Is this a problem?

[olstyn]

We noticed tonight that our crested's vent looks slightly swollen and/or open. Also the base of her tail looks larger than usual (almost as if she were a boy [she is definitely female; she's passed infertile eggs before]). We're considering the idea that a vet visit might be needed, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask for some input here first. I'll try to get some pics later tonight when we clean her terrarium so you can see what I mean.

[RichsBallPythons]

Pictures do better than our minds can draw up from your description.

[olstyn]

Like I said, pics will be on the way in a while, and hopefully they won't be too blurry, but I'll be the first to admit that neither I nor my GF have the world's steadiest hands, so we'll do the best we can.

[lance]

I would take them to the vets just to play it safe

lance

[olstyn]

Ok, so as promised, here's Poohbear's butt:



Normally, her vent is nigh on invisible, so the fact that it seems to be protruding a bit worries us; also the base of her tail seems a little bit swollen. I notice no redness (pic is pretty accurate, color-wise), but when she moves, it varies a bit how much her vent is visible.

Any theories as to what's going on and whether it's serious are welcome. Once again, no matter what the base of her tail might look like, she is 100% female; she has laid several eggs every summer for the past few years, even though she's never been with a male. I guess she just likes making them or something...

[olstyn]

Well, just got off the phone with somebody @ the vet - got the above pic sent to them for an opinion, and depending on what they say, we'll either bring her in or not. I'd still love to hear some opinions from you guys as well.

[olstyn]

Well, the vet didn't get back to us until late in the afternoon, and basically said we should keep an eye on it for a day or two and bring her in if it didn't go back to normal in that timeframe. I guess we'll see how it goes.

[mlededee]

From the photo it doesn't look like anything really out of the ordinary, but I don't know what her vent area normally looks like so only you can be the judge of that. I don't see anything that warrants an immediate trip to the vet though so I would agree just to keep an eye on it. Make sure she deficates regularly and seems normal in her usual routine. If you notice any prolapse, discolored areas or more than slight swelling (more than an indication of just some slight irritation) than that would warrant an immediate trip to the vet.

[mainbutter]

If you sent that photo to me and asked me if anything was wrong, I'd say I couldn't see anything.

The only thing that says "might be worth some attention" is the fact that you say that something has changed.

mlededee's suggestions are great for what to keep an eye out for.

All in all, from that pic, I'd have a hard time saying anything but "it's probably nothing".

[mainbutter]

I just thought of something that might help you out. I get back home from vacation on thursday. I'll do my best to remember to take a few pics of the vents of my girls for comparison for you. I wouldn't have called their vents "invisible" personally.