bloated BP?

[Rock51]

I've had a female bp for about a month. She is roughly 1200g and has been very shy since I got her. Yesterday was the first time she has eaten for me and I was excited because she was the only one refusing. Today I did a total cleaning of all my cages and when I got her out her lower 1/3 seemed fatter. I just thought if was her food but when I touch her it seemed like she was bloated with gas. I looked again and I could really tell that it didn't look right.

What I'm really wondering is do BPs get gassy or is it a serious problem? I'm going to see how she looks in the morning when I get off work. I'm hoping that it will literally just pass. If not I'll have to make a long drive to a reptile vet.

[Kris Mclaughlin]

Any pictures?
Is your snake in shed by chance? Some times when they shed they can become constipated. Have you tried a nice warm soak yet?

[Rock51]

She shouldn't be in shed yet and I noticed it right before work so I didn't have to do anything except worry.

When I get off in the morning I'll check her out and see if she is better.

[anicatgirl]

Mine seems to do this sometimes. Today, for example. I gave her lower half a warm soak and petted her underside downward (very gently mind you) and held her in a towel for about 30 min and she let loose. It was a good feeling, as she obviously felt better after letting go of 2 meals

[Rock51]

I will try that today before work tonight. It just had me worried because she was kinda blown up like a Balloon.

And now that I think about it she was laying weird like it was uncomfortable to bend that part of her body because of all the pressure.

I just hope that when I get home in a couple of hours it has passed and she is better

[kitedemon]

Yes, they get bloated with what seemly is gas. I have one whom this is a semi regular occurrence. Mine actually has a bunch of medical issues, (rescue) She was born with birth defects that my vet and I believe has made it more common than normal.

I will suggest what I do you can take from my treatment what you will. I soak her once a day in warm water for at least 20 min. If she is eating (mine almost always is) I will offer a smaller prey item. I will treat the prey item with a bit of bene-bac for reptiles in water. I mix a bit in water so it can be used in a syringe. I will take the thawed rat and place the syringe into the dead rodents mouth and put as much water as it will hold. This gets fed. If the problem doesn't clear next feeding I use a small amount of human grade mineral oil in the rat, around 0.1ml per 200 gm of snake to a max of 1ml. This helps stool pass and loosen. If this fails it is time for the vet. Sadly stool in the belly that is partially blocked needs to be dealt with.

If the snake has suddenly stopped eating and soaking for five days has done nothing and /or the bloating is worse it is time for a vet.

[anicatgirl]

I agree. If it is not soon resolved I too would seek veterinary aid.

[Rock51]

I'm working nights so when I got home this morning I checked on her and it wasn't better. I went to bed but woke up earlier hoping it had passed but it didnt. I soaked her and nothing happened.

I'm going to soak every day till tuesday when I'm off and if it isn't fixed by then I'll take her to the vet.

What gets me is that 2 days ago was the first time she ate for me and the next day she was bloated. She's a really sweet girl and one of my favorites. She does seem to be acting a little more active after her soak so maybe she passed a little gas but I can't see any hint that the bloating as gone down.

I'm have to work tonight and I'll be worrying the whole time but my wife will keep me updated. Thanks everyone

[kitedemon]

good luck!

[anicatgirl]

How long was her soak?