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  1. #1
    BPnet Veteran Godzilla78's Avatar
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    Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

    I suspect one of my ball pythons has an abscessed lip. I bought this snake in a group as a package deal from a breeder closing shop.
    At first when I noticed it, I thought maybe it was a birth defect, but I’m thinking that it may be an abcess and I am looking for a nearby reptile vet to check it.
    Just posting photos to see what members think.
    Last edited by Godzilla78; 05-20-2019 at 05:24 PM.

  2. #2
    Bogertophis's Avatar
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    I'd sure want to rule out abscess...I think that's much more likely than a birth defect. I assume it hasn't changed in size since you've had her? That would be
    another good tip off (if it had gotten larger).

  3. #3
    BPnet Veteran Godzilla78's Avatar
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    Re: Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

    I just did an oral examination (boy, that was tricky to do!). The internal mouth looks normal, but the lip is very swollen in that one area.
    Will get treatment and post update here.

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  5. #4
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    Re: Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

    Quote Originally Posted by Godzilla78 View Post
    I just did an oral examination (boy, that was tricky to do!). The internal mouth looks normal, but the lip is very swollen in that one area.
    Will get treatment and post update here.
    Glad his mouth looks good inside...he may have been fed live & got a rodent puncture on the outside of his lower jaw that resulted in what you see now. Just my hunch...

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  7. #5
    BPnet Veteran Godzilla78's Avatar
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    Re: Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Glad his mouth looks good inside...he may have been fed live & got a rodent puncture on the outside of his lower jaw that resulted in what you see now. Just my hunch...
    Makes sense, I agree that past mouth injury is the most likely cause.
    (She never had any injury with me that I noticed.). I mostly feed thawed.

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  9. #6
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    Rat or mouse teeth are pretty dirty, so just a little puncture might have caused this...the infection just walled off & grew, unable to drain. Should have a good
    outcome though with a little medical help.

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  11. #7
    BPnet Veteran Godzilla78's Avatar
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    Re: Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Rat or mouse teeth are pretty dirty, so just a little puncture might have caused this...the infection just walled off & grew, unable to drain. Should have a good
    outcome though with a little medical help.
    This will be the first time I’ve had to go to the vet, but after 30-40 ball pythons, that’s good odds I suppose.

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  13. #8
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    Re: Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

    Quote Originally Posted by Godzilla78 View Post
    This will be the first time I’ve had to go to the vet, but after 30-40 ball pythons, that’s good odds I suppose.
    Yeah, I wouldn't complain too much if I were you...

  14. #9
    BPnet Veteran Godzilla78's Avatar
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    Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

    They removed a fleshy abcess of some sort.
    Next is daily topical antiseptic and antibiotic injections.
    They are sending in the abscess for a biopsy.

    I’m so glad to have a professional herp vet right here in Asheville!
    Tough to find one, out of all the vets, most do not have experience with snakes.
    http://www.allpetsasheville.com/
    Last edited by Godzilla78; 05-31-2019 at 05:46 PM.

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  16. #10
    BPnet Veteran Godzilla78's Avatar
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    Re: Swollen lip? Abcess or deformity?

    First time at a snake hospital!

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