. Maybe I'm misunderstanding this, "Ive never had this happen before and contacted a vet near me that deals with reptiles."

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I'd for sure get the vet's help on this, so you don't make things worse. (KMG, I don't think they had time to contact the vet yet-?)

And massaging waste out of a snake is different, because that's going the direction it's supposed to go. For that matter, I've helped an exhausted bull snake lay some huge eggs, one of which was extra-large & stuck. But this could do some real harm because it's going the "wrong way".

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Well that's the direction a vet will most likely take it out being so close to the mouth. YouTube has videos of things being pulled out of snakes.

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Originally Posted by KMG

Maybe not. Maybe I'm misunderstanding this, "Ive never had this happen before and contacted a vet near me that deals with reptiles."

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I'm guessing maybe they left a message because it's the weekend- in the next sentence, they're asking for recommended vets, & to me that indicates they haven't seen a vet yet. :confusd: Wasn't very clear though.

I've never had cocoblocks stick to the prey but I suppose it's possible if she grabbed it just right. I would get her to the vet asap.

It could be worse.

https://youtu.be/2t5DeKJbIl8

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Originally Posted by KMG

It could be worse.

https://youtu.be/2t5DeKJbIl8

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Yeah, I've seen that before. That's why I say this snake the OP has needs vet care (asap)- for one thing, that python was anesthetized for the procedure- makes a HUGE difference, & also, a towel is far less abrasive than this object appears to be (just going by the shape) & may fall apart, causing even more trouble. For all those reasons, I wouldn't "try this [extraction] at home".

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Yeah, I've seen that before. That's why I say this snake the OP has needs vet care (asap)- for one thing, that python was anesthetized for the procedure- makes a HUGE difference, & also, a towel is far less abrasive than this object appears to be (just going by the shape) & may fall apart, causing even more trouble. For all those reasons, I wouldn't "try this [extraction] at home".

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The OP should stay at their comfort level for sure... As everyone should.

I'm from the country and grew up doing much in the ways a animal care so personally I'm probably willing to do more than many people. That and I have some additional medical training from my job.

Like the hematoma I lanced recently on my bulldog. I saw it as an easy job but a buddy spent over $500 to get the same thing done at a vet on his dog. I'm also the guy that cut a fishing hook out of my head and glued it shut..... Well had the wife glue it.

If the chunk breaks up I think that would be an easy fix. Small pieces should pass without issue. Do those pieces break easy? I've never used them.

Again, OP..... Do not do anything you are not comfortable with.

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Originally Posted by KMG

Well that's the direction a vet will most likely take it out being so close to the mouth. YouTube has videos of things being pulled out of snakes.

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Yes, with the snake being properly restrained & anesthetized for safety, the only possible direction to remove this "object" is back up the throat & through the mouth.

However, we do not advocate "do-it-yourself" medical care here based on what you find on YouTube- it's unethical & dangerous. The OP should get help from a vet for this snake.

No other decor besides her hide and a water bowl. Im seeing a vet tomorrow hopefully they can get whatever is in there out. I guess what im most concerned about is if going to the vet and trying to get it out would be doing more damage than good or if she gets it down and causes impaction.

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Originally Posted by Quality balls

No other decor besides her hide and a water bowl. Im seeing a vet tomorrow hopefully they can get whatever is in there out. I guess what im most concerned about is if going to the vet and trying to get it out would be doing more damage than good or if she gets it down and causes impaction.

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Good. If that was my snake, I'd want that material to come back out the way it came, as gently as possible, under the vet's care, unless they can find a way to safely break it up so it could pass. I would trust their experience to make that decision. They can anesthetize & restrain her to do this as safely as possible, & probably with a little lubrication too. But doing it yourself at home? No way that's a safe option. Let us know how it goes?

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

However, we do not advocate "do-it-yourself" medical care here based on what you find on YouTube- it's unethical & dangerous. The OP should get help from a vet for this snake.

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We? You and who? I missed that memo if I'm included in "we." I checked the rules again and didn't see it mentioned.

Seems I remember suggestions back in the day of bleach treatments for RI..... Or something like that, among other things. That was probably before you joined though, so maybe it's stopped? I'm not sure as I took a fairly long break from really participating.

Maybe it's best if I do again if I'm going against "we" think. As for what I said I gave my opinion off of the little information the OP gave. I guess the proper response was "go to a vet." But as I said the OP should do what they are comfortable with. I didn't say my idea was THE way or demand it be tried. Just offered my suggestion of what I MAY do.

I'll step away and leave y'all to it.

Good luck OP.

The vet said they would do a check up tomorrow and see if they can get it out themselves hopefully it all goes well.

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Originally Posted by Quality balls

The vet said they would do a check up tomorrow and see if they can get it out themselves hopefully it all goes well.

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I'm sure they can. They'll have the stuff to get it done. Lucky it's a snake and can still breath with large things in them.

They dont crumble or dissolve in water my worries is that its at a angle where its poking at either side to where pulling it out would cause tearing my guess is when the vet tries to get it out they would twist it while pulling.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Good. If that was my snake, I'd want that material to come back out the way it came, as gently as possible, under the vet's care, unless they can find a way to safely break it up so it could pass. I would trust their experience to make that decision. They can anesthetize & restrain her to do this as safely as possible, & probably with a little lubrication too. But doing it yourself at home? No way that's a safe option. Let us know how it goes?

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I agree will be updating tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by Quality balls

They dont crumble or dissolve in water my worries is that its at a angle where its poking at either side to where pulling it out would cause tearing my guess is when the vet tries to get it out they would twist it while pulling.

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I can see that concern but remember snakes eat rats and rats have some really sharp claws. Then snakes in the wild eat a wide range of things that you would think could hurt their insides but doesn't. Have you ever heard of that being an issue? I haven't. Snakes are amazing.

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Originally Posted by KMG

We? You and who? I missed that memo if I'm included in "we." I checked the rules again and didn't see it mentioned.

Seems I remember suggestions back in the day of bleach treatments for RI..... Or something like that, among other things. That was probably before you joined though, so maybe it's stopped? I'm not sure as I took a fairly long break from really participating.

Maybe it's best if I do again if I'm going against "we" think. As for what I said I gave my opinion off of the little information the OP gave. I guess the proper response was "go to a vet." But as I said the OP should do what they are comfortable with. I didn't say my idea was THE way or demand it be tried. Just offered my suggestion of what I MAY do.

I'll step away and leave y'all to it.

Good luck OP.

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I searched. It was F10..... Not bleach.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I can see that concern but remember snakes eat rats and rats have some really sharp claws. Then snakes in the wild eat a wide range of things that you would think could hurt their insides but doesn't. Have you ever heard of that being an issue? I haven't. Snakes are amazing.

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Yes, I've heard of that- snakes have been injured by claws etc when regurgitating freshly swallowed prey. Snakes are amazing but not invulnerable...

Also keep in mind, snakes in the wild don't often have people tracking their every move, noticing when they get infections or die. I've heard of them having problems in the wild with strange objects or unusual prey items they shouldn't be eating, not so much rodent claws because of the way the limbs bend when being swallowed but what Bogertophis is saying makes plenty of sense. I've certainly heard my fair share of stories in captivity of impaction and regurgitating problems though I've never personally dealt with it, knock on wood.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I searched. It was F10..... Not bleach.

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Yes, I was going to mention that last night, but it was rather late... I know some think that nebulizing F10 is a good treatment, but to the best of my knowledge this was started or promoted by someone who's commercially selling snakes (I'm not going to name him here); my point being that taking such risks with "one's inventory" is not the same as risking a pet you actually care more about, & personally, having read the fine print on the F10 label, I can tell you that I'd want to hear a qualified veterinarian say this was safe & a recommended effective treatment for an RI before I'd suggest anyone try it, much less try it on any of my animals. There's plenty of bad information online already...I don't think we need to make any such contributions here, do you?

In any event, while we offer husbandry & health care suggestions on this site, it is WIDELY considered unethical for any of us to appear to be giving medical advice when a situation clearly belongs in professional hands. (It has nothing to do with "we-think".) And since the OP cannot safely sedate & restrain his snake at home, this is clearly a veterinary medical issue.

I don't think you'd actually feel good if someone (maybe trying to save $ by avoiding a vet visit, for example) were to take your suggestion seriously & attempt to do something that "you yourself felt comfortable doing" only to cause further injury or death to their pet, when it could have been avoided. PLEASE...consider that some readers here are more suggestible than others- and I don't have to explain to you how much gets "lost in translation" when "iffy" advice gets passed along, do I? We want this to be a good reliable forum when it comes to giving advice, & posts remain a long time for countless others to read.

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Originally Posted by KMG

...I guess the proper response was "go to a vet."...

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YES, Bingo!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Yes, I've heard of that- snakes have been injured by claws etc when regurgitating freshly swallowed prey. Snakes are amazing but not invulnerable...

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Please back that up.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Yes, I was going to mention that last night, but it was rather late... I know some think that nebulizing F10 is a good treatment, but to the best of my knowledge this was started or promoted by someone who's commercially selling snakes (I'm not going to name him here); my point being that taking such risks with "one's inventory" is not the same as risking a pet you actually care more about, & personally, having read the fine print on the F10 label, I can tell you that I'd want to hear a qualified veterinarian say this was safe & a recommended effective treatment for an RI before I'd suggest anyone try it, much less try it on any of my animals. There's plenty of bad information online already...I don't think we need to make any such contributions here, do you?

In any event, while we offer husbandry & health care suggestions on this site, it is WIDELY considered unethical for any of us to appear to be giving medical advice when a situation clearly belongs in professional hands. (It has nothing to do with "we-think".) And since the OP cannot safely sedate & restrain his snake at home, this is clearly a veterinary medical issue.

I don't think you'd actually feel good if someone (maybe trying to save $ by avoiding a vet visit, for example) were to take your suggestion seriously & attempt to do something that "you yourself felt comfortable doing" only to cause further injury or death to their pet, when it could have been avoided. PLEASE...consider that some readers here are more suggestible than others- and I don't have to explain to you how much gets "lost in translation" when "iffy" advice gets passed along, do I? We want this to be a good reliable forum when it comes to giving advice, & posts remain a long time for countless others to read.

YES, Bingo!

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Ok, So you knew medical advice was given here but said it wasn't. Interesting. So I'm not alone in offering opinions and suggestions. Glad we agree.

As for how I feel about a person doing something? I'm not them. I was clear in my suggestion and if they choose to move forward that is their decision to make and I fully support them either way. But then I'm all about personal freedom.

Then as to a business vs personal pets? I disagree completely. If you don't care the same about the animals that your produce as your do animals you consider pets that's horrible. But that's my opinion and support yours being different. I plan on one day hatching some baby snakes and can assure you I will care the same about them as I do me "pets."


I'm done with this conversation if you are. It's up to you.

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Originally Posted by KMG

Please back that up.

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There was once a large snake (I think it was a Retic or Burm) that ate a crocodile that wasn't completely dead and the crocodile attacked after it was partially eaten and it broke out of the side of the snake. At the end both of them died. However this is not typical and I don't see it happening in captivity or any scenario like this.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Yes, I've heard of that- snakes have been injured by claws etc when regurgitating freshly swallowed prey. Snakes are amazing but not invulnerable...

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I believe @bcr229 actually had a snake that required an operation and/or antibiotic treatment for an internal scratch from a feeder that became infected? Certainly a rare occurrence, but certainly not impossible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Erie_herps

There was once a large snake (I think it was a Retic or Burm) that ate a crocodile that wasn't completely dead and the crocodile attacked after it was partially eaten and it broke out of the side of the snake. At the end both of them died. However this is not typical and I don't see it happening in captivity or any scenario like this.

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I saw that. I've seen a few snakes in nature eat things too large or not exactly dead with the same results. That's not what I was talking about here. I have never seen a chunk of coco come to life and cut it's easy or of a snake.

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Originally Posted by Erie_herps

There was once a large snake (I think it was a Retic or Burm) that ate a crocodile that wasn't completely dead and the crocodile attacked after it was partially eaten and it broke out of the side of the snake. At the end both of them died. However this is not typical and I don't see it happening in captivity or any scenario like this.

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Yes I have seen that example, yes its rare, Don't know if it was true as the internet is the internet. But its possible. I would expect the snake to regurgitate a meal that was too large or causing damage. (if that was possible) I also saw a python with an deer anteater that pierced its body and poked out. (in the international year zoo publication years ago) In that example the acid burnt it off, it feel off and the wild retic was ok.

But this is just a piece of wood in the snakes neck. that can happen with some substrates and an odd bit of larger sharp wood. but again is very very rare.

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Originally Posted by Quality balls

So i feed my ball pythons couple days ago and was doin my usual spot cleaning when i noticed that one had a swollen area towards her neck which I believe to be mabye a piece of coco block? Ive never had this happen before and contacted a vet near me that deals with reptiles. Ive never had anything serious happen to any of my pythons which required vet attention any recommendations on the best vet i can go to for ball pythons in the bay area?

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There are still enzymes in that area that can soften it. if not the strong stomach acid that can dissolve bone, Bodies have a way of removing foreign objects naturally. If not I guess its tweezers to pull it out by a vet.
But it should be examined, it could be anything. for example a syst.

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I believe @bcr229 actually had a snake that required an operation and/or antibiotic treatment for an internal scratch from a feeder that became infected? Certainly a rare occurrence, but certainly not impossible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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I will certainly agree that it is possible. I didn't say it wasn't. I also agree that "rare" is a good way to describe it.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I saw that. I've seen a few snakes in nature eat things too large or not exactly dead with the same results. That's not what I was talking about here. I have never seen a chunk of coco come to life and cut it's easy or of a snake.

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It was an example that snakes can get internal scratches and they aren't bulletproof. It depends how sharp it is, hopefully the vet can take it out easily, my biggest worry is that by pulling it up you can scratch the internals, which is possible.

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Originally Posted by Ascended

Yes I have seen that example, yes its rare, Don't know if it was true as the internet is the internet. But its possible. I would expect the snake to regurgitate a meal that was too large or causing damage. (if that was possible) I also saw a python with an deer anteater that pierced its body and poked out. (in the international year zoo publication years ago) In that example the acid burnt it off, it feel off and the wild retic was ok.

But this is just a piece of wood in the snakes neck. that can happen with some substrates and an odd bit of larger sharp wood. but again is very very rare.



There are still enzymes in that area that can soften it. if not the strong stomach acid that can dissolve bone, Bodies have a way of removing foreign objects naturally. If not I guess its tweezers to pull it out by a vet.
But it should be examined, it could be anything. for example a syst.

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I did some more research and there are multiple cases of this happening with videos and pictures. So it has happened. However if this substrate has a sharp point then it could cause damage by pulling it back out. However I think it likely is substrate because cysts don't form overnight and it was directly after eating.

This has snowballed into something else completely.

Coco in the troat to exploding snakes. That's a heck of a jump.

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Originally Posted by Erie_herps

It was an example that snakes can get internal scratches and they aren't bulletproof. It depends how sharp it is, hopefully the vet can take it out easily, my biggest worry is that by pulling it up you can scratch the internals, which is possible.



I did some more research and there are multiple cases of this happening with videos and pictures. So it has happened. However if this substrate has a sharp point then it could cause damage by pulling it back out. However I think it likely is substrate because cysts don't form overnight and it was directly after eating.

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I never said they were bulletproof.

I've lost two to cancer. Something Texas A&M couldn't identify. So yeah I know they can have issues.

In the grand scheme of things how many rats get fed to snakes every year without issue? What's the percentage of those with issues? I'm guessing it's a very small fraction.

Y'all are focused on the wrong thing, IMHO.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm going to let y'all run with it. I'll wait for the OP to post up an update.

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Originally Posted by Erie_herps

It was an example that snakes can get internal scratches and they aren't bulletproof. It depends how sharp it is, hopefully the vet can take it out easily, my biggest worry is that by pulling it up you can scratch the internals, which is possible.

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I agree, but leaving it in could cause infection.

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Originally Posted by Erie_herps

I did some more research and there are multiple cases of this happening with videos and pictures. So it has happened. =g.

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Again I agreed and sited my own reference. I just dont believe everything n the internet without question.

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Originally Posted by KMG

This has snowballed into something else completely.

Coco in the troat to exploding snakes. That's a heck of a jump.

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Agreed and so to my point.

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Originally Posted by Ascended

But this is just a piece of wood in the snakes neck. that can happen with some substrates and an odd bit of larger sharp wood. but again is very very rare.



There are still enzymes in that area that can soften it. if not the strong stomach acid that can dissolve bone, Bodies have a way of removing foreign objects naturally. If not I guess its tweezers to pull it out by a vet.
But it should be examined, it could be anything. for example a syst.

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And yes a cyst can appear fast with an infection.

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I believe @bcr229 actually had a snake that required an operation and/or antibiotic treatment for an internal scratch from a feeder that became infected? Certainly a rare occurrence, but certainly not impossible.

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That snake died, the infection was found post-mortem. The only outward signs was rapid shedding and the snake's eyes actually swelled from the pressure. The vet's theory was that the infection entered via a scratch in the snake's throat.

The savu I lost a few weeks ago had an irregular neck swelling that turned out to be cancer.

The OP only thinks his snake's swelling is from a piece of substrate lodged in the snake's throat. Until a vet looks at it he doesn't know what is really wrong.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

The savu I lost a few weeks ago had an irregular neck swelling that turned out to be cancer.

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I lost two Bloods to cancer. Both got a swelling in their head. The vet did a surgery and removed what they could. That was sent off to Texas A&M but they couldn't ID it. They gave me some injections but nothing helped and I lost them both after a few months.

I've lost my father in law and father to cancer as well. Cancer sucks.

No update does not seem like a good thing.

Anything?