Swollen Neck on my Retic

[wllmzlnsk107]

I fed my snakes yesterday and this morning I was checking on them when I noticed swelling around Susan's neck/chin. I didn't want to be super invasive, as she ate recently, so I only got three photos, but I also included a photo of what she looked like just yesterday.

Her hotspot is 90°F and ambient temperature is around 80°F. Her cage can sometimes get quite humid because she likes spilling her water, but I usually try and dry it when she does. I keep her on newspaper in a 41 qt rack for the time being.

I have a vet appointment for one of my red tails so it won't be a problem to get Susan seen as well, I was just wondering if anyone on the forum has experience with this sort of thing.

[John1982]

Is it swelling or loose skin? Not uncommon to look a little pouchy around that area when they're fixin to shed.

[zina10]

Is she on live feedings?

Perhaps she has a tiny puncture on her chin that got infected? Rodent bites can look tiny on the outside, while delivering bacteria deep into the puncture..

[wllmzlnsk107]

I only feed f/t to her

[wllmzlnsk107]

Is it swelling or loose skin? Not uncommon to look a little pouchy around that area when they're fixin to shed.

I think it was just loose skin in preparation for a shed. These photos are from 2 hours after the previous photos and there is little noticeable swelling. I've never seen loose skin like that before but she hasn't shed in about a month so I guess she's due for one.

[zina10]

Did you inspect the outside of the chin?

Could perhaps be an infected tooth/abscess?

Def. would take her along to the Vet. Hope she gets better soon, quite the Beauty

[zina10]

I guess I posted while you did

Great update, though. What a freaky thing this was...

I've had the "poufy" appearance around the head/neck in some Ball Pythons right before shedding, but never to this extent!