Intestinal Blockage?

[Homebody]

My adult male (1500 g) ball python has had a large swelling near his cloaca for the past 4-6 weeks. He's passing urine and urates without difficulty. He's passing some fecal material. He's still eating. At what point do I need to take him to the vet?

[Bogertophis]

"Yesterday"! What if that was you?

And it doesn't sound to me like an "intestinal blockage" since he's still defecating*, but it could be a tumor or a cyst, or other serious issue.
(*at least, not typical constipation nor a complete blockage)

In any case, I wouldn't ignore it as it's only likely to get worse. If your sink was stopped up, but a little water would still go down, would you wait to call a plumber until nothing went down the drain? Usually there's a better prognosis if you don't wait around.

[Erie_herps]

He needs to go to a vet NOW. If you don't already have one you can find one here: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661.

[Homebody]

Unfortunately, I can't get an appointment until November 8th. I think the issue stems from my switching him to medium rats. He was handling small rats fine but my local supplier ran out, so I decided to try medium. He's back on small rats now. Here's a link to some pics (https://photos.app.goo.gl/vmevdSf5Za3UJiew9). I couldn't figure out how to upload them. Thanks to you all.

[Bogertophis]

Unfortunately, I can't get an appointment until November 8th. I think the issue stems from my switching him to medium rats. He was handling small rats fine but my local supplier ran out, so I decided to try medium. He's back on small rats now. Here's a link to some pics (https://photos.app.goo.gl/vmevdSf5Za3UJiew9). I couldn't figure out how to upload them. Thanks to you all.

His body is seriously underweight- so that appears to be a tumor, most likely. He needs vet care very badly. That's NOT a minor "swelling" & he's no doubt in a lot of discomfort -pain. Why so long for an appointment? Did you tell the vet's office WHY you need help for your pet NOW?

[Homebody]

I made the appointment online. I also sent pictures. I'll follow up with him to see if I can get an earlier appointment. Thanks.

[Bogertophis]

I wonder if your vet looked at the pictures- I would ask if they were received. Does this vet have a lot of experience with snakes? I hope so, this is not a minor issue.

[Homebody]

I doubt he's seen the pictures. I'll follow up with him on Monday when his office opens. Thanks again.

[Erie_herps]

I'm not going to sugarcoat it, without vet care I highly doubt your snake will survive until November 8th. You either need an earlier appointment or a different vet. You could see if a university by you has a way to treat it, I've heard only good things about exotic care at universities.

[Homebody]

I got an appointment for tomorrow, October 20th. Also, he pooped. The turd is white. I saved it for the vet. The swelling is still there. I'll let you know what the vet says. Thanks to all for your concern.