Today at the pet store...

[randomdaydream]

...which is where I work. It's actually a really nice place and I get a great discount.

Anyway.

This kid brought in his pet ball python to have us look at. For some reason, people think that we are all vets are pet stores. We have pets, but we're not vets. The snake was fine, perky, moving, fine...except close to the tail it's spine had ridges. Like, BIG dips in it's body. Almost like it was about to lay eggs.

Here's the thing - the ball python is still a baby and is by itself. The bumps have been in its back since March.

Any clues?

[xdeus]

Spinal kinks?

[randomdaydream]

Spinal kinks?

Would that be something they would be born with or just happen? *goes to look it up*

We told the little owner to take his snake to the vet pronto.

[xdeus]

Would that be something they would be born with or just happen? *goes to look it up*

We told the little owner to take his snake to the vet pronto.

I think it can be caused by a variety of conditions such as a genetic abnormality, an issue during development, or a trauma such a inexperienced person trying to pop the snake.

Usually there isn't anything that can be done about it, but quite often the snake won't have any problems.

Oh, and good advice about the vet. Pet store employees as well as forum junkies can only guess, but a vet would be the best person to make a determination and prescribe treatment if needed.

[randomdaydream]

Matt and I (the two reptile fanatics of the store) were both like '0.o?!!!Wtf?!!' And Matt has had reptiles much longer than I have and seen more weird things. I was angry at the kid's parents. The boy couldn't have been older than ten and where were his parents?!! Do they not care about their son's pet?!! Sorry, venting steam.

[weirdbuglady]

I work at a pet store and yeah, most people expect us to know all the answers. A few of us there are really into reptiles, heck the owner was breeding reptiles for years before she opened the store, but we are no replacement for a vet. Though at least we can help persuade someone to see a vet depending on the urgency.

[frankykeno]

How very sad for that child that mom and dad didn't come with him at least to get an opinion on what's up with his snake.