Bloody vent?

[Mena]

Hi,
One of my bps has recently started to open his vent--I don't know if that's the right term, that's just what it looks like--and when it closes, there is blood fresh blood that seeps through it. I have no idea what is going on and can't find any info on it. He has recently shed, so could it have just been a rough shed? His temperament is great and there have been no other changes. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Shelby]

It isn't uncommon for there to be a drop of blood at the vent right after a shed.. the shedding skin attaches to living skin there, and if the snake is a bit overzealous when shedding, there may be a bit of blood. Anything more than a drop or two though, and you may want to see a vet.

[JLC]

It's normal (although it doesn't always happen) for them to bleed a little bit after a shed...but it's usually just smears you see on the substrate...not something you actively see happening. How fresh is the shed? If he JUST shed...then I'd say it's just the normal bleeding because a little bit of tissue sometimes tears around the vent. It should stop soon.


If it continues or worsens...I'd be contacting a vet. Good luck with it!!

[SarahMB]

I'm just wondering...what is your setup like? My first BP ended up with a prolapesed cloaca due to stress and low humidity.

[Mena]

He is in a 45+ (not sure exactly) gallon terrarium with a lot of greenery and branches. I have a kitten litter box in it for drinking/soaking and have a bark substrate. It is usually about 85 degrees on the hot side. Are there any other signs to watch for?

[bigballs]

maybe you should warm up the hot side a little. temps or humidity too low can cause respiratory infections and thats something you really dont want.

92-94 hot side and 80-82 cold side.