Came across a ball python with silver eye cap

[Saber402]

I came across a 5 year old sex-unknown ball python this morning that has one silver eye cap. The other eye is completely normal. It had a couple small pieces of shed on it tails but otherwise looked good. I have never seen this before. I am assuming it is multiple retained caps. He said he thought it was a normal, but it almost looks axanthic, mostly black and silver with high white. It does look thin for being 5 years old. I asked how often he fed and he told me when the snake "looked hungry", so don't think it was fed on a regular basis. The guy wants $20.00 for him and I can probably even get it for less. Just not sure if I would be looking at a vet visit off the bat.

For those who have seen this, does this usually mean the eye is damaged or infected? I have handled retained eye caps before but never saw one such a shiny silver.

I have multiple BP's and don't really need another at this time, but would entertain getting it, getting it cleaned up, and finding a friend who would want a gentle big baby for a pet.

Thanks for any input on this!

[989josh]

http://youtu.be/m0BON9anGVE
I think if you could get pic of the eye it would be a lot of help

Sent from my iPhone

[celixo]

It sounds like several eye caps which can cause serious infections.
Clearly the guy didn't know what he was doing! If the cap is damaged or really thick I don't recommend trying to get it off or inducing a shed. There might be an infection under the retained eye cap & you can scratch the cornea. Some snakes even lose their eye.
Also since you have enough experience I'd say open his mouth up and check what is going on inside.
I wouldn't pay a dime I'd chew this guy out and tell him I'll take the neglected animal off his hands. I think the Vet is a must with this poor babe

[Saber402]

It sounds like several eye caps which can cause serious infections.
Clearly the guy didn't know what he was doing! If the cap is damaged or really thick I don't recommend trying to get it off or inducing a shed. There might be an infection under the retained eye cap & you can scratch the cornea. Some snakes even lose their eye.
Also since you have enough experience I'd say open his mouth up and check what is going on inside.
I wouldn't pay a dime I'd chew this guy out and tell him I'll take the neglected animal off his hands. I think the Vet is a must with this poor babe

Thanks! Pretty much what I was guessing. Would it be surprising to anyone if he said he worked for Petco! He is probably in his 60's so not sure if he even works in a store or in an office somewhere. I will probably contact him in the morning and see if I can get him. He is only a few blocks from my house.