Constipated python.

[Vermillion]

Ok, before I describe the problem and what I've tried I will tell u about my snake. He's a Mojave ball python about 4 months old. Now I know this isn't smart but I have him in a 20 gallon glass tank with a screen top(sheet of acrylic I fabricated covers 80% of the tank screen), uth and a 80w bulb on the basking side. I have 2 digital thermometers and one hydrometer and I verified all the temps were proper with a temp gun. He's on aspen substrate and has 2 hides on each side with a big water bowl in the center. He's never ever turned down a meal.

Now this is my first snake but I thoroughly researched everything and the breeder gave me some guidelines to follow. However......he's not pooping, I figured he would poop when he was ready but its been 3 weeks and he's eaten 3 mice in that time. I soaked him in warm water for 25the minuets and tried massaging him after. No joy. I heard from a friend who used to have a rather large collection that I should try liquid paraffin.....but I really don't want it to come to that. He said its safe but it doesn't really seem like it.
I hope that im just being paranoid but when it comes to my little beasties id rather freak out and it be nothing. I don't want my precious herps to die on me

[wilomn]

How big is he and how big were the mice?

[kitedemon]

Likely just paranoid. A constipated snake has a lumpy look and or very bloated look. It is quite ovious that something is quite odd. They do not 'go' as regularly as expected I have some that go every week some every 4 weeks and one that goes longer than that at times. My guess (and it is just a best guess) that yours is normal. I would not massage him just wait.

[Vermillion]

He's about 18 inches, about as big around as a silver dollar, and weighs 150g I think. The mice were as big as his thickest area, I ask for weaned mice at the store usually. Both he and my female are on the same schedule and have about the same conditions and she's fine.

[wilomn]

Can you post some pictures?

[Vermillion]

This was him lastnight up to his usual antics, his call of duty record is better than mine http://otakubooty.com/of_img.asp?gui...pe=JPG&thumb=0

[Homegrownscales]

At 150g he should be eating a medium to lg mouse. Roughly a mouse that is 15-20g. Any smaller and it will take him longer to poop bc he's using every bit of his meal and likely has nothing left over to poop out. They don't go very regularly though as others were Saying. It's only been 3 weeks and you are being a a worrier like we all have been at one point in time. You can up his feed intake or prey. Make sure he's well hydrated and his humidity is correct and he will poop for you soon. No need to try any liquid paraffin.


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[Vermillion]

Yeah well, when I massaged him after his soak he had no lumpy areas near his vent. He did leak out a little dark brown into the water so I guess he's close. I wasn't planning on giving him any paraffin I just wanted to know if it was safe if it got to a desperate situation. I guess he's just getting fat because he's alot chubbier then he was when I first got him. Plus I did find a urate in his enclosure tonight when I cleaned it out. I guess ill continue his feeding schedule?

[kitedemon]

If you are that worried take him to a vet and get x rays. The vet will treat likely with a oral laxative via a stomach tube.

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[Vermillion]

I dunno if ball python are like us but constipation can be pretty painful. Just offered him an adult male mouse and he hit it like mike Tyson. Safe to say he's not in any pain, in a few days ill let him swim around in my tub again to see if that helps.

Btw I was reading around online and one guy said he uses a plastic syringe to inject ky lube right into the vent..... something about that seems wrong in so many ways. Any input on this treatment?